Two years ago today, I left my day job for the last time. I’d been published just shy of two years by that point (my first book, Blood & Ash, was released on 26th June 2011), I had a #1 LGBT title under my belt (What He Wants), and I was feeling frustrated enough with my job brave enough to take the plunge.
That map shows every country in which I’ve sold a book since then.
Since I started writing full-time, I’ve released eleven novels, had two more #1 titles (Ace, and The Slave), spent six months in America, and got engaged. Quite the whirlwind.
Two years ago, I took a punt, not because I was raking in money hand over fist and laughing all the way to a long future of eating bonbons while watching Esteban topiary the bushes into cupids while wearing short-shorts, but because writing was always the dream (for too many years, something I’d written off as a pipe dream) and the timing was never going to be right but if I didn’t take a chance, it would never happen, period.
I got lucky in many ways, and there isn’t a day I’m not grateful: to the authors who supported me and offered advice; to my editor and cover designer for helping me produce books I’m proud to put my name to; and most of all to everyone who’s ever bought one of those books (*waves at Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Colombia, and Nigeria* — you know who you are!).
I’ve said it before, but I am entirely sincere when I say that every sale, review, and recommendation means the world. I remember dancing around the office like a lunatic when I saw the very first sale of my very first book, and however long I’m doing this, however many books I sell, I still celebrate every single one.
This isn’t my celebration as much as yours, all you people who read my blog and buy my books and half the time lurk in the shadows and I’m barely aware you’re there. Say hello sometime — I promise I won’t bite 😀
As a thank you, on Saturday 13th June I’m going to draw five people at random from my newsletter subscribers and offer them their choice of one of my titles in ebook format. If you’re not signed up yet you can do so below. I promise never to spam you.
In the meantime, here’s to year three. Thank you!
8 Comments
AJ Rose · June 11, 2015 at 2:18 pm
Congratulations, baby. Mwah.
Kate Aaron · June 11, 2015 at 6:32 pm
<3
Helena Stone · June 11, 2015 at 3:46 pm
Congratulations. Definitely a milestone to be very, very proud of. Here’s to continued inspiration, wonderful words and success.
Kate Aaron · June 11, 2015 at 6:33 pm
thanks Helena! it’ll be your anniversary next 😉
phoenix80translator · June 11, 2015 at 5:19 pm
Congratulations!! You so deserve people to love your books <3
Kate Aaron · June 11, 2015 at 6:34 pm
thank you! <3
Jaycee Edward · June 12, 2015 at 3:53 am
Happy Anniversary! Your books look pretty all lined up like that! You’ve got some great covers and some of my favorite stories behind them.
Kate Aaron · June 12, 2015 at 11:06 am
Thanks 🙂 Most of the covers are Elizabeth Mackey creations, and I’m soooo lucky to have found her.
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