Hi All,

Today is a big day! Just one short year ago, I pressed the “publish” button on the Createspace website for ‘Sam Likes Jam’. This was after countless rounds of editing and re-working the text of my book, the pictures, and placement of the pages and so on. I kept fidgeting with it to get everything just right.

The old Niki would not have done that. I would have hit publish on the first try because I was just so dang excited to get my book out there. Publishing Sam, marked the very first major step in a major personal growth spurt for me. This year, I’ve studied and am learning the ins and outs of publishing, querying, and marketing. I got over some major social anxiety issues and did my very first reading of Sam to a group of children. I then joined SCBWI and actually attended an event.

I approached this venture methodically, with plans in place and without jumping the gun. This is huge for me. Did I follow through with all of those plans? Did I approach marketing with zest and gusto? Did I fully use my sales background to my advantage? Plainly put… no, I didn’t, and that’s OK. I am still learning and growing. I never plan to stop.

I am going to continue my publishing education by releasing my second book this year (on my own). I am going to attend a big SCBWI conference in June. I am going to follow my marketing plan this summer and hit the ground running during strawberry season. I am going to continue to share everything I learn with all of you. Speaking of, I hope you enjoy the useful articles I’ve been reblogging!

Anyway, thanks to all of you for sharing this journey with me and for supporting Sam Likes Jam!

To celebrate, I am offering the Kindle version of #Samlikesjam FREE! Download your copy from Today,  Saturday March 3rd, until Monday March 5th! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM LIKES JAM!!