Monday, August 1, 2011

Goals and You

I have heard it said that the actual attaining of a goal is not the big thrill. But, the big thrill comes from the individual steps taken along the way.

Today I get to say, ‘I wrote a book and it’s in print.’ Now granted, I admit that feels pretty gosh darn good. I can also say the steps of completing each story had its own yahoo moments. There were those times I would later read one of my short stories and I would have this conversation with myself, “You wrote that? Really?  Really?” and I would be surprised. There were also more times than I can count where you my fellow blog buddies commented that one of my stories touched you or made you laugh or struck a memory or even motivated you to change something about your life – WOW! Those were grandslam type comments to read. There were times after reading one of your comments I would be like a little kid, grabbing up my lap top and rushing over to my wife, “Look, read this” and, she would comply and read one of your comments. She would smile and say, “well isn’t that nice.”

Fred Smith says, “If you cannot write it you don’t really know it.” That quote doesn’t exactly line up with my writing these stories but it has some close cousins that walked along beside that idea in the writing of these stories. During the writing of some of the stories I found deep feelings come up that made it hard to type because of the tears that flowed blurring my vision. Some of the stories touched my funny bone and I know I laughed the hardest at my foolish humanness. All in all it was more fun than I thought it would ever be and it never felt like work. But, then came the editing – that process just sucks and it for sure is a hateful process.

The book is now complete. It is a compilation of 81 stories all taken from this blog. The regular feedback supplied by your comments was always the encouragement that I needed to keep writing the next story. I guess it would be fair to say that you all were the fuel that kept the engine going and for that I thank you!

The book will be available at Amazon in a week or so. It is presently available at https://www.createspace.com/3623253
Here is a 25% discount code - 5GJTYCN9
Kindest Regards, Grayquill

20 comments:

Sylvia K said...

This is fantastic! I'm so excited for you! And well deserved it is! I look forward to reading it and I will get a copy! Congratulations, my friend!!

Sylvia

Brig said...

Wow, and you picked the cover I like best. Looking forward to reading it. Congrats.

Shrinky said...

Oh my, what FABULOUS news! Many, many congratulations GQ, and thanks for the discount, I'm very excited to know it's on the shelf, and can't wait to receive my copy!

S. Susan Deborah said...

Wow and wow GQ.This is just wonderful. A fellow blogger who has published a book based on his blog is just amazing, you know. I am so happy after reading this, GQ.

More blessings to you.

Joy always,
Susan

Anita Jeyan said...

So happy for u, Grayquill... Now I can go around telling my friends, that the author of this book is my blogger friend..!yaayy...good goin Grayquill !!! Congrats and keep it up..!!!

Arkansas Patti said...

Way to go GQ!!!! Even if I hadn't read your stuff before, the title and cover would lure me in.
Congrats big time fellow, I am so proud of you.
Do you know if there will be a Kindle version also? Either way, I will get a copy.
Rest now on your laurels. Your child survived its birth and can only prosper.

Pat said...

What an accomplishment! I'm getting this book, but how do I get an autographed copy? The author is a friend of mine.
So very happy for you!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Congratulations, GQ! How exciting it must be to complete a project like this.

Dianne said...

Holy Crackers!!
you're a published author!!
how cool are you

I'm happy for you

Hope sends hugs and says she will read your book as soon as she can, I will read it sooner :)

troutbirder said...

What great news. Congratulations. Writing is reality. Talk is mostly fluff in the wind. Your work stikes a chord with me that's for sure.

Debra said...

Congratulations on the new book! I love the cover! A published author...how cool is that!

Gianetta said...

Congratulations!

Tall Guy said...

Way to go Grayquill.

Kudos to that. Liked the cover of the book.

Hilary said...

Very cool, GQ! I'm so pleased for you. :)

Wendy said...

How did I miss this post??? Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you, and you've chosen the cover I liked the best! Hurray!!

And even a discount code! Wow, how did you manage that?
I look forward to reading your book.
Hugs

Pauline said...

Congratulations! Isn't it a marvelous feeling to hold your own book in your hands?

Thanks for stopping by to read at my site and leaving such a generous comment.

GLB said...

Congrats, GQ. I love the book, somehow the stories are better than the first time I read them....funnier, more touching.
I am very honored and proud to have a published author in the family!
Keep being an inspiration to us all.

Love you,
GLB

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

WOW! I think that is so super! I enjoy your stuff so will check out how to order a copy now :)

Blunt Edges said...

My most elderly blogger friend is a published author! Am so proud and happy for you GQ! *Wipes a fake tear*

It's been ages since I have come here, but am glad to see you're doing so great! Congrats buddy! :D

Dianne said...

in response to your latest comment - I don't worry about you, I do think of you and I know you can handle whatever comes your way because you are a super star :)

now that the quake is gone I'm getting ready for the hurricane
busy, busy, busy