The last of our Paths to Publishing post is up at the Snarkology blog, where you can join Rachel Leigh Smith for another inspirational story about persistence and broadened horizons.
Rachel read voraciously as a homeschooled child and teenager, putting her love of words to work in an intricate shared-world saga with a best friend and writing partner.
Much later, her writing life was shaped by her rich historical knowledge of antebellum Creole Louisiana, a difficult apprenticeship in the exacting Christian fiction genre, one failed marriage, and a healing sojourn in her grandmother’s oasis of books, quiet times, and emotional support. A haunting dream triggered Rachel’s first Science Fiction Romance novel, which she ultimately self-published.
Here’s why, in her own words:
“From decision to first book coming out was three and a half months. It’s been a heck of a wild ride, and I’m having the time of my life! Doing it myself was the last thing I thought I’d do, yet it’s also a natural fit for me. I’m not afraid to learn new things, I like tinkering, I love researching, and most of all I love retaining absolute control of my story world. I don’t have to change things to meet a publisher’s expectations, or downplay the fact it’s the hero’s story and he’s the star.”