Friday, November 7, 2014

The Gift of Gratitude

Hi, I'm Judith Ashley. I write contemporary romance and romantic women's fiction with mystical, spiritual elements. 

Before the end of the year, I'll have published Ashley, the fourth book in The Sacred Women's Circle series through Windtree Press. I'm very grateful for the support I've received this past year.

First I'm grateful for my friend and co-Blog Queen, Sarah Raplee. She and Diana McCollum, another Genre-ista, co-authored Love & Magick: Mystical Stories of Romance. Publishing this anthology gave me the foundation to move forward with The Sacred Women's Circle stories.

Second I'm grateful for the technical help from Maggie Lynch and Terrell Hoffman. Without their support I might still be trying to figure out how to get Lily published.

Third I'm grateful to the #FTB writers who encouraged and inspired me with their words and deeds. Every day most of them post to the Challenge Forum with their daily writing goals or just "I know you can do it" words of support. Because of them Elizabeth was published.

Fourth I'm grateful for the work Gilded Heart Designs did on my website and the book covers. One of my draft readers loves Diana's cover. "Looks just like how I've imagined her to be". High praise indeed.

Fifth I'm grateful to be a member of the Windtree Press author cooperative. I have many more opportunities to grow and expand as an author as well as learning more about the business and technical side of things. Because of my involvement with WP I've a short story included in The Gift of Christmas.

Who knew that a year ago, I'd have four books published and be in two Anthologies? Not me! But here I am - making it happen!!!

Who knew that I'd have print books in book stores?


Judith and Sarah at Desert Dreams Book Signing
Who knew I'd have participated in two book signings with a third one coming up in December?

Who knew I'd be interviewed for a podcast (due out in March)?

Who knew I'd meet my financial goals for this year?

Who knew? 

I've said it before and I'll say it again because it is worth repeating. I may be the one sitting at the computer putting words on the page but without the support, encouragement of the folks mentioned above I wouldn't be where I am. 

In addition to these people who have supported me, I have an amazing cadre of people who believe in me. Lois R and Lois N, Jean, Kayla, Mariah, Judith, Gimi and Connie to name a few.

Then there are my circle sisters - Michele, Kris, Heather and also Nancy, Kitty, Kelly, Robin, Karen, Aarlene, Mary, Carole and Paula to name a few - the list is long!


In love and light
In grace and gratitude
In joy and happiness
In Peace

Blessed Be

Learn more about Judith and The Sacred Women's Circle here.

Who are you grateful to have in your life? Who cheers you on? Who believes in you and your dreams?

4 comments:

Sarah Raplee said...

Awww, Judith, I'm so grateful to be your friend and co-blog queen! You inspire me!

Robin Kramme said...

Judith,
So much success and so much to be proud of. What a wonderful chapter in your life to be enjoying. You've earned it!!
Robin

Judith Ashley said...

Thanks Sarah. We have a mutual admiration society going!

Judith Ashley said...

Robin, Thanks for stopping by. You are an inspiration to me. I love how you challenged yourself and now write plays that have been performed! I'm looking forward to seeing you in 2016 if not before.