Life is weird.
You wake up early one morning, everything seems exactly as it should be, and then you remember that, technically, you are now eligible to cross off yet another one of the many ridiculous items on your bucket list.
And it’s all your fault.
Technically I won’t be crossing anything new off my bucket list today, because I have not technically published a book, not in the traditional sense. I still and will continue to have a goal to publish a full-length book or novel through a more traditional medium, because I am old-fashioned and proud of it.
Also, I self-published a novella, less than 100 pages of fiction. But in some ways, it still counts.
The weirdest part about this whole thing is that it is nothing like I always imagined it would be. My whole life I have always pictured myself so excited for ME, so proud of MY accomplishment, so eager to promote MY book so everyone could read MY story.
Instead what I’m so excited for has virtually nothing to do with me, and everything to do with those I will be indirectly helping through the royalties I receive from all of you.
Team work is my favorite phrase, and never once have I thought it could accomplish something as amazing as what we’re about to do together.
One month into this project, the most important thing I have learned has nothing to do with the self-publishing process or tax forms or proofreading (though all equally important).
I’ve learned that, if I accomplish nothing else as a writer – if every cent I make, I donate, if I never work with a traditional publisher, if I never make a living as a writer or get any of the perks that come with doing so – that is okay.
All I have ever wanted to do my entire life is give and help people and not make everything about me. I never thought I would figure out a way to do that by writing, but I have. I still can’t wrap my head around this and I’m not sure I ever will. The feeling is indescribable and I am crying again. UGH.
Thank you for everything. For following me, for putting up with my crazy ideas over the past 10 months, for helping to spread the word about The Novella Concept (you will, won’t you?). For giving a little something to TSWGO whether the prize you get in return is of much value to you or not (I won’t be offended if it isn’t).
The whole point of this project is to provide well-meaning humans a different method of giving back to other humans. To allow all of us to look at different issues from a new angle and pay attention to all the small ways we can help.
Use your words for good. It is revolutionizing the way I see the world and it can do the same for you. You can get more involved in this project here.
(Oh. I suppose you may want a link to get your own copy of my novella. Here you go.)
Love&hugs, Meg<3
Image courtesy of Novelty Revisions.
Meg is the managing editor at College Lifestyles magazine, a guest contributor with Lifehack and a guest blogger for Food & Nutrition Magazine. She is an eight-time NaNoWriMo winner and has also written for Teen Ink and USA TODAY College. Follow Meg on Twitter.
Meg Dowell Writes 
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