So last night I was invited last minute to the 28th annual African Canadian Achievement Awards. I was really in no condition to go, for several reasons, but I got myself together and I went. How could I pass up on an opportunity like that. You never know who you will meet, and even if it's just to show your face - this is a very critical step in my self-publishing journey. A year ago when I did not have a book that needed notoriety, I may have said "Um, I think I'll pass for tonight - I do not think I will be ready in time." However, this is not a year ago, this is now (see Now or Never? post below).
I do not regret for one second going there. It was a wonderful evening where I was able to share in other peoples success stories and achievements. It was truly an inspiring evening, one that I hope I will get to be a part of again.
I also had the opportunity to introduce myself to some important figures in the community, and pass along a few copies of my book. It is not like I am trying to be one of those hustlers who carry their CDs in their trunk, but guess what; that is exactly what I need to be right now in order to reach the next step.
Being shy and worrying about what others might think will land me in one place: in my momma's basement with a box full of unsold books.
As promised I will keep you posted on my ups and downs (hopefully mostly ups) of my first book publication.
~Until next time~
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
Now or Never?
Now or Never?
Simply put, if I was to choose between the two (now or never), I am choosing now. When it comes to my life, and going after my dreams, I cannot afford to procrastinate because who really knows what tomorrow will bring. Isn’t that why they say, “there is no time like the present.” Well my present to myself is to live in the present. However, I am not going YOLO style with this. I’m not going out there saying, “I’m young so let me live my life wild and stupid because tomorrow is never promised.”
I am, however, going out there saying I have to go for my dreams now, and as far as I am concerned there is no such thing as the word ‘failure’ in my vocabulary. None of this “even if I fail, at least I can say I tried” anymore. No, instead I will say “Maybe, I may have setbacks along the way, but these are mechanisms to make me stronger and wiser.” Point. Blank. Period. My goals, my dreams, my aspirations, will come true by the measure of my work ethic. The scary thing is my work ethic is getting stronger everyday.
I will keep grinding, now, because if it is not now, it will be never. Who really wants to spend the rest of their lives saying what if? I know I don’t, which is why I will keep writing, and continue to keep dreaming up ways to promote my book, and continue to do what I set my mind to.
The ‘dreaming’ is the paper, and the ‘doing’ is the pen, together it makes history, it makes the present amazing, and the future seem attainable.
Below I have an excerpt from the upcoming newsletter for my company Upon A Star Books Inc:
Just the beginning
By Jessica Alex
Ever since I was a little girl I loved to write and draw. That is something that 20 years later hasn’t changed. Four years ago I set out and wrote a children’s book called, “What If the World Had No Colour?” I left it, finished school and went about with my life. Then in 2012, I read my story over again and said, “Why not?” Why not publish this book. I didn’t go the traditional route by trying to find a literary agent, and subsequently a big-time publisher.
Be sure to check out www.uponastarbooks.ca for the rest of this newsletter next week. Thank you for visiting my page, and look out for more postings!
I leave you with this, keep dreaming and start doing.
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