Phoenix Rising Author Event- Wrap Up

OKAY.  So I know I said I was going to post these like IDK forever ago. But, well, life.  It happens.

So let's talk Phoenix Rising Author event and how AMAZING it was.  Guys, I was literally in full panic attending this event.  Because there were ~authors~ there.

 

 

I know you're probably either like "well, duh... you did say it was an "Author" event"  or you're like "WTF--- aren't you an author?"

Yes.  To both.   But.. these are AUTHOR authors.  Like with stacks of books and drooling fans and Super Hero levels of greatness.  I had this whole narrative built up in my head like I'm not worthy to attend because little me (figurative me... I mean, I wish I was like a size two but that was a different blog at a different time of my life) anyway-  little me with my two books is joining the ranks of the big girls with like ten books.

I was overwhelmed.  And felt totally out of my league. But then I met Jessalyn Jameson. 

We bonded over the general awkwardness of meet and greets-- and exchanged sassy comments (-- okay, before I proofread this, there was a typo that said we exchanged "assy" comments... hilarious because it's probably true-- but Mr. Frued, the slip has been corrected) about throwing a bunch of writers (who tend to be relatively introverted), into a room full of people they don't know, and ask them to be social.

It was awkward, but little old her with her two books (Three soon--- that will have to be tomorrow's post because I DO have an announcement about that) and me with mine ---suddenly it was OKAY that we were little book writers next to the giants.  And the more we talked about our awkwardness, the more other people came and talked and we were all awkward together.

And, the more we talked with the BIG AUTHORS we realized, they're just like us.  A bit introverted, but equally as sassy as we are.  Just, with a couple more books to hawk.

I realized that everyone that was in that room-- the super successful to the moderately successful to those just starting out-- we all have been in the same place.  In front of a computer screen, staring at words, wondering if what they wrote was even kind of good.

So, here's to all the new friends I met.  We all belong to a club of semi awkward, introverted people who love words and use them to build the most magical thing of all--- worlds.  Worlds where people can come and visit, and escape the every day for a few hours.

I can't wait to see you all again soon. (More on that later too... that will be another, another post.... after tomorrow's post about the fabulous Jessalyn Jameson)

 

 

 

Have you joined my mailing list?  You should because sometimes Im kind of entertaining, and send funny emails that you might like to receive.

I sent one today with pictures from Phoenix Rising Author Event


#DirtyLittleSecret now in #PaperBack! #AmWriting #AmReading

So, guess what?  Dirty Little Secret is entering the world of paperback books!  I'm SUPER excited to be able to see my "baby" in print.  I practically tackle the UPS guy every day looking for the package that contains the first batch hot off the presses!
If you are a fan of physical books -  you can get yours in time for Christmas! Its prime shipping eligible! :)
Buy it, you know you want to.

 


Ivy's Story

It is so strange how characters seem to take the rug out from under you sometimes.  I had so many plans for Ivy... I had an OUTLINE.  An OUTLINE people!  I'm a panster, Im not a planner.  But because this was a "sequel," and I wanted to make sure that I had a plan for getting this story out in a certain amount of time so that I could have it edited and ready to publish by my set self imposed deadline I thought it woudl be a smart thing to follow an outline.  I had plt points, and character motivations, and complete map of how I wanted this story to go.  Then I sat down, and Ivy threw her head back and laughed at me.  She laughed and laughed, and took this story ina direction that I had never in a million years intended it to go.
Now, as it sits at just over 40,000 words, I'm concerned that this story might be bigger than the box I'm trying to put her story in.  As it unfolds, I find myself both thrilled by where Ivy is taking me, and concerned as to how this is going to turn out.
Its the part of writing that I both love and loathe.  This magic that happens, when you turn off your brain and allow the story to just evolve, but it is also hard to give up that control when you had a PLAN, and a path you had intended this story to follow.  I guess if I truly want to fly, I juyst need to close my eyes and give myself over to the process.

Reaching the end and reaching THE END

My NaNo novel - also known as Ivy's story, sits at about 35,000 words.  That means in 15,000 words I will "Win" nano.  However, I know how verbose I am, heck if you read Dirty Little Secret, than you know how verbose I am too (it was about 100K words).  There's no doubt I'll reach "the end" come the end of Nano, in so much as I know I'll make the NaNo goal... but I wonder if I will make "THE END" of the story by that time.  Ivy keeps fighting me and I can't figure out what the heck is going n with her story.  I wish I could sit her down in a flower circle and we could sing Kumbaya, but at the moment she's all "whatever, I don't have time for you"   I long for that point in writing where your thoughts move faster than your fingers can type, and you just let go and fly.  And I can't seem to reach that point with her yet.  I hope it comes soon... its starting to concern me.  :(


The Eye of the Tiger

So... it's almost the middle of November.  I have 33,202 words of Ivy's story actually written out.  About twenty five million more to write.  No, its actually not that many, probably about seventy thousand or so if I can judge the level of my verbosity (is that a word? meh, whatever) based on Hillary's story.
I'm kind of surprised at where Ivy's story has taken me.  I always knew that she had some depth to her, I mean everyone has good and bad to them, even characters, even supplementary characters,  so when she knocked on my brain and wanted her story written I figured what the heck.  Now though, as I write, and as this book takes turns that have honestly surprised me, I can only hope that the handful of readers who aren't related to me, friends of mine, or know me in any way, will appreciate Ivy's journey, even if its an unexpected one.

Thanks to Writer in Progress for the review!

It always tickles me when someone takes the time to read my book & review.  As an indie author, word of mouth is your strongest tool to get your book out there, so when someone says "hey, I'm going to tell you what I thought of your book." For me, there is nothing I am more grateful for.
If you want to read the full review, visit  Writer In Progress  
Here is an excerpt:
Dirty Little Secret had me hooked from the first few pages. Hillary is such a believable character that you immediately start thinking "I know someone just like her!". This is a great read for lounging by the pool or now that winter is here, lounging by the fireplace and pretending you are by the pool. I loved Willow Sanders' writing style and I look forward to seeing more from her.
Thank you again to Ella at Writer in Progress, I'm glad you enjoyed my story!

 


Copyright Willow Sanders 2025

Privacy Preference Center