Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Happy Anniversary, Conquest!

Five years ago, on October 21, 2009, my birthday, my life changed in an amazing way. On that day, I became a published author. I'd had a few short stories out prior, but this was different, bigger, even more special. It was the release day of my very first novel, Conquest.

I had started writing Conquest a few years prior in 2005, but it took time to build courage and polish the story before I really felt confident presenting it to publishers. It's been a wild ride these past five years, many highs, a few lows, but through all this time, all the stories I've written since, Conquest continues to have a special place in my heart and I know it always will.

I've said before that I credit the main character of Conquest, Jesse Alexander, with making me the author I am, and I still do. When I had returned to college to finish my Bachelor's degree in English/Creative Writing, despite having taken some years off from school, I still didn't have a strong focus to become an author. I was dabbling in fantasy, thought that was the direction I was going in, then it all changed. Jesse came to me as a force stronger than anyone or anything I'd ever written about. And with him he brought Evan, Brandon, all those he knew and cared for. He also brought focus and direction, and as I worked on Conquest, I knew then where my heart was for storytelling.

From Conquest came the other books in the series. Then I began other works, the Instincts, the Terra series, some stand alone stories here and there. But it all began with Conquest and it's been the most amazing journey.

Along this journey, I've met some of the most incredible people. Authors and readers who inspire me, and whose kindness and support continue to touch my heart. I'm grateful to everyone who's joined me on this journey. Some of you have been with me since it began, some have joined recently. There really aren't adequate words to fully express how much it means to have you all be part of this journey with me. I'm so very thankful.

So here, on the five year anniversary of Conquest being published, I'm sending out love and gratitude to everyone who has let me share my stories with you. I'm giving my thanks to Jesse who began it all, and every character whose told me their story since. Here's to the journey continuing on.



12 comments:

  1. <3 Happy Anniversary to you and Conquest!! To more books from that series in the future! ;)

    Conquest is one of the first M/M books that I read and honestly it's still one of the books I hold other M/M romances up to. Everything about it just worked for me in so many ways.

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    1. Thank you so very much for the beautiful compliments to Conquest! I know this genre is filled with exceptional books and that's very high praise. I'm honored and flattered. Thank you, again!

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  2. Damn, I lost my first comment so lets hope I remember what I said.

    Happy Anniversary! Love the Conquest series. Conquest was my first book by you and I thought Jesse was just magical. I came to love the rest of those guys in that series, especially Brad and Remmy. In fact, I can't think of a book of yours I don't love.

    What I love most about your writing is the connection between the guys and the love they have for each other. It doesn't matter what comes their way, they work through it and are stronger together.

    I'm looking forward to many more years of being along for your ride. *hugs*

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    1. Aww, Mika, thank you so incredibly much for your sweet words! I can't tell you how happy it makes me hearing how you felt about Jesse, Brad, Remmy, and the guys. It makes me feel like I did my job well in showing the connection between them :D Thank you for saying that and for all your support and friendship *hugs*

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  3. I love Conquest as well as all of the books you have written. I'm one of those fans that only recently discovered your work, but I am now a reader for life. You write fantastic books, please don't ever stop.

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    1. Thank you very, very much, Betty! I'm flattered that you've enjoyed Conquest and my other works, and I greatly appreciate you giving my books a read. I'll do my best to keep putting out new stories :D

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  4. Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday!!!!

    I loved the Conquest series and all that followed. I'm an avid reader and follower of you and your work. Congratulations!!!!!!!

    Looking forward to another 5 years of your work!!!

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    1. Thank you for the anniversary and birthday wishes, Lisa! I'm so very thankful of the support you've given my work *hugs* I'll keep trying to ensure all my works are the best I can make them and hoping you'll enjoy them!

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  5. The Conquest series has always been a favorite of mine. I love Jesse and Evan!!! Happy Anniversary and I hope you had a Happy Birthday too. :) Thanks for all the great stories you have given us. Here's to many more years of great writing and wonderful characters. :)

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    1. I'm thrilled to hear Conquest has been a favorite series for you, Lisa, and that you love Jesse and Evan! Thank you very much for those kind compliments! And for the sweet wishes for many more! I'm looking forward to sharing more stories down the road :D

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  6. A belated Happy Birthday & Happy Anniversary to you-S.J.! As an avid reader, I still say that Conquest" along with Jessie & Evan is still my very favorite. I have also reread it 4 times. I look forward to Acting on Love (of course, I know I will do move rereads too☺️ best wishes on your continued success!

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    1. Thank you so incredibly much! I'm very happy to hear the guys are still a favorite of yours :D And thank you for looking forward to Acting on Love, too! Won't be much longer before I'm turning that one over to my editor. Many thanks again for the kind words!

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