One of my goals, as a writer, is to be part of an anthology. To me something about having one of my stories showcased with other authors, is exciting.

As an indie author, I write, edit, publish, and hopefully readers will like what I write. I receive some reviews, though I forget to go looking for them. Each month I find a small amount of dollars in my bank account, because readers have found and bought one of my stories. It makes me smile. I might even shout myself a coffee with the money.

That feeling, of being needed, recognised, and good at what I do. It’s something many of us creatives crave. It’s why imposter syndrome is real. Think of your work, family, other relationships. Do you like to be appreciated? Are you okay with being ignored? I’ll clean house because I want to. I love a clean, tidy, uncluttered home. If someone thanked me for cleaning, I’d be over the moon.

It’s like that with my writing. I write because I love it. It’s become part of me. Do I write for me? Well yes and no. It’s something to keep me occupied, and I love playing around with words, ideas, stories, characters and plot twists. I hope readers like and enjoy my words. Reviews are welcomed, but not necessary.

As a writer, the concept that I write something other writers will also like enough to include in a collection gives me the warm fuzzies. I see authors collaborating, working together on shared worlds, and I think – pick me! Earlier this year I decided to try my hand at a couple of writing competitions. One was for the opportunity for my story to be included in an anthology. I wrote, re-wrote, crossed out, started again, and finally submitted.  

Drum roll please … I was beyond amazed and happy that my story Finder of Lost Things was accepted and it is one of the stories in the collection of stories titled Tales of the Lost Things. The book will be published soon. While we finalise bits and pieces we are on the lookout for ARC readers. There’s no timeframe – you don’t need to get reviews in by the end of the month.

Here’s the link to sign up. The details of the individual stories are included. (Yes it is a long link, I didn’t want to play around with it, it works as it is.)  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScT4hbdWwy5gsgwKl1WDvGbeNUYFhZPe1nB_C3sUWy4hWLboQ/viewform

If you sign up, read and review the collection, I’d love you to let me know. Actually, the same applies if you review any of my books. If you enjoy what I write, or not, I’d love to know. Whatever you are doing this Monday, I hope it’s amazing. Have a great week.