My Book is in Target!

I’ve been working at this writing career for quite some time. Nineteen years to be exact. Over those nearly two decades, there have been high-highs and low-lows. I have felt proud, discouraged, elated, depressed, extremely dedicated, and like giving it all up. One thing I’ve learned is that if you want to make it in this business you have to be able to celebrate your wins, and find an emotional ballast through the hard times.

This month I’ve been celebrating a big, big win.

In addition to riding this rollercoaster of a writing career, I’ve also been a suburban mom raising two kids. A suburban mom who has spent her fair share of time and money at her local Target. I can’t tell you how many times over the years I’ve browsed and purchased books from their shelves. Or how many times, while selecting the works of other writers I admire, I’ve dreamed and visualized seeing my own book sitting on the shelf sporting that white circular sticker with the Target logo and standard 20% off discount.

Just so you know, I have always loved seeing my books on the shelf at my local indie retailers, Barns and Noble, and Borders (when it was still in business) but in my mind, being able to place a book in Target was some next level, oh-my-God, it FINALLY happened step in my career.

When I found out a few months ago that it “may happen” with The Secret Next Door, I didn’t allow myself to freak out or get too excited. Because “may happen” is significantly different from “is for sure happening” and I didn’t think that after so many years of hoping for this particular something I wanted to navigate the emotional storm of only “almost” accomplishing it. So it wasn’t until I walked into my local Target and actually saw my book physically on the shelf that I let my excitement break loose.

This was a big dream realized.