Shoot the Moon!
When the invitation to a celebratory brunch at Zibby’s Bookshop came up in my messages, my knees buckled, and I plopped down into the closest chair. Although, I was already ecstatic about being a finalist in the 3rd Annual Zibby Awards, flying off to California wasn’t exactly in the budget for 2024.
Self-publishing my debut novel, The Artful Bargain has been an incredible experience, and it has taught me a lot. One of the tallest mountains of learning I’ve ever climbed. However, the many costs involved have astounded me. Making this book dream of mine into a reality has required a big chunk of change. So when I was invited to Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica to receive an award—from Zibby Owens, book lover and publisher extraordinaire – I became a bit nauseous. Another expense? How am I going to cover this one?
While sitting in the chair, holding my head between my knees, and trying not to hyperventilate, one thought crossed my mind. This was a chance to see my cousins and aunt. With family clearly planted in my brain, I sat up and took in a deep cleansing breath. This was one of the few, meant-to-be moments I’ve experienced in my life.
The stars were in line…I had to go to Hollywood.
My Aunt Janis is the last remaining family on my mother’s side. And if she could make it to 91 years young, I could get my butt on a plane to see her.
Yes, the stars lined up quickly and the Southwest points came in handy!
Being with my West Coast family was like coming home. I’d forgotten about the talent, love, and humor within this side of my family and remembered, it’s only with family that we can laugh and hug as if a decade had never kept us apart.
As for the afternoon spent at Zibby’s Bookshop, I met an amazing group of authors who emboldened me to stay on this (sometimes deflating) and expensive writing journey. At the award ceremony, I received a beautiful hourglass. The label attached to it says INSPIRED on one side and PRODUCTIVITY on the other. Both are necessary for writers.
This book gig is a long haul.
While laughing about the movie Up in Smoke with my cousin Kyle, I was reminded of the best line delivered by Stacy Keach,
“Shoot the moon!”
Thanks to my California family, this author will keep shooting for the moon and the stars.
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– Audrey
