I just took a huge step, you guys! :D

Omigosh, you guys! I did something absolutely huge today!

I went to go see some friendly folks at a self-publishing place about printing The Valiard Mansion. I was so super nervous. Like, I know you can't really have your manuscript rejected at so-called "vanity" publishers, but man oh man... It's the first time I've ever spoken a word about my novel to people in the publishing industry. Just that alone was pretty much paralyzing. All I could see in my mind was them telling me to leave and give up.

So, it's fortunate that the publishing people in question were super nice and answered all my questions (even the silly ones!) so kindly and patiently. I probly came across as such a pedantic spaz. Ah, God bless 'em.

I'm still waiting to hear how much it'll cost, and I've an inkling it's going to be hectic. So please hold thumbs for me, guys! Even if it takes a little longer and I need to take on extra commissions to save up the funds to print my novel, I know it's the right thing to do. Valiard is a bit of an oddity genre-wise, so trying to go the traditional publishing route will definitely result in me having to make major theme and story changes—and I'm not willing to budge on that stuff. Yeesh!

Some of my readers already know this, but I aim to have the text of The Valiard Mansion: Volume I done by June. Then I'd love to have a January 2016 publishing date of the completed Volume I book, fully illustrated and all!

Hopefully this time next year, those of you who are keen will hold your very own hard copy of Valiard in your hands! Since the printed novels will be shipped directly from me, I think it'd be just too cool if I could do a quick character sketch for each reader in their personal copy. That's the dream, anyways.

So yeah, this was just the first step in finalizing my plans for 2016. Still have a long way to go, but at least I'm on the right track.  2016, here I come!

Until then, you guys know you can always find Valiard at the usual places.

Big hugs to all of you!!! You guys know I appreciate you TOO MUCH!!!