Today a dream came true!! 🦋
My oldest son, Matthew, wrote a short story in 9th grade to complete an assignment in his Challenge B Literature Class.
He wasn’t excited about it and he changed his idea for the story several times before finally completing the assignment.
When all was said and done, he had written a really cute children’s book about a silly butler, who went to great lengths to get the president’s son to go to sleep. 😃
I loved the story, and everyone I shared it with loved it too. 😍
I told Matthew, “I’m going to get this book published.” That was in 2009.
A couple years later. I asked my younger son, Samuel, who liked to draw, to illustrate the book for me.
He illustrated it, and it was perfect! I told Samuel, “I’m going to get this book published.” That was in 2011.
A year later I took the book into a local office store and had them but it in a nice binder. The girl behind the counter loved it too and I proudly told her, “I’m going to get this book published.” That was in 2012.
The illustrated manuscript sat on our homeschooling shelf for several years. Everytime I would rediscover it, I’d pull it out, read it, smile, and think to myself, “I’m going to get this book published.”
My best friend wrote an amazing, yet gut wrenching, heartfelt book in 2016. She was visiting my house and I showed her Matthew’s book. Of course she loved it! I told her, “I’m going to get this book published.” To which she replied, “I will help you.” 😇
The next summer I visited my friend in Ohio. I brought the illustrated manuscript with me. I had just sold a property and finally had a few extra dollars to work with. My friend hired someone to format the book for me. I was beyond excited and proclaimed, “I’m going to get this awesome book published!” That was in 2017.
There were a few glitches along the way. Every time the publishing company sent me a proof, I was unhappy with the illustrations. 😞
We were working on these but life just kept on trekking. I resolved, “One way or another, I’m going to get this book published.” That was in 2018.
Then we had a Cat 5 hurricane…..
Two weeks ago I received the illustrated manuscript in the mail from my friend. I decided to try just one more time, and maybe even compromise on the illustrations if I had to. I was determined, “I’m going to get this book published.” 🧐
Meanwhile the publishing company had changed names over the past couple years, so I had to transfer the book over to the new company. I submitted it and ordered a proof.
I sat on pins and needles waiting for my copy of the proof to arrive….. 😬😬😬
The proof was perfect!!! 🎉
I knew in my heart this journey was nearing a end, “I’m going to get this crazy, amazing book published!”
On Monday I submitted the book for publishing. It was supposed to be live within 72 hours.
But….
I received an email that something was wrong with the title page. I was at a loss. I contacted my friend for help. I gritted my teeth and said out loud with firm voice, “I’m gowing to get this book published.” 🤨
Friday night as a last ditch effort I decided to submit the book for publishing one final time….
Today I woke up to “Congratulations your book has been published.” 🤗 😍 🤩
Ten years. It took ten years to get this book published. But today my dream became a reality.
If you are still with me….all of this to say: Never give up on your dreams. No matter how big or how small. No matter what challenges stand in your way. No matter if your are equipped to face the challenges or not. No matter if other people don’t understand or believe in your dream. No matter if not another human being even supports your dream. Just never give up!! 💪
If it is a dream God placed in your heart – you have no other choice than to go for it!
I finally got the book published! Today, May 18, 2019, my dream came true! ❤️
I’m super proud of you, Matthew! Many kids hearts will be filled with joy as they read it. 💙
Samuel, thank you for letting me use your original illustrations. They are adorable! 💛
Check it out! The Granville brothers are live on Amazon!!!!!
👇
The Adventures of Tom Wilson (The President’s Butler): The Night The President’s Son Wouldn’t Go To Sleep https://www.amazon.com/dp/1976049881/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7Pd4Cb4X6Y0CW
Taking Back Happy 