Win over 20 novels in this Giveaway (U.S. Residents Only)
Today, I wanted to discuss why WordPress has become one of the most important communities in my life. (And that is not an exaggeration.)
As many of you know, my blog’s anniversary was this past Wednesday, but I didn’t want to take away from the celebration or the raffle with this post, so I decided to separate this post for today, and I wanted to go back to explain why this past year has become an introduction to all of the wonderful people (fellow writers, readers, and bloggers) that I love today.
I started this blog, because Robin Hoffman, The Get Published Coach. She suggested it would be a great way to build a publishing platform, and I took her advice, unsure of what to do next. I reviewed novels, movies, music, and whatever else I thought would help me meet other writers. Within a few days, I met some great people, and I knew I had to dive back into the publishing world. I’d previously taken my first published novel, November Snow, off of the market in 2009, but I put it back up for purchase.
That was when my life changed.
On October 7, 2012, my roommate, Kristine Andersen, passed away. I hadn’t been able to blog, even though I’d promised to post every other day, so I made an announcement. This was my first experience of seeing how unbelievably kind and supportive all of you are. I received so many comments, and they truly helped me through a very difficult time. And you all have continued to help me through even more events I went through this past year, including the poetry collection I was featured in that December, which was dedicated to Kristine’s life. It was then that I knew I had to work even harder on the next novel I would release, because I wanted it to be dedicated to Kristine and Megan (also my roommate at the time.)
So I worked hard, and you all pushed me forward, reminding me how much you believe in the passion of all writers. I connected with more and more people, and I kept in contact with many of you on a regular basis, generally through email and comments. I’ve read your stories and your posts, genuinely inspired by how many loving people have come together to help chase everyone’s dreams, whatever they might have been.
That inspiration caused me to announce I’d be self-publishing Minutes Before Sunset in March of 2013. I held a cover contest, and, yes, the cover chosen from the competition is still the cover today. I was completely oblivious that AEC Stellar Publishing would contact me in April, and I would be signed with them shortly afterwards. I never thought I’d have Minutes Before Sunset in my hands as a paperback, and WordPress is truly what brought me to that opportunity.
In one year, I lost two loved ones (my roommate and my grandmother) but I also gained a family—a WordPress family—and you have been here with me through my poetry publication, my novel publication, and other events, like reading at The Spencer Museum of Art and my Undergraduate Reading Series. You voted for Minutes Before Sunset, and, because of that, my novel was rewarded Goodreads Book of the Month. After that, you continued to cheer me on when I announced I took a job as a Social Media Marketing Manager (or Wizard) for my publisher. You’ve stood by me, congratulating and supporting me during every step, and I know you are the reason I was able to take so many steps.
Since joining WordPress in September of 2012, it’s been a very eventful year for me, and I am proud to be a part of this wonderful community.
From the depths of my writer’s heart, thank you.
~SAT
Shannon A. Thompson 
I know the heartache that comes with losing friends or family members so close to you, I have lost many. I learned that eventually the aches and pains that come with sadness turn into smiles and laughs that in turn come with remembering moments shared with them. It always gets a little easier to cope, but I’m sure you know that.
But on a more upbeat note… I wanted to congratulate you on a very good year with your novel and blog 🙂 And let the next one be just as good if not even better, right?
That is very true. I feel very grateful to have a passion that helps me express myself, especially with the grievances, along with a community who supports it and understands. And thank you for your congratulations 😀
~SAT
First, my condolences on losing your loved ones. For what it’s worth, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Congratulations on your anniversary! I share your appreciation for WordPress. My own blog helped me through a very tumultuous period in my life, and to this day it has been a very supportive forum. I love my blogging family.
Good luck with this next year. I love your writing, and I hope your next book, Seconds Before Sunrise, will be a success. I can’t wait to read it!
Joe,
Your kindness is worth more than I can express. Thank you for the congratulations, and I’m glad to be able to appreciate WordPress with you and fellow bloggers. I am looking forward to announcing when “Seconds Before Sunrise” will release :]
~SAT
it’s been our pleasure –
I am glad you found solace in your blog through what must have been a difficult year. I’ve been amazed at the strength of the WordPress community and have found my online friends to be the most amazing part of blogging. Long may it continue.
Shannon, even though I am new to your WordPress family, I was very touched by your blog post! Happy Anniversary, by the way! As a writer, I feel that everything we go through in life makes us better writers. Angels come in many forms and I know that you have certainly blessed me. Keep writing and again, Congrats! 🙂
Being new or being with me since the beginning, a family is a family is a family :] Thank you for journeying with me, and I share your blessing towards you.
~SAT
Wow, very meaningful.
I share your feelings about “family” here–I just opened a new blog (though I’ve been blogging since Aug 2011) and gave a blog party to celebrate my birthday. I have a great imagination, being a poet/fiction writer, so it was gratifying to see all my friends and family/guests in attendance. They are indeed very supportive, wonderful folks.
I’m so sorry for your losses–may God bless and comfort you.
Happy Anniversary! You are right on, about the WordPress bloggers being a close group. I’ve only been blogging since last June, and I’ve made so many wonderful friends here. Congratulations on your blog-a-versary!
It was actually my biological b’day, but I made it a combo party–b’day and Open House for the new blog. I know you’re going to enjoy your new blog friends–I’ve been privileged to meet one of the gals in person, and some others (including a gal in England) are now phone pals, plus we exchange cards through the “real” mail. I would never have dreamed it could be like this!
Sounds wonderful! Yes, I can see that happening as I am already communicating regularly with several.
Good for you–Enjoy!
Happy belated birthday to your party! That is such a great idea, a wonderful way to bring everyone together.
~SAT
We’re sure to have a Christmas-New Year’s party, so I’m inviting you NOW!
Yeah! That sounds fun 😀
~SAT
We’re always very lucky to find friends who understand us and share our priorities. I’m glad “we” were there for you when you needed us.
This is beautiful. I’m so glad to see things working out, and I can truly say that I am lucky to be inspired by you. ❤ Keep up the amazing job.
Shannon – I depend on my WordPress family for all kinds of support, and I’m glad to be part of yours! Watching you market your book reassures me – it can be done!