Holly WestThe winners of the Amazon gift cards are: Stephen J., Pop Culture Nerd, and John B. Thanks for playing, everyone. And more importantly, thank you for your wonderful comments.

Today is February 3, 2014.

Today I am a published author.

I started writing Mistress of Fortune (then titled Diary of Bedlam) in June 2008, but the dream of writing and publishing a novel started much earlier, borne from the reading I did as a child. I wanted to write novels too, to inspire others with stories the way I’d been inspired. And now, I’ve finally done it.

I’m nervous, of course. Now that Mistress of Fortune is out in the world, there are so many things to worry about: Will it sell? Will people like it? I’d like to say that just for today, I’ll put those concerns aside and enjoy this moment. That’s not likely to happen, but I’ll do my best.Mistress of Fortune Cover

There will be other stories that capture my imagination and compel me to put them to paper. I’ll spend more long hours alone at my computer, attempting to bring new characters to life and trying to figure out what drives them. But there will never be another first novel for me. And so, today, I celebrate.

21 Replies to “Mistress of Fortune Publication Day”

  1. Susanna Calkins says: February 4, 2014 at 10:43 am

    Luckily I already know how awesome this book is! But I’ll post my blurb again, just for fun:

    “In her captivating debut, MISTRESS OF FORTUNE, Holly West offers a skillfully reimagined mystery set in late Stuart England. With a provocative and memorable heroine, West weaves a compelling tale of murder, intrigue and seduction.”

  2. Anna Loan-Wilsey says: February 4, 2014 at 7:21 am

    Yeah, Holly! I know it was a long wait. So happy for you!
    Going to Malice? I’d love to meet up again! Congratulations again!

  3. Merle says: February 4, 2014 at 2:41 am

    Well, it’s not midnight yet here in Hawaii! Lol! Alooooha! 🙂

  4. Josh Stallings says: February 3, 2014 at 11:13 pm

    What a wonderful day!!! You are amazing!

  5. Christine says: February 3, 2014 at 10:51 pm

    Holly I’m so impressed and excited to know a famous author!! I’m downloading tonight!

  6. Joe M says: February 3, 2014 at 10:34 pm

    Well done Holly! Congratulations.

  7. Sharon O. says: February 3, 2014 at 10:13 pm

    I’m so darn proud of you. I’m going to read it again. LOVES!!

  8. Chris Irvin says: February 3, 2014 at 5:53 pm

    Congrats, Holly!

  9. Marci says: February 3, 2014 at 4:56 pm

    Hello Holly! I ordered your novel on my Kindle and have read the first chapter already :o) Well done!

  10. Mike L says: February 3, 2014 at 4:49 pm

    Well done Holly!

  11. Barbara says: February 3, 2014 at 4:23 pm

    Congratulations, Holly! I’m so happy for you!

  12. Stephen Buehler says: February 3, 2014 at 3:26 pm

    Holly,
    Congratulations. I can remember like it was two years ago trying to talk you out of self-publishing and now look at you with a published book. I’m looking forward to reading your mistress and being transported back in time.

  13. Gene S says: February 3, 2014 at 3:25 pm

    Hey Holly! CONGRATULATIONS. I saw the email this morning telling me it was ready to sync to my Kindle. Excited to read it! All the best to you.

  14. Pop Culture Nerd says: February 3, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    I’ve followed your progress with this book via your blog and social media and in-real-life conversations so it’s very exciting to see it launched into the world today. You should absolutely enjoy this moment! Congrats!

  15. Gretchen Beetner says: February 3, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    Congrats on pub day Holly! I am excited to add this one to my TBR pile. 🙂

  16. Vanessa Bradley says: February 3, 2014 at 2:58 pm

    I am halfway through chapter 20 and have made myself stop for today so I can linger with Isabel. The problem I always have with a good read is I rush through. Thank you for sharing this wonderful character.

  17. Morgan says: February 3, 2014 at 2:58 pm

    You know how much I love a chance to win something for free, but even if you weren’t doing this I would comment. I may just be the little sister who whines a lot but I am so proud of you! You are such an inspiration to me and I am thrilled to death to tell people you are my sister. Here’s to making the New York Times Best Sellers list!

  18. Tim Cross says: February 3, 2014 at 2:54 pm

    Congrats…I love writing and salute your status as a published author! Best wishes on this continuing journey. 🙂

  19. John Bychowski says: February 3, 2014 at 2:54 pm

    Congratulations, Holly, on your publication day! I look forward with anticipation to reading and enjoying your novel! Go, you!

  20. Kelli says: February 3, 2014 at 2:49 pm

    so proud of you, Holly…….finishing my library book and then will start in on your novel……was so excited to see it download on my kindle last night……….can’t wait to enjoy it

  21. Stephen Johnson says: February 3, 2014 at 2:48 pm

    First!

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