In this episode of featuring Astraea Press author I have the pleasure of having Stephy Smith as my guest.
Why I Write
Hi Y’all, I’m Stephy Smith and I want to share why I write with y’all.
When I first started writing four years ago, I did it to relieve stress and entertain my friends. I never thought of becoming a published author. My goal wasn’t to win a Pulitzer, number one on any chart or any other award.
After my friends read some of my work, they told me I needed to submit to a publisher. My thoughts were ‘yea right’ and I rolled it over in my mind for two years before I got up enough courage to send the first manuscript in. I received a nice rejection letter telling me what I needed to change. The main thing at the time was head hopping. Did you know you cannot have three different points of views in the same paragraph! Even though the editor finished the story and loved it, she asked me to fix it and resubmit. (I’m still working on this one.)
I had no idea how to fix it. So, I kept writing and entered a contest where Lizzie and the Rebel took Honorable Mention. I pulled that baby out and edited, edited, edited until I was ready to toss it in the trash bin. Then something happened.
One of the groups had a ‘pitch day’. I had no idea what was to come or how to pitch for that matter. At this point, I wanted to know how I could improve my stories so I pitched. To my surprise, Stephanie Taylor, with Astraea Press asked for a full submission. If you could’ve seen this fifty plus grandma acting as if her Prince Charming had finally arrived and was going to pass her by, had to chase him down and jump on the back of his white steed it was me.
The next thing I knew, I was signing a contract. This was the beginning of a wonderful year with Astraea Press.
At the time of this writing, I have six published books and would like to say ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY’ Astraea Press. Without Stephanie Taylor and all of the wonderful editors, cover artist and fantastic authors, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I’m proud to be a part of this team.
Murders and Mysteries 
It’s nice to hear about another author’s beginnings! Thanks for sharing. I also want to thank Stephanie Taylor for giving so many of us a chance at showing our work to the world!
Love this story as it mirrors my own journey. So much of the writing process is learned by doing, and like you, I had no idea what POV was until a contest judge pointed out I needed to “refine” it! Thanks for sharing!
You’re so sweet, Stephy. Astraea (and me!) is lucky to have you with us. AP wouldn’t be anything without our amazing authors!
Inspirational story, Stephy. Sometimes all it takes is one break and you’re of an running! Congrats on your six books! I’ve heard lots of good things about Astraea Press from many of their authors and readers. Thanks, Lindsay, for the opportunity to meet a new author! 🙂
Stephy, my story is quite different. I’ve been writing since grade school. Don’t recall a time when I was not writing. Published poems, articles, reviews, even photos. Still wanted more. Co-authored two non-fiction books with a royalty press. Also a signed chapter in another book and a signed article in a specialty encyclopedia. Still wanted more. All that time, I THOUGHT what I wanted was a book of my poems published.
Imagine my surprise to discover, about 5.5 yrs ago that there were NOVELS whirling around inside my head! Yep, 7 complete ms so far and dozens more either started or logged-in.
Like you, I’m deeply indebted to Stephanie T. and Astraea. I hope A.P. will want all my novels, but most of them have language problems.
That’s a great story. Astraea took A New Dream at a pitch day.
It is fantastic to hear the love for a publishing house. Most authors gripe about theirs. It shows that you are in the right place. I wish Astraea Press and both of you the best!