Every victory counts.

Writing a book is the easy part. It's true! What comes after is hard. Editing, deciding on cover art, editing, coming up with a publish date, editing... you get the idea. Holding the finished product, you feel wonderful. Then comes the daunting task of marketing. 

In a vast ocean of talented authors, AI, and non-readers, chasing your dream of sharing your story is overwhelming. Initially, we had this crazy idea that Rina could upload "Isle of the Dark" onto Amazon and sit back. Right.

Fast forward 4 years, a lot of hard work, frustration, and investment. I've learned to take the small victories and make them important. Not that they have all been inconsequential. Rina was featured in a magazine from London, won the All Author Cover contest, and is working on her 5th novel. She's been on tour, spoken to crowded coffee shops, and signed more autographs than I ever will. 

These are all amazing, life-changing events.  She takes them in stride because she understands we still need to get up before the sun and load the car for the next event, smile through criticism, and push. 

Every time she sells a book in person, hands out a business card, or shares her journey, she has conquered a mountain. Even if we sell nothing at an event we journeyed far for, (Which has happened on many occasions) she keeps at it.

Rina deserves to be celebrated every morning she gets up and goes to her crappy, thankless job just so she can pour money into her dream. She needs to realize that allowing me to be a part of not only her journey, but her spotlight, is rare. Each word she has written is a victory. Every. Single. Word.

If you haven't read anything she has done, that's ok. Knowing her is a privilege, and I hope someday she can touch your life the way she has touched so many others, not just with her books, but with her kind spirit. 

Here's to you Rina, I celebrate you being my daughter every hour of every day.