From time to time, Archway Publishing turns over its blog to its authors, giving them the opportunity to share stories and perspectives about their individual self-publishing journeys. The following are the words of Jessica Hill, author of “The Little Bunny Rabbit”. Download the Archway Publishing free publishing guide for more information on our supported self-publishing services.
- Tell us a little bit about your book. What inspired you to write it?
In this book there is a faithful little bunny rabbit that is determined to reach his garden full of carrots that was promised to him and no matter what the spider tried to convince him of he was not having it! He didn’t know how long he had to travel the path or what was in store for him but he kept going anyway. Just like real life. We don’t know what is around every corner, how long our life will last, or the purpose of our existence but we keep going anyway. We all have to endure things in this life that we don’t understand but the truth is, it’s not our job to understand. It’s our job to learn each and every day. To study God’s word and do our best to apply it to our daily lives.
I was inspired to write this book by my children. Their faith in God alone is inspiring not only to me but others around them as well. They love to go to church to learn and talk about Jesus. No matter what happens they always say God will handle it. God will take care of it. To be honest sometimes I just need to hear those words and they will definitely remind me when needed. God has been so good to me and my family and I wanted to do something for him so I decided to write a children’s book. Our children are our future and they need to learn about God. They need to know that no matter how dark this life gets God will always be there if you lean on him. This life can be hard and let’s face it! It’s not getting any better. Our children need hope. They need to know there is a higher power on their side that will never leave them.
- What is the one message you would like to convey to your readers?
I’d have to say the one message I hope anyone will learn from reading this book is to always have faith. A life without faith to me is like a life without food. Think about this for one minute. Think about all the people that have cancer. What would happen if they didn’t have any faith? What if the mother that found out her child was in a comma just gave up and threw in the towel? Then that child wouldn’t have a chance of waking up a month, year, or days from now. Faith is hope. Faith is love. Faith is patience. Faith is the most powerful blessing to all of us! Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith~ and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God~
3. What are 5 things you’ve learned about self-publishing?
- It’s really not that expensive. It is definitely worth every dime just to be a published author.
- You have unlimited freedom and control over your project.
- There is no one breathing down your neck every way you turn. They are very patient.
- Publication is almost instant and after some research the royalty rates are pretty good.
- Every decision is yours!
4. What do you love most about self-publishing and would you recommend it to other authors?
I’d have to say what I love the most is the fact that you have total control over the decision making. A book that you have written is your baby and you definitely don’t want someone taking your baby and changing it and making into something totally different than you intended! Every single detail is explained and sent to YOU for the final decision. The freedom alone is worth it!
- What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Don’t give up and never say never! I never thought I would be a published author. I have always loved writing since my teenage years and I dreamed about publishing a book one day. Key word: DREAMED! Now years later my dreams came true. The key to success is to never give up!
Archway Publishing is always looking for content for its blog. If you’re an Archway Publishing author and would like to share an idea for a guest blog post, please tweet the Archway Publishing Twitter account @ArchwayPub and Like the Archway Publishing Facebook page.