Leaping Into Publishing

Taking action in going after one's dreams is a (mega) step in trusting yourself. The past few weeks I decided I wanted to publish another oracle card deck, and it's coming along beautifully. It even reminded me of the first one I self-published, along with a roller coaster ride of emotions.

These were the two primary factors that delayed the first publication of oracle cards for ten (10) years. Yes, you read that correctly, ten (10) years. I'd created the artwork back in 2000 and 2001. Over the years I had purged a great deal of items, and each time it came to collecting the artwork for purging – I'd forget. You would think after moving around, or having storage units I'd remember to go get it and dump it, but it never happened.

With the decision made to leave the corporate world in 2009, I didn't have a clue that I would immerse myself back into creativity of arts. I began going through all the stuff that had re-accumulated in our one bedroom apart and found them interesting. *Interesting to note: this was about the time I began a serious endeavor into spirituality, especially with the energy of forgiveness, loving myself, accepting, and all of it.

As I looked at the art pieces, I selected twenty of the 'best' pieces for an oracle card deck. I researched the markets for how to publish and what it would “take” - etc., etc. - to reach this goal. The self-judgment and doubt began to creep in, which was natural (as I discovered later) so the endeavor stopped.

In hind-sight, I was discouraged by: fees to pay, contracts, and the cynicism of (some) editors effectively saying, “good luck in getting noticed.” *Ever see the posts (some) editors make in forums?

What did I do instead? This time I didn't allow the artwork to just sit and stare at me. I MADE MYSELF scan the pieces into the computer, researched copyright laws, and then set the information off to the U.S. Copyright Office. Once I made myself do those actions and completed it – I felt better. When I got my certificate from the U.S. Copyright Office – I was over the moon!

I began to search for self-publishing houses again and the gut wrenching battle between head and heart took over again. Instead of rising into frustration of never finding a place to publish, I did put it off to the side; however, I set the intention that the best place to publish will come forward.

The next two months were a calm period, by the time July 2011 came around – success! I felt guided to listen to a radio show where a woman was interviewing a small, but up and coming publishing place. As I listened to the interview I began recalling my intention, and viola.. I trusted my intuition. I requested information, reviewed it, and by August 2011 I held the twenty card oracle deck. *And yes, as a 4x6, one can meditate on the image for greater awareness.

All-in-all, this little journey gave me hope. It rekindled a passion for writing, publishing, and creating. Are their critics and cynical comments about the publishing industry? Yes! Every industry is has the good/bad or whatever to sway an opinion, but when there is a strong desire to get things done – watch out. Everything needed to accomplish the goal of holding a creative inspiration in your hands will magically materialize.