The Physical Copy

I had already been published in The Fifth Di... and I had already seen it online. I had already told everyone and I had already been told that I'd receive a contributor's copy. I had a good feeling it was going to be a physical copy but I wasn't sure. I knew if I got a physical copy, I'd be so happy... having a tangible thing... with my work in it.

But I didn't know how happy I'd be.

Elated... probably the right word.

I wrote it down earlier, I think this is the best way for me to sum it up.

I’ve been writing seriously for about 16 years now, and there have been quite a few amazing moments along the way. This has got to be one of the coolest, actually holding a physical copy of something in which my work is inside of. This is a new feeling.

Yeah. Many things along the way that delivered happiness to me. Moving on to the next round in a screenwriting contest, receiving notification that I was shortlisted by a publication that I submitted to, actually getting published... so many great things... but wow, was it amazing to see my work in a physical copy, hold it, turn the pages, find my story. I didn't realize it would hit me this hard.

Look at that, I'm in the Table of Contents.

My story. My name. And a little taste of the story...

For starters, if you're interested in a copy, I know the digital ones are available, here you go.

But this also led me to some thinking. Hiraeth Publishing is a small indie press, they even posted a little snippet in the beginning of the publication talking about this, talking about how important it is for them to get support from writers and readers. So, I do want to support them, and tell you about them, and talk them up. Yes, I'd love it if you were so inclined to buy the copy that my story is in. But I'd be happy if you were interested in purchasing any of their works, even if I am not featured in them.

It is important to support those who aren't "The Big Guys." We want the small indie presses to continue to thrive. They're important. I already knew that. But I knew it a little more when I held this copy of The Fifth Di... in my hands and realized what a wonderful feeling this was. And the fact that they can afford this wonderful feeling to so many writers, up and coming writers like me, new writers like me, people trying to break through. A place like Hiraeth Publishing is so important to writers like me. They gave me a chance, they showcased my work, they highlighted me. I am forever grateful. I hope they stay around forever.

Or for as long as they want to stay around.

So, I'd also like to promote, not just the issue of The Fifth Di... that I am featured in, but all the works that Hiraeth Publishing puts out.

Cosmic Crime Stories, ParABnormal Magazine, they got a lot.

Please consider checking them out. I think they have something for almost everyone. And for any writers looking for a place to submit, check out all of their publications that you can submit to, the guidelines are spelled out quite well so that you know what they want.

And last of all, you know, support any small publications. We definitely need them to stay around. I know people can get published by a "Big Guy" and that would give you a feeling of ecstasy, but that is a difficult task. I know people can self publish, and I am sure that gives a sense of happiness, of pride, of accomplishment. But to send your work out to someone who doesn't have to publish it... by any means... and then they choose to... that's the feeling right there. And with the smaller publications, it's not like it's easy. But it's more attainable.

So, let's keep them around.