Today is a very special day for me. I just came home from work—my day job as a psychologist—for the very last time. Tomorrow, my new life as a full-time writer begins. Even now that I type this, I almost can’t believe it.
But as exciting and great as this is for me, I don’t want to make this blog post about me. I want to make it about the incredible people who supported me, encouraged me, and were part of fulfilling my big dream.
First and foremost, I want to thank my friends and my sister. When I told them I want to give up my day job to write full time, they never once told me I’m crazy. In fact, they encouraged me to make that decision at a time when I was hesitant to believe it would be possible. When that lingering fear—what if it doesn’t work out?—held me back, they urged me to believe in myself and take a leap of faith.
I also want to thank my readers. Without you, this wouldn’t be possible. The amount of support I got was amazing. Since I first announced my decision to give up my day job by the end of the year, I got so many encouraging e-mails from readers and fellow authors. For the last two weeks, not a day went by that I didn’t get an e-mail or a Facebook message wishing me “good luck” and applauding my decision.
So, this is a heart-felt thank-you from a very grateful full-time writer.
As a small thank-you gesture, my publisher and I are giving away my mini collection of short stories Love Beneath the Christmas Tree for free from now until tomorrow (Sunday, December 22, midnight PST) on Smashwords. It’s available as an epub, mobi, and pdf. To get the e-book for free, head over to Smashwords and enter the code ED56A prior to completing checkout.
Happy holidays and may the year 2014 be a happy and healthy one for you!
Jae
Congratulations! I wish you all the best, Jae. You rock.
Thank you, Cheri. I appreciate the support. I think it’ll take me a while until I can fully believe it :-)
I’m very happy you could finally accomplish a long life dream. You will always have my support
Thank you. That means a lot.
Yes, dreams can come true! Congratulations. Here’s to a great new chapter in your life.
Changing careers is never easy, no doubt, you’ll get up in the morning and go through the routine of getting ready for work. But that is something to celebrate, in the sense, that it was the old career, that got you to your new adventure, which co-incidentally, you have proved to yourself, that your good at, with your canon of work. Look forward and congratulations on fulfilling your dreams.
I see it the same way, Eileen. My old career got me to where I am today in more ways than just financially. Being a psychologist gave me great insights into people, and that sure comes in handy when I’m creating characters.
Congratulations Jae! Never doubt yourself or your decision. You are a ‘stand-out’ author and I, for one, will continue to buy everything you write. Your books always carry me into another world peopled by characters I can believe in. Thank you so much for all your books and for today’s giveaway.
Thanks for your kind words and your support, CJ!
We’ll done you for taking such a huge step. I am sure you will continue to be a brilliant success and thank you for the hours of pleasure I get from your books….
Thank you, Anne. It is a huge step, but I feel that it is the right one for me.
Congratulations Jae, I’m sure you’re excited that the day is finally here I love your writing and look forward to getting all your future works, including the revised Hidden Truths in January. And thank you and Ylva for the free e-book!
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to comment. I hope you enjoy the short stories.
Congratulations Jae! I wish you loads of success in your full time endeavors as an author! We are the lucky ones!
Congratulations, Jae. I love your writing(have already bought and read Love Beneath the Christmas Tree). Bright Blessings for a
happy new year, your first as a full-time writer.
Thanks, Sharon, and thanks also for reading the short stories. May the year 2014 be a good one for you as well.
Congrats Jae! This is a big step, but I have every confidence that you will be able to pull it off.
Does this mean we get more book from you…and faster? LOL
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Nancy.
Well, congratulations! It must be exciting and I’m sure this is gonna be the right decision.
Thanks for the free dowload to you and Astrid.
Take care.
Thanks, Bénédicte. It does feel like the right decision, so I will go with my gut feeling. :-)
Jae you are one of my MUST HAVE authors and I look forward to reading more from you. Congratulations on your change of career and I would like to wish you all the best in your endeavour.