These are the words of John H Bidwell, Balboa Press author of “ Fusheeswa.”  John answered the call to write his book and self-publish with Balboa Press. For more information on John please visit his website, Facebook, and Twitter. Download the Balboa Press free publishing guide to receive more information.

Finding Your Story

If anyone told me even eight months ago that by this time of the year I would be a published author with a beautiful book available all over the world it would not have been possible for me to believe. I may not be a typical case, but I share this in hopes to show dreams can come true even for those afraid to dream.

I have always loved writing poetry, but I have never had an interest in writing a book or having one published. However, during the latter part of 2007 and into 2008 an idea haunted me for a dramatic ending to a story. It involved learning, only at the very end, that the main characters were actually a cancer survivor and his nurse. It would be a stunning surprise bringing new and deep feeling for the characters.

Just that idea for an ending kept haunting me. It was a strange impulse which wouldn’t go away. I finally surrendered to this inspirational drive and decided to start writing. As the story came to me the nature of the characters as a cancer survivor and his nurse were revealed in the first chapter. “My” surprise ending would never happen, but magic I never imagined did happen. I wrote the book over the course of that year, 2008.

Following Your Dream

Once my book, Fusheeswa, was finished- the drive of that inspiration was satisfied. I felt my work was over. I did think it might make a nice book, but how to ever get it published was so beyond me I put it out of my mind. But, just as the inspiration had taken me over in 2008, some amazing voice seemed to tell me this year that I had to get it published. The book starts with the main character having a stunning dream. A soulmate appears asking him to find her. The task in every conceivable way appears impossible, but love drives him to have to try.

 Publishing with Balboa Press

Publishing seemed an impossible dream suddenly imposed upon me by some means I can’t explain. How could I possibly do that? If there is a dream, there is a way. My fondness for Hay House led me to Balboa Press. Looking over the Balboa Press website, I knew I had my answer. I still had much trepidation, but everyone at Balboa was there to make this a dream come true. That’s what they do.

Every question I had was answered with a phone call where friendly people showed me the way. Some things such as the book covers brought me much concern. There was cover art available and I poured over all the options for days. That, of all things, became a stumbling block to me for a while.

However, I remembered a trip I took in 2013 where I took some photos of what I thought matched the story. The idea of book covers one day did briefly tease me. I found the file with those photos and it was like finding gold. It was wonderful to have so many options, but also be able to use my own photos. I suggest that everyone be open to inspiration and to be assured, if it strikes, to trust your instincts and trust Balboa Press.

Balboa Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books are invited to do so by emailing blog@balboapress.com or the submission form on the Guidelines page. We may not be able to use every story, but we will read and consider them. Balboa Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar, and punctuation accuracy; as well as for space.