Ever since 8th grade I've wanted to publish my work, however, I never really knew how to go about it. I went through college deciding to become a magazine editor. Except life is funny, things never worked out that way. Stranded in my Master's English program at a prestigious university I was extremely unhappy with my life. I decided to drop out of the M.A. program and try to find what I wanted to do.So imagine my surprise when I stumbled on the notion of self-publishing. I ran the gambit of doubt. I doubted my talent, my business acumen, my product. When I realized how much money I would need to become officially published I panicked. Well, I threw a hissy fit. "I can't do this" I stammered to family and friends, "I can't afford it and my product will look so bootleg," tumbled out of my mouth. After a mini prep talk a source guided me to a grant specifically for emerging poets/writers. I was completely thrilled. Most guides and family members tried to tell me to take out a loan, but I did not want to deal with the hassle or debt and finding another part-time seemed difficult, with the other priorities and commitments.I felt so blessed to have the opportunity to apply for the grant. With a re-newed spirit I made a promise to myself. Always go the last quarter mile of the race. Never under any circumstances give up. No matter the money situation or if someone does not embrace my idea I've realized that almost getting to the finish line will never help me succeed. Even though it sounds corny and quite obvious, surprisingly it was never obvious to me. Now that I decided to stick through no matter what, I'm finding so many different ways to reassess my budget and to redesign my business focus. I'm more on point now than I was before, using this reasoning in other areas of my life. I'm happy to say that my publishing company Imara Ushairi has become a real business. My idea's are coming to fruition.
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