2024 Author Debut Year
Over twenty years ago, I was asked in high school what I wanted to be when I grew up.
When I said I wanted to be an author, another student told me it’d be impossible. He claimed I had to have perfect grammar and that I had to be an immaculate researcher. He then asked me what my first fantasy book was about, and when I nervously told him, he and his friends called it unoriginal. They had smug looks on their faces. I don’t even remember their names, but all these years later, I remember what they said.
I didn’t care that it would be impossible. I wanted to be an author, and that was that. Even if I never got published, I would write books.
Well, twenty years and many unpublished books later, now at the end of 2024, I’m married with children, I’m a teacher of many, my knees are creakier, I’m balder, heavier, and not as quick as I used to be.
But I am a published author with a sequel launching in mere weeks.
Getting an agent and getting published was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. It was my personal Mount Everest. Now, I’m so thankful and excited for this past year of dreams. I’m thrilled to share the Above the Black trilogy with readers, and I cannot describe how incredibly awesome it felt the first time a reader, who came up to me with a shaky voice, told me how much she loved my book, and asked me to sign it for her. This year, I have celebrated book signing events, and being on panels with beloved authors, and going to visit festivals and conferences. I’ve cheered and cried with my wife after hitting the New York Times, laughed myself silly when I got the call about the movie and Antoine Fuqua, and spontaneously danced with my kids just because I was so happy.
Thank you all for helping make this year unforgettable.
I wish you a warm and happy holiday season, and that 2025 is the year of your dreams.
-MJG
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Hey everyone! Building on my reflections about 2024, I wanted to dive a bit deeper into what this incredible author journey has truly meant and some lessons I've picked up along the way. It wasn't just about writing; it was a marathon of perseverance and learning. That 'impossible' comment from high school stuck with me, but it also fueled my fire. For years, I juggled being a teacher, a husband, a father, and a writer. There were countless drafts, rejections, and moments of doubt, but the dream of telling stories, especially in the fantasy genre, never faded. It taught me that real passion isn't deterred by skeptics; it uses their words as motivation. Getting an agent and a publishing deal felt like climbing my personal Mount Everest. It took patience, refining my craft, and understanding the industry. My 'Above the Black' trilogy, starting with 'Sky's End,' was years in the making. Every 'no' was just a redirection to a better 'yes,' and I learned the importance of continuous improvement and resilience in the face of setbacks. And then came 2024 – my debut year! It was a whirlwind of amazing experiences. The year was packed with 17 bookstore events and 4 major conferences, where I met so many incredible readers and fellow authors. It's truly inspiring to connect with people who love your stories. I also got to expand my reach with 5 podcasts, 2 TV interviews, and 4 magazine/blog interviews, which helped introduce my work to a wider audience. Seeing 'Sky's End' not just published, but also securing a film announcement with Antoine Fuqua was surreal, and having 3 foreign releases truly made it a global story. Connecting with young minds through 6 school visits and engaging with avid readers at 2 book club visits reminded me why I write. It's been about more than just the 4 books I've worked on; it's about connecting through stories and seeing the impact they have. If you're an aspiring author, my biggest takeaway is this: write the story only you can tell. Don't let anyone tell you it's impossible. Keep learning, keep reading, and keep pushing. The journey is long and filled with challenges, but the reward of holding your book and connecting with readers is immeasurable. Remember, every published author started right where you are now, with a dream and a story to tell. Thank you for being part of my unforgettable year. Here's to more stories and chasing those seemingly impossible dreams!
