I was browsing through my old blog posts when I came across a post written four years ago at this same time of the holiday season. I had just self-published my first book with help from a third party. Feeling grateful, I had taken the time to make a list of the many small accomplishments experienced as a new Indie author. Today, I look back at those initial joys and realize they have been added upon day-by-day. While I no longer use a third party to publish my books, I have gained tremendous knowledge over these four years enabling me to publish and illustrate my books as I see fit and at my own leisure. My talent for writing and illustrating has improved noticeably as I have worked at revising grammar and the written delivery of my stories. Looking back, comparing "then" and "now," I see I have much for which to be grateful. Four years ago I noted that 40+ people had "liked" my most popular quote of 24 original quotes posted on Goodreads.com. Today 237+ people have "liked" my most popular quote (followed closely by 234 likes on my second most popular) of 1,000 original quotes now posted on Goodreads. Four years ago I noted that 8+ people considered my writing good enough to call themselves a fan or follower. Today, 149+ people follow me on goodreads.com Four years ago I noted that I had 12+ followers on Twitter. That number has jumped to 823+ Twitter followers as of today. Four years ago I noted signing 45+ copies of my 1 published book. Today I have 7 published books available in paperback, and I have signed copies in the hundreds. (I no longer keep accurate track of the amount signed.) Four years ago I penned this quote: "Remember this - the journey is part of the dream. Whatever it is you're chasing, so long as you are actively moving in the right direction, the dream is coming true."
This truth still stands. I can see by greater numbers and improved talent and more, loyal followers that I am actively moving in the right direction. My dream is slowly coming true.
I feel immensely thankful for the opportunity to author books and poetry, to illustrate and then self-publish my works. It is a wondrous blessing extended to all writers in this age. Needless to say, I am looking forward with wide eyes, hoping for even greater accomplishments in 2017. Thank you sincerely to all who have helped in every small way to support this humble American author.
Happy New Year to all!
The adventure intensifies!
Read the continuing tale of Queen Eena in this newly-released book three in the Harrowbethian Saga. By
Richelle E. Goodrich
Experience greater peril, mystery, romance, adventure and hardship in this third volume of the Harrowbethian Saga. Read the introductory chapters here! 
Synopsis:
Captain Derian and his crew have successfully returned the young Queen Eena to her home in Harrowbeth. Gemdorin, their enemy of over a decade, has been defeated. The world awaits healing as peace once again settles over the land. Unfortunately for those closest to Eena, this much-deserved rest proves short-lived.
Deep within Lacsar Forest inside the black walls of Wanyaka Cave, a childhood ghost story has become reality. A more powerful and enduring enemy lures the young queen to where two immortal sisters await in confines, having been imprisoned there for generations. These evil sisters and their brother, along with a dragon forced to do their bidding, combine efforts to manipulate Eena into helping them accrue a means of escape. Though she tries to refuse her assistance, every move she makes only seems to worsen her predicament. She fears losing Derian's trust, Ian's friendship, and possibly someone's life. Why is it we must
suffer the loss of something so dear
before we realize
what a treasure we had?
Why must the sun be darkened
before we feel
how genuinely impossible it is
to live without its warmth?
Why within the misery of absence
does love grow by such bounds?
Why must life be this way?
It is a strange existence
where such suffering
makes us far better people.
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Curse of Wanyaka Cave
Eena, The Curse of Wanyaka Cave has been released! This is the 3rd book in the Harrowbethian Saga for those waiting to continue the adventures of young Queen Eena. Let me do a little victory dance here for my personal writing accomplishment... Woo-hoo! Okay, so you can find this great fantasy-romance-adventure in e-book and paperback form on Amazon.com and other online bookstores. After you finish living the adventure, remember to leave kind reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, etc. Thanks a bunch for supporting this American author!
Summary: Captain Derian and his crew have successfully returned the young Queen Eena to her home in Harrowbeth. Gemdorin, their enemy of over a decade, has been defeated. The world awaits healing as peace once again settles over the land. Unfortunately for those closest to Eena, this much-deserved rest proves short-lived.
Deep within Lacsar Forest inside the black walls of Wanyaka Cave, a childhood ghost story has become reality. A more powerful and enduring enemy lures the young queen to where two immortal sisters await in confines, having been imprisoned there for generations. These evil sisters and their brother, along with a dragon forced to do their bidding, combine efforts to manipulate Eena into helping them accrue a means of escape. Though she tries to refuse her assistance, every move she makes only seems to worsen her predicament. She fears losing Derian's trust, Ian's friendship, and possibly someone's life.
