Introductions

This is Amy.  Of course my complete introduction is on my website www.signedbyamy.com.  I've always been a dreamer and storyteller.  I'm into telling stories about my family (present day and historically), bizarre experiences, insights to education methods/teaching tools.  Today I especially write about mental health issues in the hopes of bringing awareness, tools for coping, ways for others (especially family) to support sufferers, and how to acquire help and advocacy.
Much of what I have actually written is factual.  In college (especially while working for a Master's in education) I met very high approval and was inspired professors to urge me to publish my works.  I was always proud of myself when words were so encouraging and the demand Publish this! was written on returned papers.
When telling about my family there's no doubt I add fiction.  I've learned it captures attention, interest, and awe.  Others seem to hang onto my words.  I laugh when they say really:  Really? Wow! and tell me more.  I gain a sense of satisfaction.
In my late 20's my dear mother urged me to write.  I wasn't sure about that.  Even when professors did such I always felt shy and worried about criticism.  In 2008 she fell and began to regress.  This strong woman suddenly "aged."  All the time she was losing independence.  It was so hard for me to accept.  Though she did so with grace around others, there were times when I witnessed depression, frustration, and even regrets.
I wanted to make her proud.  I also didn't want similar regrets about not taking advantage of opportunities and experiences in my life.  In 2012 I dabbled in sharing stories.  I self-published.  It gave me a sense of security.  I could control what I wrote and I could yank anything written if it made me uncomfortable, exposed, and a target for negative comments. 
My first effort was a simple romance.  I love a good love story.  (I've probably read over a thousand love stories!).  I was familiar with the flow of such.   I thought: I can do this.
My first title was Jordan Knight.  Only available as an eBook I was quite surprised how well it did and tickled pink when someone rated it 5 stars.  It's now in paperback. 
I thought: perhaps I could tell my other stories.
My other stories are challenging.  They reveal a darker, sinister, risqué side of me.  It felt risky and Oh no! - what would people think (especially those who know me?)
I made the mistake of altering it to play it safe and guard against such exposure to that side of me.  Horrible mistake!  I went so far as to finish the story and then go back to switch up and cut out parts of it and tampered with the plot.  I had no editor, no one to proof read it.  Huge mistake!  I gained harsh criticism from others.  But family encouraged: Do it over!  Keep trying.  You'll get better. 
I was also offered essential help - free editing from a professor, proof reading from others, and art to better capture attention.
So why not?  Two titles are being revised.  The failures have been listed at $999.99.  LOL  Only a fool would buy them.  Thank God!  I've got an opportunity to start over.  I'm taking it!