She may be Irish, but Hazel Gaynor has plenty to be thankful for on this American holiday eve. After self-publishing her debut novel last year, she wound up attracting the attention of a phenomenal agent* in NYC, scoring a two-book deal with William Morrow (including a reprint of her debut), and becoming one of those stories writers tell each other when they’re in dire need of hope.

This week, she talks about her amazing journey to publication, and reminds us all why giving up should never be an option.

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1. You have one of those publishing stories that thousands of aspiring authors dream about. After several attempts at getting a traditional publishing deal, you decided to self-publish. How did that decision come about and how did you feel at the time?

I was incredibly nervous about self-publishing The Girl Who Came Home and, to be honest, very disappointed that things hadn’t happened…