My Interview on Novel Journey

Just a quick note today to announce a very detailed interview that was posted on Novel Journey. The theme of this fantastic site is "Getting the Word Out, One Reader at a Time."

What a great tag line.

To help them, I'm letting y'all know that my interview is posted, and you can view it and comment if you like. Stick around the site too and take a look at all the other amazing stuff they have.

Read My Interview

Another one is coming on Monday. Stay tuned!

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I Sold Another Book! ~~ Read Chapter 1 of Promises, Promises

God is so awesome. Words can hardly describe it.

Most authors know you are only as good as your next book. Well, I have been approaching the deadline for book 3 (due Feb. 15th) in the Delaware Brides series, and that would bring me to the end of my contracted books. Although I put my career in God's hands long ago, that small 'fear' still lingers when you don't have another book waiting to be written when you finish the current one.

As usual, God proved His almighty grace and favor to me last week.

About a month ago, my editor asked me to send in proposals for up to 6 states she was still looking to contract. I selected 3 of those 6 and put together story sets for each one. Then, it was wait time while my editor reviewed the stories to see if she'd like more from any 1 of them.

A week and a half ago, she asked for a full synopsis for one story set in historical Michigan. So, I expanded on what I had previously sent and submitted it to her last week. Friday morning, I received an email from her saying she thought it was a great idea and if it's suitable for me, we'll proceed with the aforementioned contract schedule and book deadlines!

I couldn't have been more excited to receive that email! Now, as I put the finishing touches on book 3, I have the great opportunity to move into another series and jump forward over 100 years in American history. This time, the focus is Detroit during the Industrial Revolution following the Civil War and leading into what made Detroit the motor city that it is.

This means by the end of 2009, I'll have at least 7 books in print!! Woo-hoo!!

So, never doubt the calling God has on your life. If He called you to it, He'll also bring you through it. Time and time again, He's proven that to me...and He'll do the same for you.

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Now, for those who wish to read the first chapter of my book releasing this month, go to the Books page and click on the link below the synopsis. Enjoy and happy reading!

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My First Book - Hot off the Press & Cover Flats!!

I'm just dancing with joy today! All right, so I'm STILL dancing with joy after a great experience this past Tuesday.

A fellow newbie Heartsong Presents author, Deb Ullrick, shared with our ACFW email loop about receiving the PDF file of her cover for her first novel. In the midst of celebrating with her, I opened the mail Tuesday to find 45 cover flats of my VERY FIRST BOOK along with a 'hot-off-the-press' copy of MY VERY OWN!!

Oh, it thrills me to even say that, let alone to look at it. I wondered how I would ever get anything done that night. All I wanted to do was sit there and hold the book in my hand and stare at it. It's finally come true. It really is happening.

Now, I just have to wait for my author copies to arrive and figure out how I'm going to work my blog tour since there's a time lapse from book club release to online retailer and bookstore arrivals for my book. Been chatting with other HP authors to see how they've worked it in the past. Still working out a plan. So far, it'll be a small one in February and a full-scale one in late spring when it officially hits stores.

I had to share with all y'all who visit here and read my blog because I would never have reached this point had it not been for those who have encouraged me and supported me along the way. I only wish I could have gotten the dedication page to the publisher in time. :( Alas, it's nonexistent in the first book. I'm going to make double certain it gets into book 2, though. That comes out in July this year.

You can see the cover in the left column and read about the book on the books page. I'll have more information on ordering as soon as it's available, plus a sneak preview of chapter one very soon! Stay tuned.

Praise the Lord!

Family Photos, Christmas and Snow!

I know I'm a little late with these, but some folks are still feeling the leftover remnants of the Christmas spirit, so I'm going to share these while it's still timely.

My family visited last week for 5 days so some of these pix are of them. The others from Christmas are of my in-laws, or second family. Gotta admit, having an extended family here in Colorado has made the move and transition after marriage so much easier. It's like I didn't lose anything, only gained, when I moved.

Christmas this year was a WHITE one. The first white Christmas I've seen in probably 15 years. Sure, it's snowed near the day, but not ON the day. This year, we got about 6 inches and it fell at varying speeds almost all day. Provided some very nice pictures as you can see:

Here is the direct link to view the full album online:

Colorado Christmas 2007

For the family visit, we toured the Royal Gorge in Canon City, Colorado, spent time touring new homes as part of the search upon which Stuart and I are embarking, visited Denver to see Invesco Field at Mile-High as well as the Aquarium and took the Cog Railway to the top of Pike's Peak. Here are some pictures from those adventures.

Family Visits Colorado

I guess that's all for now. My first book releases in February, so I'm gearing up for a short blog tour on many other web sites. I'll also be starting monthly giveaways to those who enter the contests starting in February, so stay tuned for lots of new and exciting things coming down the pike...in addition to the continuation of weekly blog spotlights with FREE book giveaways.

Thanks for your continued support. I wouldn't be where I am without you!

My First Book Update!

The time is drawing near. My very first solo book releases in February of 2008. That's just 2 months away. *bites nails* How am I ever going to get everything done in time? There's marketing, publicity, edits on book 2, cover information on book 3, finishing book 3, getting through the Christmas season, hosting my family visiting in January and starting to look for a new house with my husband.

Yikes!

Days like these make me wonder about being an author, but then I recall the joy I get from crafting a story with words and bringing life to characters through the written word so that others might enjoy them. That along with knowing that I might make readers smile, cry, laugh or have a turning point in their lives because of something I wrote...and it's all worthwhile -- even the pressure and stress. :)

Another part that's fantastic is getting interviewed and spotlighted, just like I spotlight so many authors here. My turn is coming. Patience and perserverance have paid off.

The first of my interviews has been posted, with more to come:

My Interview in the ACFW e-zine Afictionado
http://www.acfw.com/ezine/cgi-bin/nov07.pl?record=4

But most importantly....

I HAVE A COVER!

The book releases in February to the Heartsong Presents book club. That's a guaranteed reader base that's almost worldwide. From there, it makes its way into the databases of Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, retail stores and many other outlets for sale. That will happen in April or sooner if my publisher can get the information circulating in time.

Thanks to fellow authors, I am going to be involved in a multi-author booksigning the first part of next year, then I fly back East toward the end of the year for another signing there, where my books are set.

This is going to change my life, but it's a welcome change. Before long, and once we're in our new house, I might have another change that involves a little addition...but we'll see what happens. :) For now, I have more than enough to keep me out of trouble -- or in trouble -- whatever the case may be!