TO MARKETING WE GO

Well, it's off to marketing for Only Losers Cry. I received word today. Now the work begins. The publishing company is giving me my "personal" marketing rep. I wonder if his name will be Phil? Or Phyllis? Wouldn't that be weird!

One thing I must do is set up pre-release parties. Funny for someone who hates parties. Not even sure where to start. Perhaps Phil or Phyllis will be able to direct me.

It's time to "let go and let God" show me the path. There is one universal truth that I believe: God will never take me where the grace of God will not protect me!

  

Next Book

Now that I have signed the final paperwork for Only Losers Cry, my book will be sent to production and marketing will take over. As scary a thought that is to me, it is exciting. PHIL -- HELP!!!!

I have started to pull my other "books-in-progress" and want to get going on one of them. It's good to get away from the editing/revising and back into writing.

I still have some manuscripts out...one in particular...is really good. It's entitled, The Day The Cookies Burned. I keep visualizing the acceptance letter sitting in my e-mail in-box, but so far no go. PHIL -- HELP!!!!

I'm presently in Tampa and today is going to be a good one. I get to actually wash my car by hand. It's a Westley tradition. My Phil would be so happy.

PICK UP THE PACE

I really, really need to start blah, blah, blogging. I've taken on so many jobs that my writing has taken a backseat. Can you tell, since I need to pick up the pace with blogging?

One major reason for not writing is--drum roll, please -- My book, Only Losers Cry, is close to production.

I was soooo sick of looking at the manuscript--editing--revising--making sure there were no mistakes (and it's amazing how many I found). Reading it over and over again!  Gag. Then it came -- THE BOOK. I was sent a copy of the book to proof one last time. How cool is that!!! This time I sat down as a reader not the author and read THE BOOK.  And, you know what, I loved it. I have to love it. If not how could I even begin to sell it (a very scary thought!!! Where are you, Phil, when I need you).

The cover is very cool...the back very cool...the insides...very cool.

I gave it to a friend of mine to read it. She didn't return it right away, so my inner critic took over..."Oh, no she hates it and doesn't want to tell me." Then the doorbell rang and there she stood, book in hand. I took a deep breath. She looked me in the eye and said, "I loved it. I want ten copies."
Exhale.

I said, "Are you just saying that because you're my friend."

"I would tell you if it wasn't good. And, this is really, really good."

Do I believe her? Yep, I do. And I believe in myself and my book. If not why would I put it out there for the world to read (and possibly judge).

I have received some marketing stuff -- not sure how to use it. Once the book is in production, the marketing people are going to call me and let me know what I have to do to sell the book.

PHIL ----- Where are you?????   HELP!!!!!!!

DOWN FOR THE COUNT

I'm down for the count. My book, Only Losers Cry, should be released in about six weeks if I have my calculations correct.

It's funny I've read the book so many times I can't look at it again. Each time I read it I find errors -- little things -- but errors that should never have been there. How weird is that?

I just finished the final read and sent the final draft to the publishing company. This is it. If there are anymore mistakes -- oh, well.

Wish me luck. Now the hard part comes -- selling it. It will retail for $12.99. I'm a writer not a salesman, so I don't know how this is going to go.

BTW: Remember my brother? The one that eats dirt. Today is his birthday...

Happy Birthday, Dean. I love, love, love you!!!!

He is the author of Signs. It's available at Amazon.

COMING TOGETHER

This is not a post about writing -- well, not all of it. I'm having a "three" moment. Three things in my life are coming together all at the same time and I want to share my gratitude.

First, -- this is the writing part -- my book, Only Losers Cry, is in the production phase. The editing is complete, the cover has been approved and the publishing company is putting it together. How cool is that! I should receive the first copy sometime in January to make sure there are no errors before final printing. But, then comes the hard part. I have to sell it. Me. I'm a writer, not a salesman. How in the world am I going to sell it? I guess this in one of those "let go and let God" moments.

Secondly, yesterday my beautiful church was dedicated. And, I was a part of that celebration. How lucky am I!!! The date of completion was set for Easter of 2013, but the builders worked overtime and we are in for Christmas. What a gift. Such a wonderful Christmas gift.

Thirdly, I had planned on spending Christmas alone -- my choice. I decided to make new traditions for myself since the loss of my husband. But when I found out my
step-children were staying in town, I'm having them over for a big dinner. I can't wait to put the turkey in the oven and bring my home to life again. How delicious is that!

I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and peaceful 2013.

BTW: Anyone want to buy my book when it comes out?

Proof of Heaven

Interesting website:

www.Eternea.org

BLAH, BLAH, BLOG

Okay, so I haven't blogged in a while. There are reasons.

1. Only a couple people read it.

2. Nothing to write.

3. Three rejections and the need to send them out again. I'm not discouraged, it's just that there are so few publishing houses that will take an unsolicited manuscript.

4. I've had to do some revising on my book, ONLY LOSERS CRY. It is in the production stage now. They have sent me the cover for approval. There is one change that needs to be made, I hope it is possible.

Even though I have a lot of ideas bombarding my mind, I can't seem to get a good beginning, or middle, or even an end. Nothing is gelling.

Merry Christmas!!!!