December 18, 2017: I’ve said this already a couple of times, but I continue to be amazed at how many closet writers have come forth since my book was published. To them, I always take a moment and encourage them to never give up. I’m reminded of what my critique partner repeated over and over: a winner is a loser who tried one more time. To anyone reading this who enjoys writing, I repeat what I know works: write and revise (and repeat), work with a good critique partner, market research, and submit, submit, submit. Be ready for the rejections--if you are afraid of rejections, there are many blogs out there that deal with this. Go read as many as you need. Pretty soon, you’ll understand why rejection is important to a writer; but equally important is to read what IS selling. If you write children’s books, read as many as you possibly can. If adult is your preferred genre, read all the best-sellers and then some. A good writer is a good reader--not to plagiarize, but to understand what the public is buying; also, you glean an understanding of what publishers want. This would be a great time to repeat last week’s advice to writers: plan, perseverance, and patience! My 3 “p’s” to publishing.

As Christmas approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in shopping and events; but the real reason for the season needs to stay front and center. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the gift of the Savior’s birth.

December 11, 2017: First book signing. Check. Second book signing. Check. After a long day Saturday of not one, but two, book signings, I can honestly say I’m hooked.  Going from inside to a toasty 72 degrees with a blazing fireplace and beautiful decorations to a high of 35 degrees and continually dropping temperatures, a blustery wind and toes that I could no longer feel, I totally had a ball! So many friends came out and to them, I’m truly blessed. I even had one dear old family friend who drove two hours just to get here! I loved talking to people about my book, and there were so many people who truly were interested in the process. And of course, I met a young writer who had self-published her first book who was interested in continuing down the writer’s path by finding her own publisher. It was very enjoyable encouraging her and offering tips…tips my very own critique partner bestowed on me. I guess that’s the most enjoyable part--helping someone else along the way. We writers have to stick together! And write, of course.

 December 4, 2017: What a totally turmoil-filled week I’ve had. I enjoyed a lot of firsts: first time I held my book, my first surprise kick-off party from my co-workers, and my first and second book signings scheduled. As I travel down the writer’s path, I need to remind myself: a writer writes. I need to make sure not to become so consumed in the hoopla that I neglect the reason for the hoopla. I have several manuscripts in various stages, but unless I go back to Writing 101 (BIC-butt in chair), those stories will stagnate. So, with all the prep this weekend that goes along with the remodel of a bathroom, finishing the Christmas decorations, and schedules that demand my attention, I promise myself to squeeze in some quality writing time. Goal for Saturday: finish the revision of BLOOD MOON and begin the rewrite of ON A SCALE OF ONE TO TEN--my next target for publication. Goals are important--without them, I drift along, unfocused and worn out from the many things that cloud my mind. Focus is key to becoming a published author--that and stamina…because we all know, without those two things, writing careers would fall by the wayside. I remarked last night that over the last ten years in which I knuckled down and became serious about writing, along with the time and effort spent proofing and rewriting, sprinkled with the hundreds of rejections…the two contracts I’ve received to date just do not equal the effort. Factor in the sheer joy of becoming a published author and holding your first book in your hands, the reward is ginormous (a word taken directly from my first book).  Advice to struggling writers: plan, perseverance, and patience