While at a writing meeting today, I learned one of the other members, Mary Patricia Bird, wrote a review of Murder on Manitou. What a nice surprise! I was very flattered and included the link here for anyone else to read:  http://mary-patricia-bird.quazen.com/games/book-review-murder-on-manitou/#ixzz2Lqwzf7yl

 

My writing career has been moving along lately. Final edits have been done to The Bookstore Lady and my agent has all the query information she needs. Our next step is submitting to publishers and being patient for one of them to snap it up. More babysteps. It's not an easy process, but it will be worth the wait.

 

When I started writing, I thought everything I wrote was brilliant and showed it to my mom. I'm sure she got sick and tired of reading all my drivel after a while. Even when I moved away, I sent her copies of manuscripts, one of which I know she still has tucked in a closet somewhere in typical mom fashion.

 

As I've grown and honed my skills and my craft, I've met other like-minded people who are just as devoted to their works. In joining the Headwaters Writers' Guild, I've learned how to take the criticism as well as the pats on the back. I've also learned when to ignore advice and when to take it to heart. And, more importantly, when giving advice is a bad idea!

 

One of the other Blue Ridge Literary Agency writers, Dixie Lee Brown, has written a great blog about her journey to publication. http://www.dixiebrown.com/2013/02/24/me-an-author/. I love the palpable excitement in her blog! I also can't wait until I'm in the same shoes she is currently in with the release of her novel 2 weeks away! I could be jealous and angry that it's not my turn, but that's not me. I'm thrilled to pieces for all the great writers I have the pleasure of working with.

 

For now, I celebrate the successes, however small they are, and eagerly await the day I can tell the world that my novel will be published. Fingers crossed!