The first book signing!

Last Saturday was my first book signing! Located at Gourmandie, the gourmet food and wine shop at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, the turn out and support humbled me. Dear friends, co-workers who are quickly becoming friends and even someone I'd just met, bought my book and wished me well on my writing career. Three days later, two of the group thrilled me when they said they'd already read Dangerous Disguise and loved the story! All the hours of writing, re-writing, editing, the highs, the lows, all wrap up in a tingling package of appreciate!

The next book

I apologize if this title is a repeat...it probably is, as I've sent off the next book a couple of times now.
But I hope this is the last revision of Just Plain Lucky, and the editor and publisher like what I've done with it.
I really like this story, from the location in Northwestern Montana, to the struggle of a single mother, supporting her daughter, both mentally and emotionally. From finding love, to settling crisis from the past that just won't leave her alone, JLP has been very rewarding to create and I've become very attached to the characters.

If I've done my job well, Just Plain Lucky will see the light of day and I'll be able to share Liana Campbell's story with you!

When you see the printed copy:)

Yesterday, UPS arrived with the shipment of Dangerous Disguise I ordered for personal sales and book signings. Funny how you feel when you've anticipated something for awhile, something almost too good to believe! I carried the boxes into the kitchen, and in Kate McShane fashion, slit box open with a long butcher knife:) Or would Janet Malone be more apt to do that? Either way, I opened the box and there were my books in lovely shades of purple and brown, Kate McShane's image staring into a mirror with a pensive look on her face.
It's so different when your words are in print, bound in book fashion with a shiny cover. Your name across the front. When you can hold it in your hands, it all become real...and frightening as hell! The pressure is on...I have to sell these puppies and even more. I have to promote and talk up my business as Tesa Devlyn if I want it to succeed. And I do! I hope you're able to read a copy and that you get as attached to the characters as I did:)

More Juggling...still waiting for the rhythm to set in:a

I started this blog to share the ups and downs, ins and outs of writing and maintaining your family, interests and the pesky job most of us have to work. Oh, don't get me wrong, I really like my job and all the people I work with, but after forty hours a week, it's sometimes a challenge to pull out the energy to write.

Once you've sold, there's another juggling act; marketing the first book, while you revise the next and start the third. Switching gears isn't always easy. I'm finding I have to portion my time, so my stories don't get jumbled in my mind. I have to keep telling myself I don't have to rewrite the book coming out in print soon, and I only have to tweak the next one...and create the third one...well you get the picture. Sometimes I hit a wall where all I want to do is go out in the sunshine and walk off my tension. Not a bad idea either! Sometimes that's exactly what I need.

The main point? Don't give up...keep working and finding better ways to organize your time. Find niche's to work on each project and the biggest piece of advice? Never forget; Hey man, you just sold a book!!!

Release Date!!

I say this every time I manage to log onto my blog and write a few words, but I can't believe nearly a month has gone by without blogging. I'm still not good at this marketing thing...but one thing I can share and am extremely excited about; Dangerous Disguise is being released March 23! This month!
I've already ordered books for signings so will keep everyone updated on the locations and times. The Wild Rose Press continues to be fabulous to work with. For anyone who thinks an "E" publisher doesn't help market your book, hasn't worked with TWRP.

I just received a letter from the marketing department requesting more information so THEY can better market my book.
Yesterday, the publisher sent out an email inviting authors to sign up with iTunes and Android for marketing on the down loaded copies. TWRP is sponsoring a retreat on a working ranch next fall, complete with workshops, horseback riding and relaxation. I feel truly blessed to have sold my first novel and to work with such an upstanding, professional company!

Keeping all the balls in the air

When you send a manuscript for consideration, don't feel bad about emailing the editor if you don't receive a confirmation of receipt. Technology isn't always dependable. I emailed suggested changes on January 19th, and didn't check back when my very communicative editor didn't respond. This morning I woke with a sick feeling she never received it, and I was right! Well, I resent, so here we go:) Thank goodness she still wanted to see it! A perfect example of following up and not getting lost in balancing this crazy writer's life!

Missing in Action

The life of a writer who also works full time can be so crazy! I've sadly neglected my blog and facebook page, but HAVE been writing! I have some great updates in my writing world...Dangerous Disguise, which is coming out March 23rd, will be part of a two page spread by The Wild Rose Press in Romantic Times Magazine's Mat 2012 edition. I've seen the proofs and it looks great!
Of course, I paid for the ad, but I consider it a worthy cost of doing business.

Since writing, I also heard from the publisher/editor to whom I submitted Just Plain Lucky, and she asked for the entire manuscript for review. Exciting stuff! I'm anxious to read what she thinks of the book and if it's something she wants to take on.

Part of the life of a writer is juggling projects...marketing for the book coming out; waiting for the next one submitted and writing the first draft of the new book. Time is of the essence to keep the momentum from sagging. My goal is to get the new story roughed before I hear about JPL, and at that point, do edits for this editor or shop for another. I hope it's working with this editor:)
Have a great day!!