El Segundo Author Fair  

Well my book is listed on Amazon, but it doesn't say it's available, nor does it make infinity a link so you can order from the web page. I am assuming it's just the beginning, that like Google it takes a bit for all the pieces to get put into place.

So continue to use the link from my web page if you want to order a copy, at least for now. I'm going to check Books In Print (BIP) tomorrow to see if it's on there yet. Supposidly they are sent in quarterly.

Thanks to everyone for all their support. I've gotten some good feedback about the story. That makes it all worth while!

Well the first of two major holidays are over, and we all survived. I think it was a nice day and everyone had a nice time. It was far less stressful than planning for Christmas. Maybe because the expectations of the 25th of December aren't there on Turkey Day.

So now it's exercise, exercise, exercise....

I had some thoughts this morning when I woke up about characters. A writer takes from the known to create the unknown. So if there are elements in my story that seem familiar to some, that is part of the creative process. We meet so many people and take elements from each of them to compile into one character. Therefore a mother-in-law's characteristics may not be what a real mother-in-law would be, or a best friend may have one base element with lots of different parts that are from many different people. Tri-Cities is loosely based on the genealogical society I belong to, but we don't have a structure like Tri-Cities does to house the collection. That was something I have always wanted for them, but with small budgets we will probably never see.

When you write, a fiction book is 99.9% made up, people's names, places, character traits, habits, family structure. Example...I have a brother in real life, but decided to make Lydia an only child. My husband is of a mixed race background, but I didn't want to make Lance exactly the same, I wanted to give him a somewhat different background so later on I can expand his genealogy. I have three children in both real life and in the story because it is fun to include their antics, real or imagined, and I wanted Lydia to have a large family since she was an only child.

They say write what you know. And most writers do. It's just how much you want it to reflect reality (biography) and how much you want to play with the characters and help them to grow with each book. If you lock them too tight into reality, it's just regurgitation. Fiction is a way to let your characters grow and expand.

I call it my perfect world.

Well I've sold a few, not a lot, but a few. I am not complaining, it's a great start! I know there is a lot of work to do, but with the holidays I just can't seem to focus on anything but that. Thanksgiving is at our house this year and Christmas at my Sister-in-Laws. We have had it the last three, but when she volunteered I jumped at the idea.

The holidays are terribly stressful. What should be a time of brotherhood and Christian giving ends up being a commercial event. No one is happy, not with what they get, or how the day is spent. We have to have activities. We just can't sit and visit with people that we see during the year, but never really talk to. What happened to just being together without any strings attached?

Well I should get off of my soap box now. It's a season of good will, not grousing!

I will send out postcards after Christmas ends promoting my book. Hopefully that will drum up some additional interest in the story. I really don't care how many copies I sell, just that those who buy it enjoy it.

Have a great Thanksgiving.

Well guess what was on the web tonight? My author page at Infinity. So now all you have to do is click on the link on my link page and then either visit the Infinity website first and type in my name under author, or title, or click on the second link (and this link here) http://www.bbotw.com/description.asp?ISBN=0-7414-3579-9 to go directly to my author information/order page.

I wish I had chosen a different excerpt, but it's not a bad one.

I'll send out another mass e-mail Monday to announce the page. No calling for copies. All you need is the web!

I will send out a mass e-mail, but wanted everyone to know I got the official e-mail today saying the book is ready for purchase. The author webpage will be available for viewing in one week, but purchases can be made if you call the Infinity Publishing phone line. For more information see my links page (or the highlighted link below) and click on the Infinity link. That will give you the contact number you will need. I've added the ISBN and price above as a reference for when you call.

It won't be available on Amazon, Books in Print or Barnes & Noble for 3-6 months. The only way to get copies will be via myself or Infinity (www.bbotw.com) in one week -- at least for a little while.

YES!!!!

Well now it's a waiting game. The final proof was received on Monday, so all I need now is the e-mail letting me know that the book is available for purchase.

Glad it's a holiday...boy do I need it.!

Well there were two tiny corrections to the proof which were missed in the revision process. Since they weren't new and easy to fix I signed the form, marked the two items and am mailing it back tomorrow.  I believe once it's received it will be about a week before it's available for purchase.  So I would say by the middle of the month I should have a link to my publisher's page where the book can be purchased.

It's hard to believe it's so close to being finished.  Maybe I'll start of the new year with some signing parties...

I'll send a mass e-mail when the book is available for purchase.  Thanks for all your encouraging words and thoughts.  Remember e-mail me any time with your ideas, concerns or thoughts!