0 Cover Reveal, Delay, and Superstition

Several months ago I received my first cover for my first novel! It was very exciting and I did the happy dance and made the phone calls and updated Facebook . . .  But, I just couldn't bring myself to reveal the cover on my blog even though I had revealed it on Facebook. I guess I thought my blog was so much more serious or something. I don't know. But, this morning is the day I've chosen for a specific reason. More on that later.

One reason I must make clear is this--I'm a Registered Nurse. Even though I'm retired I'm still a nurse and we are a very superstitious bunch. I was a Labor and Delivery nurse. That's a high risk specialty and any of the specialties are especially superstitious. Let me relay an example. Every unit has a status board. It's usually a basic white board with sections taped off for pertinent data depending on the specialty. When I was new to the game we had a slow day and we didn't have any patients so I decided I would clean the white board. Damn! One would think I had cut someone's throat! It seems the board must never be blank because it's bad luck. If it's blank it brings in the hoardes and they will be really sick or will have some kind of problem. What did I have to do? Make up a patient's name, assign her to a doctor, give her some fake physical data and move on. Alas, it was too late. The hoardes did arrive. Every bed was soon filled, we had a couple of patients waiting on stretchers in the hall. I remember at least one emergency cesarean section. And, this is the way  the charge nurse looked at me:

The reason I've decided to go ahead and reveal the cover today is because I'm still trudging through edits. My goodness, it's tough. I feel sorry for my wonderful editor, Ally Robertson, from The Wild Rose Press. It's been a long road for us. She sent me this latest round along with some more specific homework which I believe will help me. It narrows things down into small bites rather than having the intimidation of the entire manuscript in front of me. I suppose revealing it on my blog will also help me feel more professional or something. Today I'm feeling down but not defeated. My confidence is flagging but it will rise again.

I hope you've enjoyed a glimpse of my cover. Would you who have successfully published share any tips of getting past the first book edits and blues? I would appreciate it if you could drop off a comment for me as well. Enjoy your writing and your successes.

Detail: Cover Reveal, Delay, and Superstition

0 Contracts and Moving Forward

My goodness! I've received my first contract. It is for a novella I've written as part of a series 'Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll' for The Wild Rose Press. The title is "Dianne's Destiny".  Receiving that contract in my e-mail thrilled me like few things ever have. I wonder if others have felt that excitement that makes the heart beat faster, smiles and laughter to erupt unbidden followed by the feeling that this just can't be true. But, it is. I feel better able to write more, to finish the works I have in progress.

"Dianne's Destiny" began as "Hearts and Horses". Much of the book takes place in an arena for equestrian therapy. The names of the main characters had to be changed because they were too close to another book in the series.

I'm learning to write an author bio. Choose a graphic artist from the talented group at The Wild Rose Press. The beginnings of successful marketing and social media. It is all confusing but I have a wonderful editor, Ally Robertson and friends who are successful authors. And, next year I will be able to attend the TWRP writer's retreat at the Silver Spur Ranch in Bandera, TX.

Visit www.thewildrosepress.com for a full list of the novellas waiting to be purchased and read. Learn about the scrimshaw doll that carries a curse only broken by true love. I've read them all and think one of the best thing readers will find is that each book is a stand alone story. The voices of each author is clear. The talent is astounding.

The Scrimshaw Doll authors are part of the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America www.OKRWA.com We call ourselves Wild Okies. The books available in the series include:
"Trail of Hope' by Heidi Vanlandingham
"The Bone Bride" by Tamrie Foxtail
"Skinbound' by Anna Kittrell
"Thicker than Water" by Alicia Dean
"Tessa's Treasures" by Callie Hutton
"The Color of Betrayal" by Kathy L. Wheeler
"Pirate's Proposal" by Diana Layne and
"Home" by Calisa Rhose

Share with me and my followers how you felt when you received your first contract? If you are self-published how did you feel when you saw that first cover? Share your experiences. I would love to start a thread on my blog about the feelings, fears, and faith involved in writing. In the meantime, keep writing . . .

Detail: Contracts and Moving Forward

0 End of Summer Potpourri

The Cavalier Hotel, Virginia Beach, VA

This summer has flown by and it has been full. Full of love mostly. Early in June I flew to Chesapeake, Virginia to spend almost eight weeks with my beautiful daughter-in-law, Sierra and two extremely special granddaughters, Rosalyn and Bailey. Living so far from those girls makes me so very sad at times. On August 5th by Sailor son, Bill, came home to his young family. He had been away serving on the USS Carl Vinson for 7 months. He is on shore duty for the remaining four years of his service. When he retires in 2014 he and his family are moving to Durant. I'll have both sons and their families in the same town I live in. That, dear friends, is an answered prayer and a dream come true.

While I was in Virginia I finally got to visit the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach. I wasn't able to stay as long as I wished. Maybe next time. The Cavalier is beautiful and historic. My desire to see it stemmed from the knowledge that Ernest Hemingway spent some time there. He wrote there. I think when I get the chance to return I'll take my laptop, my muse, and some money to sit in the bar and have a. drink with old Ernest. Can't you just imagine walking up those old steps and onto the marbled floors gleaming beneath crystal chandelier? Oriental rugs cushion tired feet. A large sunroom with white wicker furniture welcomes any person of any age. I must say my favorite area was probably an afterthought by the Cavalier designers. It is a very small library tucked into a corner. The shape is narrow and triangular. Dark mahogany shelves line the two walls. There is no room for a chair. The seclusion of the tiny space wraps visitors like a Pashmina shawl. Very nice.

When I returned home I took a day to attend a meeting of the Oklahoma RWA group in Oklahoma City. I had the honor and privilege of meeting several impressive writers. I felt welcomed and respected. An opportunity fell into my newbie lap within this group. Several members are writing a series of stories geared to The Wild Rose Press. I am writing a contemporary for the series. If my story is chosen /published I will jump and shout for days. At the very least I will learn a great deal. I'll keep you informed.

On a personal note I have to share the exciting news that my oldest son, Erick got married to a beautiful woman on September 3. So, I now have two sons, two daughters-in-law I call daughters, and two granddaughters.

Let the fall begin. Let my writing projects take off. Let my writing groups teach and nurture me. Let life continue with great happiness and opportunity.

I am adding several new links to the blog. Check them out when you have time. Until next time, writer friends, may the muse be with you.

Winona

Detail: End of Summer Potpourri