What I like in a good author is not what he says, but what he whispers. 

~Logan Pearsall Smith, “All Trivia,” Afterthoughts, 1931

Each day, I try and remember that writing is a process that takes time… time and patience. Time to develop the plot, time for the characters to “become” real ( always makes me think of the Velveteen Rabbit), and it definitely takes persistence, even when you get discouraged and want to quit altogether.  Also, it takes a spoonful of encouragement because even though we don’t want to admit it, we all need that little stroke on the back that says, “Hey, you’re doing a good job.”  At the end of each semester, I like to have my students critique my writing in a reader response essay. I make it clear that a good critique is not just saying, “I loved it!” Rather, how does the writing affect the reader, what feelings does it evoke, or how does it connect with their lives.  I’ve received some really great responses. It’s amazing the connections one can make to another’s story, and these are the responses I most appreciated. I did have one student who verbally gave me that pat on the back when he said that he wanted to learn to write like me; to paint the story with words. Sometimes this is just the “push” necessary to keep you inspired. I love to share info on my books, and I really appreciate it when others share my work with their friends and family. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend. Please be that brave soul who shares my books with someone.  Just say, I read a great book recently, and I think you would love it.

As a relatively unknown author, I know I have to utilize all the resources at my disposal. There are times it may seem uncomfortable to put myself out there, but I’ve found that once I open the conversation it usually develops into something special. For example, this past week I was out and about on a river cruise, and as I opened my purse to get out some cash to buy a couple of sodas, I noticed that I had a few promo cards in my purse. I thought for a few minutes, debating with myself as to whether or not I should disturb others on the cruise by handing them my info card on Ghost of Johanna. Finally, I decided nothing ventured, nothing gained. I walked around the upper deck of the boat, said hello, smiled, and passed out my seven promo cards. After a few minutes, my efforts were rewarded when several moms and daughters came over to talk to me and ask how they could order the book. I showed them my info on the card, and they were excited to find out I was actually the author. Several sales and a new booking resulted from an unexpected opportunity. One woman even said how exciting it was to meet someone famous. I had to stop and look around the deck to see who it was that she was talking about. Hopefully, each one of these folks will share with someone else, as well.

Another resource I love is social media. I say love because it is a great way to connect with people all around the world. I’ve “met” some really great friends this way. Social media is also a wondrous way for authors to connect to their readers. I’ve made friends and gained fans from around the world, including the Dominican Republic, Columbia, and El Salvador. From the US and Canada to to UK and Europe, and on to South America, Asia, and Australia, please know that I always appreciate your comments, critiques, and support!

I’ll say goodnight by sharing a few quotes to hopefully give you that little pat of encouragement that we need…

The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible.  ~Vladimir Nabakov

                       Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.  ~Anton Chekhov                                                                                                                                                                                                     Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.  ~William Wordsworth