It's celebration time! My mystery/light horror story, Sunshine Boulevard, was released one year ago today, March 1. What an exciting time for me.
Last year I experienced the joy of being published and the agony of wondering if anyone would like the story. The experience is similar to sending a daughter or son off to school. Mom is thrilled to have some time to herself, but worried how cruel the world will be to her "baby."
I think many authors feel their stories are their children, so the publishing process is like giving birth. Today I am celebrating my book's first birthday!
One benefit of publishing an e-book is it can have a chance to celebrate many birthdays. Booksellers will not remove it from the shelf after three months to make room for another book because there are infinite book shelves in cyberspace.
In my blog introduction I wrote, "Come along with me on a new adventure into the world of writing, publishing and selling." What an adventure it has been. This past year I learned about the publishing world, honed my writing skills, and made so many new friends.
I want to recognize and thank Lea Schizas, the editors, and cover artist Delilah Stephans at Muse It Up Publishing for shepherding me through this daunting, but exciting world of publishing. Karen McGrath, content editor on my book, is in my thoughts today. I'm sure she is red lining passive words and suggesting changes in the POV for stories written by Heaven's angels.
The generosity and support of editors and fellow authors overwhelmed me. That is not what one would expect in this world of thousands of books. Who knew instead of competitive attitudes and petty jealousies, the world of publishing includes so many thoughtful, kind people? Bringing my book to readers truly has been a journey, and I look forward to more challenges and adventures as I continue along this path.
I imagine you're wondering about winning a flamingo... Perhaps you are even asking, "Why a flamingo?" Take a look at the book cover for Sunshine Boulevard. Delilah Stephans, cover artist at Muse It Up Publishing, chose flamingos as the image to evoke Florida. Since my book takes place in the Sunshine State, I agreed it was the perfect design for the book cover.
Notice the flamingos are in a heart shape? Delilah decided that too because the main characters are Jim and Gloria Hart, snowbirds from Michigan.
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| Flamingos at Homosassa Springs State Park, Florida |
Oh, yeah, about winning the flamingo. You KNOW you want one. But you probably don't want the hassle of feeding, watering, clean-up, and walking the bird. So I have the perfect solution.
Just enter a comment to be eligible to win a flamingo...that is a flamingo pen. Now if you are a writer or not, I know you will cherish this unique pen. You will be the envy of your neighborhood, school, co-workers, family, and friends. I mean really, who else is going to have this one-of-a-kind writing utensil? Maybe in your comment you can tell us how you plan to use it. The winner will be chosen in a random drawing and announced on Sunday, March 4. Look at the picture below to see the prize.
Can't you just see yourself penning a best selling novel, writing out a note card, or sending off a postcard using this delightful creature?
Thanks for stopping in for the celebration. Help yourself to the delicious flamingo cookies and fresh strawberry punch. (Strawberry Festival time in Florida now!) Please note the flamingo napkins and lovely floral centerpiece with the big plastic pink flamingo in the center. While you are munching the cookies, be sure to take time to watch the Sunshine Boulevard video.
Big thanks to Cool Text for the Celebration graphic.
Sunshine Boulevard is available at
as well
as at many online booksellers.
