Signed my book contract today!

After weeks of nervous waiting, my contract with Second Wind Publishing was ready to sign. As I put pen to the dotted line, memories of many lonely nights (before Vonnie) staring at a blank computer screen came to mind. It's been a long journey from concept to contract.

I would never have gotten to today without my agent, Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary. She edited my manuscript to the last period. Most importantly she believed in The Phantom Lady of Paris and kept pushing it until she found a publisher who believed in the Phantom Lady, too. Vonnie also played a large part with her encouragement and praise. As I wrote and rewrote, she brought cups of coffee and light lunches to me in the den, pressing a kiss on my forehead.

Now the business part of book promotion and sales begins. I'll need to schedule book signings and interviews and readings. With all the recent changes in the publishing industry, less monies are available for promoting unknown writers. Publishers have cut back their budgets; authors have become their own publicity agents. Believe me, I'm not looking forward to it. What I am looking forward to is holding that book in my hands. What a journey it's been.