Sipping my wine, I find myself smiling. Things didn't go exactly according to plan; they seldom do. But it was a good year nonetheless. I finished my Texas Boys Falling Fast series with NOT WITHOUT NANCY. I've had a few requests to write Sam Bright's story. He's the bartender friend throughout all four books. I'm seriously considering breathing life into Sam and adding book #5 to the series. I have a tiny seed of an idea planted in my brain for his story. We'll see if it sprouts.
(Cover art for books by Tugboat Design - 4 book graphic by Lisette Brodey)
This year I took a risk with my first women's fiction story: NO SWEAT PANTS ALLOWED - WINE CLUB. It got mixed reviews. Some readers could relate to the 4 women in the book - Elaina, Tawny, Grace, and Steph. Others thought their moving in together to deal with their new circumstances (finding themselves in their 40's and suddenly single), was a bit unrealistic. I'm proud of this book. It made me laugh a lot while writing it. There were some heart-wrenching moments as well. The title may sound a little off-putting, but for those who haven't read the story, you might change your opinion when you realize how the title came to be.
(Cover art for book by Tugboat Design - Graphic with corks by Lisette Brodey)
I was asked early in the year to be part of the Magical Weddings boxset. It was a great experience. I met some sweet authors and had fun writing my part of the set - LOVING LINDY.
(Cover art for Loving Lindy was by Tugboat Design)
At the end of July, I attended my first writer's conference in four years - Indie Book Fest in Orlando. I'm not going to lie, I was a little nervous. I didn't know any of the authors. I'd said an occasional hello or commented on some of their posts on the IBF Facebook page. To my joy, everyone at the conference was so welcoming and sweet. I learned a lot while there, stepped out of my comfort zone, and made some great friends. I'm attending again in 2016.
Speaking of stepping out of my comfort zone, I did something new regarding book signings - I sought a new venue in craft and vendor fairs. As it was my first time, I wasn't sure what to expect (i.e. how much traffic would come through, would folks actually stop and talk and be interested in my books, etc.). I'm happy to report that the 4 fairs I took part in was a complete success!! I met some terrific people, signed a lot of books, and realized how many local folks love to read and discuss books!!
I'm happy to share that I finished writing WILD GOOSE CHASE in November and signed a contract with The Wild Rose Press for it to be published sometime in 2016. I've had a peek of the cover art but I have to keep it under wraps until a later date.
2015 wasn't all rainbows and roses, but mostly, it was incredible!
I want to extend a great big THANK YOU to my family, friends, neighbors, everyone I've met on Facebook and Twitter and at book signings. I'm glad you're a part of my life!! ♥
May 2016 be filled with peace and love for all of us!!
