Happy New Year

 

2024 is here. Time to reflect on last year and set some goals for next year.

In my second year of retirement, it was challenging to carve out writing time, but scheduling writing days with writer-friend Laura has helped a lot. I finished the first draft of Periphery, got it out and back from beta readers, and I am making great progress with the final draft. The sneak peak of the cover art came in just before the new year, and that is so exciting! Kudos to Erin Ruffino, and now it gets handed off to Aaron La Porta for cover design while Erin works on the map for the inside.

I had three very successful author signings, two with the Dollars for Scholars event at Sweet Home High School and one with the Buffalo Historical Society.

I joined Buffalo Niagara Children's Writers and Illustrators and have attended most of their meetings. I am still meeting monthly with my writer's group. And I attended an inspirational writers' retreat in Rochester this summer.

So, overall, I call it a successful year. Although the initial plan was to have Periphery out in 2023, I think it will be a better read for the time spent crafting it.

So, what are the goals for 2024? First and foremost, get Periphery into the hands of readers. After that, a sequel to Periphery might take over, although I did start working on a ballet story for middle grades while my manuscript was with beta readers. I also have a short story in the works, which I think I might try to get entered into some contests. I would also like to add a couple more signings to the schedule this year. 

Here's to 2024 and staying focused!

Book Event

My first book event of the season is happening on Saturday October 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sweet Home High School in Amherst, NY. It's great to get the holiday season underway. And it is always such a pleasure to help support the Sweet Home Dollars for Scholars program. This is a craft show with a wonderful variety of vendors. Truly something for everyone. It takes up the entire gymnasium and cafeteria. There are also sales in the lobby.

At every festival or craft show, vendors pay a table rental fee. But I love this event because the table fee goes to the scholarship program for the kids. I get to sign and sell books. Kids get money for college. It's a real win-win!

See you there!

Thank You!

Yesterday at Sweet Home High School was a wonderful day, and I thank everyone who came out to make it so! Thank you to everyone who went home with a copy of Relic or Eye of the Peacock. I hope you enjoy them.

While people shopped and helped to support the Dollars for Scholars fund, I was able to talk with so many great folks, including one young man, who was interested in writing and publishing. I hope he visits this blog to take advantage of the tips here. That goes for anyone, of course. And if you ever have a question or are confused, please add it to the comments and I will make sure it gets addressed!

I also was given the possible future opportunity to speak with a book group, and I hope that comes to fruition. I love talking about the writing process and my characters.

And a special thank you to friends who came out and offered their support. Tina and Giselle (with a special companion) from the Ken-Ton Writer's project -- what would I do without your input into my writing and your smiles that make the day full of sunshine -- even when it is pouring outside!

A thank you as well to the friendly vendors around me. It truly was a great way to spend a Saturday!

Next Sale and Signing!

Excited to let you know I will be at the Sweet Home Schools Dollars for Scholars
Spring Craft Show Saturday March 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. signing and selling copies of Relic and Eye of the Peacock. The school is located at 1901 Sweet Home Road, Amherst, NY.

Admission to the event is $2 per person, and all proceeds, including the vender's table fees, go to the scholarship fund. I can't think of a better reason to shop spring crafts than to benefit kids going to college!

The show will be throughout the gym and the cafeteria. Lunch and snack items will be for sale in the refreshment area. There will also be a spring basket raffle hosted by the PTSA.

I look forward to seeing you there!