Reflections on the year 2024
Looking Back With Humble Gratitude
As the year 2024 nears its finish, I want to pause and count my blessings both big and small. The big ones: my first and only grandson turns one . . .
My granddaughters reach teen and tween status . . . This is them in my favorite Halloween makeovers! My daughter/their mom was a makeup artist years before she worked her way up to a managerial position for L’Oréal.
And my baby book—my debut novel—launched at the end of March and has become an Amazon bestseller in American historical romance. When I was writing Elizabeth’s Mountain, never did I think that this would be among my blessings this year. In truth, I didn’t think past querying it. The journey of publishing and getting it out there is as overwhelming as it is awe-inspiring.
If you are one of my readers who took the time to post a review, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’ve learned so much from all of you. Every honest critique is a constructive critique.
There have been wonderful perks along the way. I’ve met some of the most interesting people - fellow authors, avid readers and casual readers, podcasters, my publisher - Reagan Rothe, and narrator - Deborah Kosnett. It’s opened up a whole new world. If you are a fellow author reading this, I have never appreciated you more! Your support and dedication to the literary world has given me numerous hours of entertainment. I love reading everyone’s books!
My wonderful narrator, Deborah Kosnett, who brought her wonderfully warm, smoky alto voice to my Elizabeth character . . .
A most enjoyable and informational Author fest in San Antonio with my publisher, Black Rose Writing . . .
My 50th high school reunion . . . who would have ever thunk it! (I’m standing in the back row wearing an olive green blazer among some very tall guys. Maybe I should have taken front row??)
My next book is in preorder status . . . Launch date: 2/13/25!
The way this story came about is quite different from my Elizabeth’s Mountain, which was sparked by a dream. Lunch Tales: Suellen is drawn from my personal experience in working at a major New Jersey law firm for several years where I met a lot of colorful characters and made life-long friends.
And the little blessings . . . I did say big and small, didn’t I? Honestly, I can’t distinguish since every one of them is truly meaningful.
Thanks for carving out some time for me in this busy world of ours and during the bustling holiday season. I appreciate you all.
Here’s to wishing you and yours warm and wonderful holiday memories.
Congratulations! I cannot wait for your next book to come out. :-).
Thank you for bringing Elizabeth to life!