Okay, I have been nominated for, and won by a landslide, the worst blogger ever!  It’s true. Great intentions but apparently no focus whatsoever. I do not make New Year’s Resolutions as a rule, but this year, I do.  I AM going to update this blog at least once weekly and pray for a following!

Initially, being all full of myself at having had my novel published, my flawed but good intentions were to aide and assist in any way I could, newbie writers who are trying to carefully get through the sticky business of getting a novel published.  Thank God I have been lazy in my blogging!

Don’t get me wrong. Any questions new authors may have, IF I can answer them, I will more than gladly do so.  I have been/am somewhat timid about approaching “real” authors and asking for advice and directions. So I ever so humbly thought, “Well, I’ll just share what I know and they won’t have to ask.”  Truthfully I have found “real” authors play their cards pretty close to their chests, so when I have gotten up the nerve to ask, I really haven’t gleaned, or been given, much information. Some great information I thought I had…well, turns out it may or may not be true. Then, I ran into a “real” author in the bookstore. In the most honest, generous act of humanity, she reminded me that I AM published and that I AM an author.  How wonderful. She also shared some business secrets with me, that once I am sure I fully understand them, I will share with you. I’m inviting her for dinner once the holidays are over.

What I HAVE learned over the last six weeks is YES, if you are a full time, professional writer, you CAN make a living writing.  These are the writers that we either don’t see or don’t understand what they do when they say, “I am a writer.” The writers, most also most published authors, write for magazines, newspapers, blogs, teach school, do whatever they have to do to, but not in the bad way that sounds. They love being in front of the computer all day, most days I suppose,  and WRITING, the career they chose, makes them a living.  I am an upstart who intends to make a living from writing. A living may be a stretch, but I plan on authoring several more books and will hopefully show a profit and entertain some of you in the process.  I write because I love to write, not for money. I finished a novel entertaining an elderly friend, not for money. I am working my ass off trying to get this book in stores, get readings and book signings, learn things I don’t want to know about social media.  Why?  Not money. I so hope my first novel finds its own wings and legs and storms through the land, shocking and entertaining you. Not for money, but for “it”.  Kind of like hoping your child does well out in the world, on their own. Weird, right?

I was honored to have launched my book at the University of West Alabama with a reading and book signing. I was nervous but it went well.  I cannot thank Christin, the Dean, Dr. Taylor and all, enough for that opportunity.

My second big reading and book signing was December 12 at the Page & Palette, our local and wonderful bookstore here in Fairhope. Thanks to a large family, a lot of wonderful friends, and even a few strangers, the event was well attended and 47 books were sold, 2 more ordered.!!!  I do not know if she was just being kind or not, but the the hostess at the Page & Palette said that it was good for a book signing. I choose to believe her.

The holidays have been nearly perfect, though extremely busy and I turned 65 yesterday! How did I get to be 65?

Today, the most wonderful thing happened. I was in the local art supply store in Mobile and asked for a print out of this years purchases for you know who, the IRS. When I wrote my name down, the lovely, nay beautiful and extremely intelligent, young woman looked up and said, “I’m reading your book! I Love it. I love the story and your writing style. I have two more pages to go but do not want it to end!”  Yes, I almost cried.  Then, she asked for a picture…with ME!  Really? How fun is this?

Until next week, if not sooner……Faith, the grate, published “author”.