"I'll march my band out, I'll beat my drum" - lyrics from Don't Rain on my Parade (Funny Girl)

I am one of those people who - happily or otherwise - is afflicted with the tendency to channel musicians inside my head.

Today's guest artist is the great Barbra Streisand, in her role as Fanny Brice.

One of the most difficult chores for me as a self-published novelist is marketing. Selling myself - more specifically, my work - to the world.

I grew up in an era and in a family in which modesty about one's accomplishments was the norm. Bragging or boasting was frowned upon. Blowing one's own horn, or beating one's own drum, was discourteous. It just wasn't done.

But to be a successful author - to actually sell my books to strangers - I had to learn to promote myself. To learn that it is okay to brag about my accomplishments.

Today, strange as it still feels, I am beating my own drum.


This juried award was bestowed in recognition of The Gold Dragon Caper, fourth of the Damien Dickens Mysteries.

I am grateful to the readers and writers who nominated me for this award, and to The Authors Show for sponsoring this annual competition.