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If We Make it Home – Cover Reveal!
My new business cards arrived today with my book cover printed on one side. I think that means it’s time to let the world see the cover.
But first…A book blurb.
In college, they were as close as sisters, but in adult life, they’ve drifted so far they’ve become strangers. When the University of Northwest Oregon decides to close the house they called home for four years, Jenna, Ireland, and Vicky travel back and are reunited only to find their other roommate has passed away.
With regrets high, and the weight of their crumbling lives as motivation, the women embark on a survival week. When tragedy strikes, leaving them lost without a guide, they must face the wounds that tore them apart and work together if they have any hope of making it home.
If We Make it Home release September 26, 2017 from Kregel Publications
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What I’m Working On: Marketing and a New Book
This week, the marketing department from Kregel sent me a few pages of questions regarding my upcoming book. You may not realize that the publisher decides on both the title and the book’s cover. I have no problem admitting that I’m terrible with titles. In all the manuscripts I’ve written, there is only one with a title I’m really attached to and that I named completely by myself.
So, this is where we come to the point that The Lost may no longer be called The Lost. It’s kind of exciting. I feel like I’m about to get a great surprise. Of course, it’s also possible the book title will not change, and that’s good too. As you can see, I’m not real invested in this area.
The book cover is another thing. I’m fascinated by book covers. Some I love, and some I hate. There are few that don’t fall into one of these categories. More than any of my other stories, I’ve had a vision for what this cover would look like. But I’m not so great on the artistic design side. I’m even struggling to express the vision that’s so clear in my head. I’ve scrolled through hundreds of covers, and I’ve found a few to show as examples. I’ve also found quite a few books to add to my TBR (to-be-read) pile.
I have faith that the design Kregel decides on will be the right one. They’re professionals, and this is their area of expertise.
That brings me to the other things I’m doing.
I’ve replotted an older manuscript which I’m pulling together in it’s new, better form. This is a bit tedious, but I’m pleased with the new story.
I’m also planning for November and Nanowrimo. I’m so excited to be participating with thousands of other authors around the world. National Novel Writing Month brings professionals and hobby-writers together with the same goal, writing 50,000 words in the month of November. My goal will be something more like 70,000, but you get the point.
The new story has me exploring topics like driving under the influence, dementia, and life transitions under the worst of circumstances. I look forward to weaving these threads together.
Do you have any book covers you love? Please, post a picture in the comments area.
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Big News!
Time to Celebrate!
After waiting for what felt like eternity, I’m finally able to tell you the big news. I’ve signed a contract with Kregel Publications. They will be publishing my novel, The Lost.
Like just about every up and down in my writing career, this didn’t happen how I’d imagined it would.
A wonderful woman who’d been my mentor for about ten years passed away in early June. After the memorial service I wandered out to the field where our horse lives. Bella is good company even on days when I am not. As I was lovin’ on the horse, pondering the events of the day, my phone rang.
And it was my agent.
I answered, but of course, the connection was horrible and we couldn’t hear each other. Ugh!
She called again. Same thing.
Finally, on the third call, we’re able to communicate. When she told me Kregel wanted to offer me a contract, I was stunned. This news really took my emotions on a roller coaster ride. What a day!
As you can see, it’s now August. Turns out there are a lot of steps between being offered a contract and completing the process. Overall, it’s not a bad way to spend a summer.
In true writer-form, I think we should toast this occasion with…Coffee!
Or at least a coffee cup.
Recently, I discovered a company with unique and quality products. Tiffany and Jacob, of Camplight Apparel, believe in a positive message and giving back to the world. With each purchase from their online store, a donation is made to aid children in need. Camplight is currently donating to Harvest107, an organization working to build rooftop gardens for orphanages in Haiti.
To celebrate the new contract, I’m giving away one of the mugs shown above. All you have to do is be a subscriber. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re already entered. Drawing will take place on September 1, 2016 at 5:00pm pst.
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My View on the Farm
I’ve decided to write a series of blog posts about our life on the farm. Today I’m writing about the view.
I sat down at the table in our yard, a place I do much of my writing during the warm months, but today there were distractions.
The stench of smoke floated over the wide hedge of trees that separates our property from town. This morning an automotive business near us went up in flames and black smoke. I can still hear the hum of fire engines hours later, and our driveway will likely be blocked off for the rest of the day.
My rooster, Howard, jumped onto the bench beside me. Yes, he has a chicken yard. He and the hens and the ducks also have many acres they can forage, but they think I’m the source of all treats, so when they see me, they come running. Mildred and Lucille, two of the hens, didn’t appreciate being ignored, so they pecked at my newly painted toenails.
And where is my trusty herding dog when I need help? She’s wandering with the chickens, as if poultry running around in the front yard is a totally normal and expected thing.
I can write with distraction. I started my first manuscript when I was homeschooling four young children. Back then I toted my laptop to every practice or event, making the most of the time spent waiting. I learned to write fast, and I developed the ability to set myself goals and reach them.
Even with this training, I sometimes get distracted, often by the view. After nearly nineteen years here, I’m still struck by the beauty of this place. Farmland stretches out in front of our yard. To the west, layers of blue mountains touch the sky.
For some people, this place would be horrifying. It’s rich with pollen. There’s an ever-growing list of needed repairs. Our 1898 farmhouse is chilly in the winter. The other day, the ducks actually sneaked into my kitchen! The dust…It’s endless. And sometimes, maybe often, farm animals break through their fences. Oh, and there’s the cougar.
But for me, this place is perfection. It’s where we’ve raised our kids and done life.
I love the view.
