Authors

Most people must think authors have this mystical aura, like they are removed from the human race.

Truth is, we're just an odd lot of people!

There's nice authors, introverted authors, enthusiastic authors, and just about anything else you can think of in the world. People are people, after all.

I've met a mix of authors myself and been fortunate to meet some really awesome people. Laura Parker Castoro is a very funny lady - she lives in Arkansas, a state I resided in for five years. She was also wonderful enough to supply a blurb for my latest book.

I met Susan May Warren, from Minnesota, who writes Christian love stories and chick lit. She's just a super outgoing person who makes one feel comfortable right away. (She also has a daughter named Sarah!) Check out her website at - http://www.susanmaywarren.com/

Another amazing author is Susan Eileen Walker, who lives right here in North Carolina. She just released her fourth book! ( http://www.keenebooks.com/Dance/DancePage.asp ) Susan is one of those real, genuine souls that people can identify with and has an amazing story of overcoming. She and I have assisted one another with tips and I passed along Book IV of my series for her to read.

Guess I need to make sure I have a character named Susan in Book V!!

Cover Art

Here is the latest rendition of the cover art for Book IV:

From the Beach to the Mountains

I traveled to both ends of North Carolina this past weekend, from Morehead City at the beach to Hickory in the mountains. At each location, I met new authors and fans, and returned with several new marketing ideas. I also connected with a few fans, such as Doug Wolfe:

Doug owns Dee Gee's Gifts & Books in Morehead City, one of my favorite places to go! We've always wondered if we're related somewhere ...

This weekend are two more signings, including one in the Virginia mountains. I hope to catch up with friends in that area as well.

I enjoy these opportunities to travel and meet new people, and it's almost sad that the year will soon be ending. I will have a few appearances the beginning of next year and some speaking engagements, but the every weekend run will not begin again until Book IV is released.

So, until then, I'm enjoying the scenery!

Teens Read Too's website will be doing a 31 Days of Giving for December:

http://www.teensreadtoo.com/

I've got a gift basket ready for one of the lucky winners:

Everyone be sure to enter! Jennifer should have the information up shortly!

Cover for Book IV

Here is a very rough working draft of the cover for MIKE, Book V:

Teen Read Week

October 15th through the 21st is National Teen Read Week. Many libraries and schools will be holding events, so check your area. I will be at the Crystal Coast Book Festival this weekend, participating as a YA author.

And after another weekend of book store appearances, I am convinced of one thing - optimism DOES sell and people DO need hope! I will not compromise my values, morals or beliefs just to sell a few extra copies. There's enough salacious material in the world!

Work, roadwork, & interviews

Road work is tomorrow, as I venture to Richmond, VA and two appearances there.

Interview is next Tuesday with WTKF 107 FM, to promote the Crystal Coast Book Festival on the NC coast.

And work is HEATHER! She is an intricate character and a tough one to make likable! (As those who have read SARAH found out.)

Work is also the cover for MIKE. It is going to be breathtaking and quite a break from the other three covers!

Keep on spunkin'!

A New Opportunity

I sat down with another author today and planned out a seminar proposal for a local community college on the subject of publishing & marketing. This is something I have wanted to do for a very long time, but simply had my plate full with other things. I get questions on publishing every weekend when doing book signings (usually from someone who monopolizes my time and then does not buy a book!) so I feel a seminar on the subject is the next logical step! It is an avenue I will have to continue exploring.

Only fifteen more appearances this year - last one will be in Williamsburg the weekend before Christmas! I will continue with placement of my books in libraries through next spring and should complete the fifth book in the series by May. Still kicking around the idea of a sixth book, picking up with all ten main characters later down the road!

Winners & hotels

Atlanta / Greenville signings were fun, but the traffic always amazes me. Never seen seven lanes of cars simply stopped on the Interstate! Full moon Friday, too, which added to the excitement. I did get to meet September's Contest winner, Darlene:



Every venture is a success and this past weekend will reap great rewards.

Virginia this weekend.

At least it doesn't involve a hotel!!!

On to Atlanta

On the road again to Atlanta, GA.

Reader response for JAMES has been awesome - this character's troubling past seems to have captured the emotions. After some of the anger from James, hopefully readers will enjoy the calm demeanor of Mike when Book IV comes out next year.

Meanwhile, progress is still being made on Book V and Heather promises to be my toughest character yet. Book V will also represent the most research I have done for my characters. Special thanks to Cristy McKinney, coach of Clemson's girls basketball team, for providing insight into the world of college basketball. Also special thanks to my friend, Anthony Sturgess, for his open, honest answers in regards to the world the main male character occupies.

September's Winner

The first month of The Circle of Friends book giveaway contest was a big success - Darlene of Atlanta Georgia was our winner. She'll get a special treat, as I will be able to deliver her book in person this Friday in Atlanta at the Barnes & Noble @ GT!

Still playing catchup from the long tour, but it was just so successful this time and met so many wonderful new people!

And got to hang out in so many cool places, like Savannah!

Success!

Thanks to all the fans and new friends I made on this year's Fall Southern Tour!! It was a tremendous success at every level.

Look for exciting new updates and pictures soon!