Big Sigh Of Relief!

Currently Reading:  Print:  I'm almost finished with Desperation Point.  The majority of this book takes place in the Arctic, and as one who hates cold, I can't fathom being forced to spend days on a glacier and dodging bullets as well as the elements.  So yeah, I have to read this one in spurts, since the description makes me want to huddle in front of a roaring fire!  And like the other two Dan Brown books I've read, when do these characters get a chance to use the rest room?  Or even eat?

E-book:  Loved Liz Crowe's Sweat Equity, even though I'd forgotten some of the story line of Floor Time.  Recommended Read:)  And now I'm on Closing Costs....and yelling at the characters to 'get over themselves' and 'act adult'.  This is a wonderful, soap opera-kind of series where characters get together, break up, realize they're still in love, get back together, fight, make up, move on, etc.  But now in CC, a Life Changing Moment is happening.  I won't give it away, but it's time for the characters to grow up and act like adults, instead of being stuck in adolescence.  Liz has lots of fans, so if you'd like to try a not-your-typical-HEA, then pick up these books:)



It's no secret I suffer from self-doubt.  Even though I've been doing the publishing thing now for ten years, I've only been doing it with REAL publishing companies for four.  And so when a publishing deadline looms, then passes by without any word from my editor, the following dialogue ran through my head.

"Maybe they aren't going to publish it.  You had to defend your main character three times during the last round of edits; maybe she turned it over to the head editor because you're too hard to work with."

"Maybe the head editor and publisher are trying to find a kind way to tell you this book sucks, and they're pulling your contract."

"Maybe you should give up and work on something else.  You have how many other wips begging to be written?"

And on and on it went.  I was afraid to send out an email, in case my fears were confirmed by a reply, giving a voice to one of the above.  I did a lot of reading; I tried to calm down-after all, I have had people say they enjoy my books-and concentrate on family stuff.  But in the back of my mind, there was always this doubt.

And the weather didn't help.  It snowed.  The day the spouse and I were to enjoy a day to ourselves up in Indianapolis, the youngling's school was cancelled, and we ended up taking him with us.  Thankfully, he behaved himself, and the three of us had a good time.  But I was angry, depressed, and tried not to show it too much.  I was mad at circumstances beyond my control.

And getting online didn't help, for many of my friends were touting their new releases.  I was supportive, but slightly irritated when a submissions editor treated me like a newbie.  Calm down; she has how many submissions per day?  Breathe....

Over the weekend, I indulged myself and stayed in my pj's until 5pm, watching my DVR'd shows.  And on Sunday, when we had to move the clocks forward, it was as if my attitude shifted also.  Plus the familar story of the Prodigal Son at church bolstered my spirits.  I sent up a prayer that whatever happened was in His Hands, and I would accept it.

I decided before going to bed that night to check my email 'one more time'.  And there, lo and behold, was my Proof Copy.  I opened it up, and there at the top was a comment:  "Very Well Written Story'   I was so happy, and so relieved, I almost cried.  I desperately needed that affirmation, and it was as if a huge weight had lifted from my shoulders.

Despite my issues with getting up an hour earlier than my body clock claims, I had a pretty good day yesterday, making minor changes to my MS, emailing back and forth to my editor, and even have a new release date of this Friday, March 15th.  Which means tomorrow I'll post the Scavenger Hunt.  Instead of having a week-long contest, I'll leave it up for two days, then pick a winner when I get home from the Author Fair this weekend.  I'll tell you more about it tomorrow.