What to Write Now?

Just a few weeks ago, I took the plunge and published my first full-length novel, Hope for Joy.  I now have the dilemma of looking through my other un-published works and deciding what comes next.  Hope for Joy, while fiction, is a look into the challenges people face in domestic violence situations.  My main focus as a writer is to showcase different struggles that people go through and how they triumph with God's help.  In fact, at least one or two characters from Hope for Joy will resurface with completely different life-issues to deal with in future works.  However, I am not only a writer but a reader and as such, I enjoy reading "light reads" or "beach reads" too.  I need a break sometimes from the heavier topics...and I think that is what my next project for readers will be.  I have a partially completed novel, The Inheritance Inn, that looks promising as my next offering.  Stay tuned for more updates!

Free for April 25th

I just wanted to share that the Kindle edition of Hope for Joy is free for Wednesday, April 25th.  Thanks!

Hope for Joy on Amazon

Hope for Joy: Available in Paperback!

Buy Paperback on Amazon

Buy Paperback on CreateSpace

Hope for Joy is now available as a paperback!  I'm making every effort to have my first novel available in as many formats as possible.  Readers have two choices available for this edition:  buy on Amazon or on CreateSpace.  As always, you continue to have the choice to also buy the eBook for Kindle or Kindle reader app here:  Buy Kindle Version on Amazon

Thank You, Readers for your continued support and I look forward to sharing more with you soon!

My Proof Is Here!

Okay, there is just something about getting an actual, physical, hardcopy proof of my book that makes me smile!  CreateSpace did a wonderful job and the layout, cover, and quality are great!  But it does teach me one thing about the necessity of ordering proofs.  At first glance, everything was perfect, and there were no need for changes.  But I took a second look at my Copyright page, where I had typed my ISBN numbers.  One tiny typo.  One number, one digit off.  The barcode on the cover was correct, because CreateSpace automatically fills that in from the system. But my hand-typed number on the inside was off.  So I had to make a teensy change and re-upload the file.  Now I will hear back in 48 hours that it is available to re-proof although I think I can skip the step the second time around.  I'm "thismuch" closer to a print edition, and I'm ready.

New Cover!

Hope for Joy can now be found with a new cover!

When I originally created the sunflower cover, I loved the image  but the cover didn't connect with the story as much as I'd like.  I had toyed with the idea of using a royalty free image of a young woman to include in the cover, but was nervous.  However, after feeling disappointed in the appearance of my books versus the more professional looking self-published books, I changed my mind.  I contacted the photographer and told her I was using the image in my book, and how did she wish to be attributed.  Her name is Anita Peppers.  

Here's the new cover for the eBook edition.  What do you think?

A Learning Process

Self-publishing is a learning process.  My first step in distributing Hope for Joy was to prepare it for the eBook market, specifically for Amazon Kindle.  Working through the formatting was tedious, but now that I have done it once, it should be easier in the future.  Should be.  Today I am working on getting my book formatted for print at CreateSpace, which is a completely different set of requirements.  Unlike the digital edition which I was able to instantly check along the way, I will need a bit more patience with print.  I am going to order a proof, make any changes and then it will be time to hit send.  However, all of this work is worth it to me so that I can make my book available in as many formats as possible.  Even though many people prefer to read digitally these days, there are still quite a few who want to hold a tangible book in their hands.  I can understand that.  No matter the format, I'm appreciative for all of my readers.

Why Domestic Violence?

Why indeed. 

Why does domestic violence even have to exist?  I chose it as the subject matter of my first full-length novel because there have been some family members and friends affected by it and I wanted to somehow share their stories.  To me it is important for others to read about this subject, even in fiction, in order to learn that it does exist, it does hurt, but that help is available!  After the bruises fade, the emotional scars can last a lifetime. The children of violent households learn from the violence, and it can be an unending cycle of abuse in families.  It doesn't have to be, however.  It takes strength, courage and God's help to get through the pain and make it to safety.  Time.  The support of others.  Please, I encourage you; if you or someone you know is affected by abuse of any kind, get help.  It is not your fault!  There are many resources ready to assist.  Don't go another minute without seeking assistance.  You are loved.

Matthew 10:30-32

King James Version (KJV)

 ³⁰But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
 ³¹Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
 ³²Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

*A note about my book:  although it is about abuse, I have tried my best to keep the writing as light as possible.  There is very minimal references and most of it is implied rather than "visible" in the book.  I know that this is a difficult subject matter, so I tried my best to keep a balance in the writing.  The book is inspirational, which does mean that there are triumphs...just keep reading!  Thank You!

New Beginnings

Greetings Readers!

Yesterday began the next phase in a journey that has lasted for years.  I've enjoyed writing for years but up until now have only published a few small pieces...a short story Gemma's Box, a devotional and a few other things.  Hope for Joy is my first full-length work, and I have finally gotten it ready via Amazon Direct Publishing for Kindle.  Gotta start somewhere, right?  I hope to make it available in paperback form soon, as well as in other digital formats.  For those who would like to read it now, but don't have Kindles, you can download a free Kindle Reader application from Amazon for your Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone and a few others.  Thank you for visiting my blog and happy reading!