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It’s almost done!! A new top has been placed; knobs are on the drawers; and it has been cleaned up. All that’s left is touch ups. So, you ask, what’s the big deal? Why’s it so special? I’ll tell you why–it belonged to my father.

Dad was proud of the office he had at home. After he couldn’t go to his store any more because of health reasons, he continued doing what he had always done–take care of the “books,” as he called them. He did the payroll (it was he and my brother), paid the bills, and kept track of everything. And he did it at that desk.

The desk was almost destroyed during a move and my nephew rescued it, and gave it to me. My husband has since gotten it in shape and I’ve set it up to use for my writing.

I think Dad would be pleased that I have his desk. I know that I’ll feel his presence next to me– and that he’ll be encouraging me to keep writing.

In a few hours 2018 will come to an end. It has been a mixture of emotions for me, as for many. My husband and I traveled to Connecticut and Boston. And a trip that will always be special in my heart was to Chicago in September to visit my uncle. The time spent with him and Paula was special but turned out to be bittersweet, as my uncle passed away in October. I will always treasure the special times of the visit. His death leaves an emptiness in my life.

My oldest granddaughter graduated from high school in June and in November she completed the EMS program, ready to go on to paramedic classes–following in her dad’s footsteps. I am finishing 2018 feeling good about my writing.

I have finished writing the first half of my novel–the sequel to “When Shadows Linger.” The promotions have gone very well. With the support of a wonderful manager at the local Hallmark store, as a vendor I have had some book signings and sold several copies of the novel. It’s definitely a feeling of accomplishment and success!! And I have improved my social media skills–another accomplishment. Disappointments? Of course I’ve had some–who hasn’t? But I just keep on pushing myself and focusing on the accomplishments.

So, here’s to another year–I hope it is a Happy and Healthy one for everyone. And may we all accomplish whatever we set out to do.

I’ve been plugging away on my sequel to “When Shadows Linger.” I write, edit, decide to change a character’s name, decide to change the story line, etc. In other words, it’s coming along.

As I continue to write the sequel, work on short stories, muddle my way through social media, and do book events, I realize how much I’ve grown with my writing.

Here’s a sneak preview of the book cover for my new novel, “The Primrose Garden.” The cover is also a work in progress.  Check in for updates on the progress.

It’s almost done!! A new top has been placed; knobs are on the drawers; and it has been cleaned up. All that’s left is touch ups. So, you ask, what’s the big deal? Why’s it so special? I’ll tell you why–it belonged to my father.

Dad was proud of the office he had at home. After he couldn’t go to his store any more because of health reasons, he continued doing what he had always done–take care of the “books,” as he called them. He did the payroll (it was he and my brother), paid the bills, and kept track of everything. And he did it at that desk.

The desk was almost destroyed during a move and my nephew rescued it, and gave it to me. My husband has since gotten it in shape and I’ve set it up to use for my writing.

I think Dad would be pleased that I have his desk. I know that I’ll feel his presence next to me– and that he’ll be encouraging me to keep writing.

I remember (barely) when I was little and I wanted to be a grown up. The time dragged by. But now, that I’m “older” there are days that I wish it would slow down. I can’t believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone; Hanukah and Christmas are right around the corner. But that’s nothing–when I stop and realize that tomorrow is my forty-eighth wedding anniversary–I don’t know what to think. How did that happen? The children are grown–mostly with their own children. We are both retired from our professions. How did the time pass by so quickly?

But, I tell myself, it’s a good thing. Like all marriages, we’ve had a lot of ups and downs. And like I’ve told clients in the past–relationships of any kind take a lot of work. And in this case–it has been a relationship worth working for.

As you can see, I enjoyed the book event. Everything had been set up by the time I arrived at the store. I had printed a flyer with some of my background information and with information about some articles and stories that I have had published. I walked around the store and introduced myself to customers, telling them about my book and handing them a flyer. In the end, I sold five novels and gave away a copy of my novelette with it. For a first event, I think it went very well. And I have to add–the staff at Hallmark was wonderful. I really appreciate their help and support.

I became a vendor by talking to the manager in my local store. He initiated the process and the company approved me. It is a nice way to promote yourself in your area–people like local authors. Good luck!!

Today is my first book event and I’m excited and even a little nervous. After all, will people actually “talk” to me? Will they buy my novel?

I became an approved Hallmark vendor several months ago and a couple of books have been sold. So the manager was wonderful to allow me to do an event in my local store. As with all of the marketing, it is a challenge that I hope will be successful. I will also be giving away some copies of my historical novelette so that I can “get it out there.”

Keep your fingers crossed–I”ll post this evening and tell you the results and how I became a vendor with Hallmark. And oh yes–I’ll even tell you everything that happens today.