My thoughts

My Cover is finished!

2006-05-13T20:33:00.000-03:00

Well, the publisher notified me to say they accepted my cover design. Thankfully, they embellished it with some lovely font and the back is formated lovely. I was also informed that my release date is scheduled for July 15, 2006. I am so excited and look forward to the arrival of my book! How exciting!!! Now is the time to get to work, which I plan to do now.
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Take care and God Bless.

Another day goes by...

2006-05-05T14:56:00.000-03:00

Today has been a quiet day. Rob is about to head off to work soon and is taking a small nap on the couch. He is cute when he sleeps. :)

It has been a long week of interviews and articles on the book. Note picture to the right. It was an article in the newspaper. I am happy for the break. I have been working on my book's promotional items. I hope to hear from my publisher soon, so I can add the picture of my book to the promotional items I have. My book is in the final stages. It is in cover design. It sounds a bit selfish, but I do hope they chose the picture I took of the Parrsboro's Cove. Since the book is about our area, it just makes sense the picture I took. Plus, the picture is lovely. However, the publisher knows best and I know they will do the best for the book. All the covers I have seen look wonderful.

Well, I am getting off to get some work done.

Take care and God bless.

2006-04-26T15:29:00.000-03:00

Today I spent the day working on all my bookmark, brochures and media packages. Most are done, but I am waiting on the cover to be done to do any more. I worked on the office and got it all organized and looking clean. I'm strange, but I just can't work well in a dirty room. Rob calls me obsessive compulsive. I just think like things nice which makes me feel great and my work look great. I must say this hobbling around is slowing me down. My foot is healing and every shade of fuchsia and purple. This is not the time to have hurt my foot. GRR
I haven't heard anything about the book lately. Well, to be honest it was just last week that I sent the proofs in. The inside of the book is finished, and the cover is being worked on! WOW. The press release went out last week too. Everything is going so fast, it is nice for a small breather. Once the cover is finished, I should get a release date. That would be fantastic!! Then, I can properly promote the book.
Well, I am going to rest a while while the hubby takes a nap. It is such a quiet day today.
Take care and God Bless!

2006-04-13T22:42:00.000-03:00

Well, the grandkids are coming to visit for Easter. I can't wait to see them. I am putting my book aside and all my marketing material away for an entire week. I plan on being simply, grammy. I have their room all ready, Easter baskets done and all ready to go. We just need to decorate eggs and make a lovely dinner. It should be a lovely time. I spent all day getting things ready and I am very tired.

Take care and God Bless
Happy Easter to all!!

Donna

2006-04-10T17:00:00.000-03:00

Things have really moved along. Today I got word from my publisher. I had to fill out some questions for the press release. How exciting! I sent in my final edited copy of my manuscript. I should be getting my proofs soon. Not much later, my cover will go to design. I should see my book in print in a couple months. I am currently working on some much needed marking and promotional items. Plus, my new book! I am hitting my 5th chapter. I am excited about my new story. My first novel! WOW. This is an amazing time in my life. Back to work!
Take care and God Bless.

2006-03-30T18:54:00.000-04:00

Well, today I got word that my book is ready to go to production. How exciting!!! This is a lot faster than I first thought. I am hoping to get some promotional items made before the book goes to print. As it looks, a date will be set soon for the release. Wow, it is so hard to believe that 5 months ago, I sent my book to the publishers. I am nervous and excited at the same time. Hopefully, I will be better prepared when the book comes out to do book signing, and check out new places to take my book. So much to do, so little time. haha I have to get my novel finished soon too!!

Take care, and God Bless.

2006-03-29T09:42:00.000-04:00

Today is as beautiful a morning as yesterday. It is barely 9:30am and the gulls are busy soaring through the sky rushing through the neighborhood. Spring seems more real now as I watch a young gal riding her bike to school. There are still little remnants of the winter’s icy past left in corners of the yards; a reminder that we should cherish these warm days ahead. Life is back in Parrsboro too. With the warmth of the sun and chill near gone, people are again strolling up and down this enchanting town. Gone are the heavy winter jackets which are replaced with lightweight styles showcasing the Spring colors. The tuques, gloves, and winter boots are stored, but readily available in case of a threat winter’s devilish repeat. There is nothing as splendid as the witness of birth. Just walk out your doors this fine Spring morning, and capture our world’s beautiful new beginning. I really love Springtime!
Take car and God Bless

2006-03-24T20:38:00.000-04:00

The more the sun shines, the more I need to get started on my Spring cleaning. I have so much going on in my life, cleaning isn't topping my list. haha But, I am tickled that spring is coming. I am a bit tired of the snow. I am steadily working on my new novel and like how it is coming together. My book of poetry is in the editing stage, so I don't have to focus on it as much as I did before. Once it hits the graphic design for the cover, I am sure things will speed up quickly. Untill then, spring cleaning and getting my book together! haha Well, back to working on the book.

Take care and God Bless

The next step:

2006-03-21T13:40:00.000-04:00

A couple of days ago, I sent in all the requirements to the publisher to put the book properly together. Whoa, what a relief to get this far. I keep saying it, but it is a blessed experience! Next to this text is a picture of the area I live in. I am hoping the publisher my choose this picture for the cover of my book.
Now, I expect it to be a couple months of waiting. Thankfully I love writing so much, I am working toward another project. It helps to keep my mind busy when all I want to do is jump up and down excitedly shouting, " I did it!" My poor husband has been more than patient listening me talk about the book. He understands though. I listen to him about his work too.
I have begun writing a novel. I hope to have it finished within the year. I began this novel about 2 years ago and just lost my wind in midstream. I am finally getting back into it and hope to do a great job on it. Speaking of which...I should get back to it.

Take care and God Bless.

Today was a good day!

2006-03-12T17:31:00.000-04:00

I woke up in a great mood. I spent the day drawing and getting a few things done on the computer to organize it better. Sometimes even the computer needs to be cleaned! Later today, my grand daughter, Isabel, called me all by herself. It was a great feat for her since she is only 6. She spent an hour reading to me from her primer. It is such a wonderful thing to experience. I am so happy she loves reading.
Take care and God Bless

It's in the mail!

2006-03-06T20:04:00.000-04:00

I mailed my contract back today. It was so strangely exciting to mail the contract today. I am so nervous and excited about the journey ahead. I have one more drawing to do and final touches to the manuscript, but it will all be finalized soon. I am just relaxing and taking it all in. Part of me wants to jump up and down screaming and yelling, part wants to be alone on the beach. The cool winter's day forces me to stay indoors. My daily chores keep me from getting overly excited. I plan on doing some writing and drawing over the next couple days, to keep my mind clear. Breathe, wait, and leave it in God's hands.

Take care and God Bless!

Contract signed and ready to go!

2006-03-05T11:15:00.000-04:00

I signed my contract, and will be mailing it tomorrow. There is so much to do now. I am finishing up my website, getting on author's sites and making sure that my site is easily found by getting it on google. There is so much to consider when getting the marketing done, news to papers and creating bookmarkers, postcards and such. I can see a lot of waiting between moments of excitement. This is an experience I want to embrace. What a special time this will be.
Take care and God Bless.

WTG, the contract is here!

2006-03-03T21:26:00.000-04:00

Well, I just got my contract, and my book will be published soon. This is so surreal! If anyone had asked me a year ago if I would ever publish a book, I would laugh and say, "I wish!" This is so incredible. I am working on some artwork to add in the book, but the book is good to go! I mail the contract Monday. I am so excited I may not be able to fall asleep! wow

Take care and God Bless!

The ride begins!

2006-02-24T17:57:00.000-04:00

I spent this morning at the Physiotherapist's office. I have tendonitis in my left elbow from an old injury and all this writing has aggravated it. It is well worth it though! Yesterday, I received a letter from the Publisher asking for information to put an announcement in the local paper stating I was signing up with them. This has been a surreal experience for me. I feel like a dream is finally becoming a reality. I am so honored that a Publisher has enough faith in me to publish my book.
I current hopes is that they will allow me to add the artwork I am working on to add within the book. I believe it will enhance the whole package. I have been working on several drawings to add and have them all nearly done, that is if I will stop redoing them. There is so much going on, I do hope all works out great. This is a wonderful experience I do not wish to miss.
I have dinner on the go, and intend on doing some more writing later tonight.
Take care and God Bless.

I've been drawing all day!

2006-02-21T21:30:00.000-04:00

I have spent the day working on some drawings I would like added inside my book. I have 6 , one for each chapter heading and 1 for the first inside page. I have no idea if the publisher will allow me to add the pictures, but I am getting them ready just in case. I am also working on some artwork for the kids books and working a little on my website. I seem like I am just working all over the place, but this allows me to have some variety in my work. This has been so much fun! This has really filled a lot of voids in my life. I look forward to the entire process and being an active part in it. This is so much fun!
Take care and God Bless!

Today has been a fun day!

2006-02-20T15:26:00.000-04:00

I have been spending the day watching the Winter Olympics with my husband and working on my website. There are so many things to do. I wanted to work up in the office, but it has been a bit chilly today which makes the upstairs brrr cold! I keep the door closed to keep my 2 cats out of there, and it says a little chilly. If I didn't close the door, I would have little kitten prints all over my drawings. haha It was a nice day thought, watching and cheering on the USA and Canadian teams. They are doing great in the Winter games. All that watching and I still got a lot done on the website. I am waiting to hear from the Publisher to see if the contracts were sent but don't expect to hear from them today since it is a holiday. Hopefully, I will hear soon. I imagine the contract will be a long time in the mail too, since it has to be sent from the US. The wait is fine though. I am so excited about being accepted that I can handle anything. Well, back to the games.
Take care and God Bless.

Wow, what a day it has been!!

2006-02-17T21:38:00.000-04:00

I spent the day contacting loads of family and friends to let them know my book was accepted for publishing. I have had a blast the last couple days . It was great! I am so excited and so nervous too. I look forward to this new avenue in my life.
Take care and God Bless!!

Only one word comes to mind. YEEHAW!

2006-02-16T19:00:00.000-04:00

Today I received an email from the publisher offering to publish my book. I was excited, tearful, nervous, numb, you name it. I have to say, I am very excited about the idea of having my poetry published. It is such an honor to be accepted as a writer. I am a bit nervous as I enter the whole process. I will be facing many decisions and choices about cover art, style of type, editing, marketing, promotion and more. I am putting together the website and my media package. I am also planning on creating bookmarks, door hangers, business cards, posters and flyers. This is going to be a unique journey for me. I am still working on a couple illustrated children's books. I am hoping those turn out as positive. This is a new day. I hope the beginning of a great year!
Take care and God Bless. :)

What a relief!

2006-02-13T12:19:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been a few days since I have made an entry. Life often gets in the way of what we love most. A lot has happened since my last post. Firstly, I sent an e-mail to the publishers to see if my manuscript had actually arrived and low and behold, it hadn't! After a couple months of waiting, I must say I was pretty happy to hear that it was merely a technical error that was the reason I hadn't heard anything. This I could fix! I resent a letter to them and requested that, even though it was unconventional to ask, could they please send me a simple reply letting me know the manuscript actually got there. Well, today I received just that! They not only allowed me to resubmit my manuscript, but were so nice to drop me a note to let me know it arrived safely and I would hear within a week regarding my manuscript's status. How wonderful! Gosh, a publisher who honestly cares about the writer. What a blessing! I am excited, nervous and very uplifted! Did I mention nervous? I believe reality is sinking in. It is one thing to write a journal or post online your favorite poem, but to put your thoughts together on paper, bind them and not only want people to buy it, but hope the contents are a work you are proud of. I want to be proud of every word/message on my manuscript. I hope I did myself proud!
Well, I will be writing soon. It appears that this waiting game is about to take a turn.
Take care and God Bless

2006-01-17T10:56:00.000-04:00

Well, I am a bit dishearten to see yet another week is nearly gone and no word from a publisher. I am trying to be patient, but it seems never ending. However, this gives me some time to work on some writing and drawing I want to do. I am have put some off, but I have loads of free time if I would just use it better. I am putting together a schedule for myself to get me organized and hopefully help me become more productive. Without a definitive plan, I can easily waste away the hours each day. I am going to take advantage of a nice snowy day, and go upstairs and do some work.
Take care and God Bless

Today has been a busy day.

2006-01-12T21:31:00.000-04:00

I have been working on my website, writing poetry and working on my book. Gosh, the days seem to be dragging without any encouraging words from a publisher. However, there haven't been any discouraging ones either. haha Good things to think about. :)
I really didn't expect to hear anything by this time, but it would be nice to hear anyway! haha I'm sure this lesson is patience will prove valuable later.
Well, I am off to do more writing.
Take care and God bless!

2006-01-09T14:58:00.000-04:00

I am taking the opportunity to be artistic and work a bit on my website so that it is ready for when my manuscript is accepted. I feel strongly that it WILL be accepted. Ok, I am very hopeful and want to be ready. I have contacted a couple people who I feel have a great track record and loads of knowledge to give me some useful guidelines toward creating a good marketing plan for the book I hope to see in print soon. As soon as I find out it is accepted, I plan on putting getting everything ready. In the meantime, a low cost, easy thing for me to do is get the website together, and re-edit my manuscript. I want it completely ready to be published. I am having others look at it too, in hopes there are no errors before publication. My first choice in publishing is publishing. I have heard many good and bad things about the company; however, with the amount of people they handle, I feel they are doing a great job. I hope to hear soon, but again, I am waiting! Hopefully, I will know within the month.
Take Care and God Bless!

One week into January and still waiting:

2006-01-07T19:53:00.000-04:00

The more I wait the older I feel. haha Oh well, it just another important step in the process of getting published. In the meantime, I am continuing to write and get loads done. I am sure when I finally get the news of acceptance I will be busy with promotion and book signing. I must say I will be excited when that happens. I don't want to be a one book wonder, so I am working on my next book. I realize there is always the possibility of not getting published at all; but I know if it doesn’t happen, I will at least know I gave it my all. The thoughts of seeing my poetry bound together within a beautiful cover is a dream I wish to see come true. We shall see...after a lot more waiting.
God Bless :)

Another day...

2006-01-04T19:48:00.000-04:00

It may be another day of waiting, but I seem to be handling it okay. Although I really want to hear from the publishers, I have so much possitive that I am doing today. I am working on a new story and have written a couple new poems. Also, I have done some much needed cleaning tidying up. I must be getting the spring cleaning bug early. :) It has been a great day. I hope for many more of these while I wait to hear.
Take Care and God Bless. :)

Another day

2006-01-02T20:27:00.000-04:00

Today has been especially hard. I think, because the holidays are over and I am hoping I will hear something soon. I am still working on putting together more poetry for a second book and working on a short story. But, thoughts of the collection I already sent out to publishes keep my mind drifting. It's a strange feeling. But, my heart and soul is being displayed for someone else to decide if it is good enough or not. Scary thought! The waiting continues...:)
Take Care and God Bless. :)

One month and still no word.

2005-12-31T11:41:00.000-04:00

This waiting process seems far more difficult than the actual writing. Though that could be because I enjoy writing so much. I am as impatient about hearing from publishers, as I would be awaiting the arrival of a new baby. However, this is a great process to be part of and I remain very hopeful. In the meantime, I am working on a new project of poetry as well as a short story. :)
Take Care and God Bless. :)

Another day

2005-12-17T20:46:00.000-04:00

Thankfully, with the holidays upon me, I will be very busy. I have family coming and loads to do. The waiting continues, but it will be worth it in the end. Each day I get closer to hear the news.
Take Care and God Bless. :)

Waiting...

2005-12-16T13:03:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a very nice day. I spent the day Christmas shopping which was nice. It kept my mind off of my manuscript sitting in a pile with loads of other manuscripts. Writing is very important to me. I journal, write poetry, and send friends emails all day long. Becoming published is a dream I do hope will come true. I'm sure if my manuscript isn't accepted, I will continue searching to get it published. I realize it often takes months to find out; a torture for a beginner writer. Thus, I will continue to journal and write as I see this process through.
Ever waiting...
Take Care and God Bless. :)

Waiting

Awaiting the decision
of what may become,
all these scattered thoughts
leaves me emotionally numb.

Combined in clever rhyme
and in a unique rhythmic style,
bound for everyone to see
would be so worthwhile.

Patience is what I yearn
to help fulfill my days,
praying to be taken serious
in this important phase.

Thursday, Dec 15, 2005

2005-12-15T09:05:00.000-04:00

Today is the anniversary of my husband asking me to marry him, which is a great day to start my blog. It was he who first introduced me to Nova Scotia which is what inspired me to write a collection of poetry I am very proud of. It has been 3 weeks since I first submitted my collection for publication which is testing my nerves. I am excited, nervous and anxious. I am currently writing more poetry and yet another short story. It is my hopes to put together several short stories into a small collection.
Still waiting to hear...
Take Care and God Bless. :)