Thirty years ago this month, I drove through a bad snowstorm on slick roads to attend my very first book signing of my just released first book. I was afraid no one would show up because of the weather, but I needn’t have worried. Thanks to a half-page spread in the local newspaper plus my mother telling everybody she knew (along with a host of total strangers) about me, the bookstore was crammed. Even my first grade teacher came!
The store sold over 150 copies of my book that day, which gave me a very skewed idea of what book signings were like most of the time—when no one is there except your mother. {grin}
Last Tuesday, my 69th book, A Promise Kept, officially released, and I can’t help but marvel at my writing journey. From secular historical romances to Christian fiction (women’s fiction and historical and contemporary romances). From writing with a pen on legal pads to writing on a computer like nothing that was available back in 1984. From writing for a small independent mass market publishing house to writing for one of the “Big Five” trade book publishers (and quite a few others in-between). From working an eight to five day job while I wrote evenings and weekends to writing full time.
I can’t help but marvel at the sometimes winding road that brought me to this point in my life. God has been so merciful and gracious to me, and I am thankful for the journey He and I have been on together.
I guess it is rather fitting that such a personal novel as A Promise Kept would be released at this thirty year milestone. Such a long way from my writing of decades ago. I hope you’ll rejoice with me.
*****
A Promise Kept:
“… appealing … upbeat … well-paced.” ~ Publishers Weekly
“… beautifully crafted … exquisite … a treat to savor.” ~ RT Book Reviews
“I am a better person for having read this book and am so grateful for the story” ~ a reader review on Amazon.com
*****
PS HarperCollins Christian Publishing is giving away 25 copies of A Promise Kept on Goodreads. You can enter the drawing here. The giveaway ends on January 27th, so don’t delay.
