Since I finished my first book almost five years ago, I've had an ongoing and ever-changing relationship with my local post office. At first, I'd make regular trips to mail query letters, partials and full manuscripts. I was lucky to receive numerous requests for full MSs before I sold Line of Scrimmage in 2007. Back when I was first querying, most agents still wanted full manuscripts printed out and mailed. I spent a small fortune in postage during those years, and I got so I hated trudging over there to mail off another envelope full of dreams.
Since I signed with my first and then my second agent and sold Line of Scrimmage, I haven't had as much cause to stand in line at the post office. However, I did send copies of Line of Scrimmage to a couple "Best of 2008" contests. As I was waiting in line earlier today, thinking about all the many trips I'd made to that place, I had to smile as I realized another milestone in my journey as an author. I've gone from mailing manuscripts held together by rubber bands and binder clips to mailing off MY BOOK. That is very cool, and it's another thing to celebrate along the way, even if LOS doesn't make a ripple in any of the contests. Today I also mailed a copy of my most recently finished MS to my friend Mary in Florida, who told me she can't possibly wait until she gets home in April to read it. She was one of my first and most rabid fans, and I'm delighted that she hasn't lost her enthusiasm for getting "hot-off-the-presses" books.
March came in like a lion here yesterday, dumping 8" of snow in our neck of the woods. My kids were out of school AGAIN, meaning they are now in school until June 25! That's the latest I can ever recall them being in school. While I don't enjoy being outside in it, I really do love the way the snow has the power to bring life to a halt the way almost nothing else can in this go-go-go world. Everything is cancelled when it snows, especially when it's part of what we like to call a Nor'easter in these parts.
Finally, I'm pleased to report that I have finished the galley proofs of Love at First Flight! And yes, I did find a mistake late in the book on the second read through—just like I did with Line of Scrimmage. So while it was EXTREMELY painful to read the same book twice in a week, especially when you know exactly what's going to happen, it was time very well spent. Now I'm working on the revisions to another book, have two contests waiting to be judged, and two critiques I promised a couple of my new writer friends. I'm also starting to get my ducks in a row for the publicity blitz that will surround Love at First Flight's launch in July. At least this time, I have an idea of what to expect, which is why I'm thinking about it now! What's keeping you busy these days?
