Biography
For many years I was a typical wife and mother, with my priority on home and hearth. My husband was in the military and so I had plenty of time to jot down notes and ideas for my 'Someday Project.' You know. the day you can actually do something for yourself, about yourself, and by yourself. When my husband's tour of duty was over, we decided that it would be both economical and practical to work different shifts, so someone was always home with the kids. We saved on daycare and it allowed him to experience both the burdens and joys of being with the children full time. Thankfully, he always did more than his share around the house, allowing what little free time we had alone to be spent on pleasure rather than on chores. My husband is very special and has always gone out of his way to shower me with affection. In turn, I always made sure he knew how much I appreciated him. And in this crazy, fast paced world, we both tried very hard to raise our children to be happy and secure. As the years passed, gone were the carpools, sporting events and school projects. Suddenly my children were young, happy adults and I had one thing I had never had before. TIME!!
~ Someday Projects ~
One day while doing some deep cleaning, we ran across a box filed away long ago. Inside were all my ideas, jokes, and stories that had been saved for years. That was the start of my 'Someday Project.' After that, I sat down to the computer and began pounding the keys on a daily basis. The story, Secret Illusions, tumbled out and after a lot of trial and error, a full-fledged manuscript appeared. But, the day after completion our computer crashed and everything was gone! I was truly devastated! After we acquired a new computer, it was nearly another full year before it was finished...again. Then began the staggering job of trying to sell the manuscript. Funny, at the time I thought, you write a book, bring it to a publisher and they print and sell it. Boy, was I naive! Still, I must share with you how truly exciting it is, to have your own book copy written, with a copy of your book in the Library of Congress. It is a personal achievement; I never thought I'd have. Yet, it was like an aphrodisiac to write more.
~ Learning ~
Most of the publishers do not want to look at un-agented material. So my next project was to find an agent. That too, is a bigger project then you would expect. After a lot of hard work, I signed with an agent, and eventually my manuscript was published by PublishAmerica. Finding that I knew very little about the publishing industry, I decided I had better learn.
~ Now ~
Now, after having attended seminars, book signings and conventions, I have picked up a bit of knowledge and am more familiar with some of the procedures. A great web site has been created, along with a monthly newsletter, and I belong to a group of writers that share ideas and utilize different connections. I have succeeded in finding people who let me bounce ideas off of them and who help me through the rough spots. I will continue to pursue my goals and hope you enjoy reading the stories that develop.
~ Future~
My first novel, Secret Illusions is a historical romance. As is, The Elusive Heir, which I have just finished writing, and am working hard to get published. A third historical romance is on the drawing board and a vampire romance has been started. Also, several of my articles have also been printed for an online magazine.
~ Me ~
As a wife and mother it warms my heart and is a huge achievement to have a happy, secure family. But as a women, an individual, a dreamer, it was a wonderful personal accomplishment to become a published author.