This photo was making the rounds on Facebook. Though I live about halfway between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, it still seems the most fitting New Year's greeting from a Florida gal.
New Book
Today began as a treasure when I woke up at 5:24 a.m. and reached for my Kindle. During the night the Amazon elves had delivered my debut novel, Where Treasure Hides. Finally I was holding the published story in my hands . . . well, at least it was the open book on my ereader.
Several people walked this journey with me from my Kindred Heart (Clella, Jeanie, Karen, and Laura) and Imagine That! (Chandra, Pat, Renee, and Rob) critique partners to family and friends (Adam, Carol Anne, Dave and Linda, Joy, Justin, Mandy, Symone) who answered questions or provided input. Thanks to each of you.
Thanks, too, to my fabulous agent, Tamela Hancock Murray, and my extraordinaryTyndale team: Jan Stob, Sarah Mason, and Shaina Turner.
And congrats to the other two Tyndale Digital First authors whose novels were recently released, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer's Mind of Her Own and Pam Hillman's Claiming Mariah.
New Bookshelf
I read 101 books in 2011, though I inadvertently read The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis twice -- once in January and once in December. Sections of the book seemed familiar but since I'd read it years before I thought that was why. Argh!
This past year, 2012, I read 86 books. Most of those, unfortunately, were because of a strange nostalgic urge to re-read Dell Shannon's police procedurals featuring L.A. homicide detective Luis Mendoza in order. At first, it was kind of fun, but then became a chore. I accomplished that goal, but may have lost some brain cells along the way.The last book I read, Murder by the Tale, was a collection of short stories, a few about Lt. Mendoza and the rest not. I enjoyed the not-Mendoza short stories. Well-developed and with a twist at the end.
The plan for 2013:
- Inspired by the release of The Hobbit, I still have my "Books By/About Tolkien and Lewis" category.
- In hopes of regaining a few of those lost brain cells, I'll be reading "The Classics." I started Les Mis this morning.
- As always, I'll be reading books in the "Spiritual Living" and "Writing" categories.
- Finally, I'll be tackling my towering to be read piles by reading books I already own. No need to go to the library. (At least not much.)
Do you have a reading plan for 2013? Share the details!
2 comments:
Hi Johnnie!
Congratulations on your book release!
And this year I plan on reading more books by using audiobooks because I'm alone in my car a lot of the time. I hope to double my reading count for 2013.
I don't have an e-reader but I might soon. I'd love to read your book. My WIP involves WWII Nazi Germany. We're kindred writing spirits. :) Is it possible that your book will be in print in the future?
Happy New Year!
Morgan
Thanks, Morgan. It's still one of those "is this really happening?" moments. And I'm loving it! The novel may come out in print later. Though it's kind of cumbersome for curling up in a comfy chair, free Kindle apps can be downloaded to your computer. If you get a chance to read the story, I'd love to hear your thoughts -- yes, we're kindred writing spirits!
Such a great idea to listen to audiobooks. Please stop in and update us on your progress.
Post a Comment