CHASING LILACS Available for Pre-Order on Amazon

Have I mentioned lately how much I've enjoyed the publishing process? Each phase has been like the movie Fifty First Dates - a brand new world at every turn. Most recently, I've been writing discussion questions for the Reader's Guide which will be in the back of the book and providing my publisher with a list of "dream" endorsers. One of the things that has surprised me the most is how far ahead of the publication date everything has to be done. It's now about seven months until Chasing Lilacs will be in stores, but . . . please indulge me here . . . The book is already available for pre-order on Amazon!

Here's the editorial description:

It is the summer of 1958, and life in the small Texas community of Graham Camp should be simple and carefree. But not for twelve-year-old Sammie Tucker. Sammie has plenty of questions about her mother's "nerve" problems. About shock treatments. About whether her mother loves her.

When her mother commits suicide and a not-so-favorite aunt arrives, Sammie has to choose who to trust with her deepest fears: Her best friend who has an opinion about everything, the mysterious kid from California whose own troubles plague him, or her round-faced neighbor with gentle advice and strong shoulders to cry on. Then there's the elderly widower who seems nice but has his own dark past.

Trusting is one thing, but accepting the truth may be the hardest thing Sammie has ever done.

Up until now, everything has been done undercover, so to speak, between my agent, editor, art department, and marketing experts at FaithWords. Launching my book into the world is exciting, to be sure, but also a bit like taking my clothes off in the fountain of the city square (gasp!). No longer flying under the radar, I'm throwing myself at the mercy of readers, critics, and reviewers. So, here's to a safe landing for my debut book. And if you're so inclined, you might click over to Amazon and take a peek.