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Monday, August 9, 2010

Life Is a Merry-Go-Round

My apologies, dear readers, here at the Cafe. I've been absent more than present lately. Truthfully, I've been caught in the thrill - and sometimes daunting merry-go-round - of marketing of Chasing Lilacs. After five book signings, including my first ever trip to the International Christian Retail Show in St. Louis, I was feeling a bit wiped out. I LOVE meeting readers and schmoozing with all my writing friends, but I was feeling like I needed a good dose of my "normal" life. So that's what I've been doing. We've had two of our grandsons for their annual stay with Mimi and Papa Max, celebrated our grand-twins' birthday, and am feeling recharged and ready to go. Oh, I also finished the copy edits for Broken Wings, my novel which comes out next summer, and am working on the proposal for what I hope will be my third novel (it's not sold yet - I have to present the idea with a few chapters - prayers would be appreciated).

I've received some of the nicest notes from many of you and more great reviews. You don't realize how much those mean to me - sometimes it's more than my heart can hold. I'm also getting back on the carousel this week and will be making my first "in-person" visit with a book club and traveling to the Northeast corner of the state to the Chapters Book Store in Miami, OK. I can hardly wait! And I love how one of my recent readers, the Redneck Diva, is spreading the word about that event. You can also read her review of Chasing Lilacs here. Her giveaway opportunity has passed, but just wanted to share her sweet take on my book.

So wherever you are, I hope you're having a "happening" summer, that you're able to spend some time with those you love, meet new friends, and recharge your batteries. Hmmm. Having written that, I realize that summer is OVER for many of you - school buses are starting to roll. Alarm clocks are buzzing. Gee, it doesn't seem possible.

Hope to see you all here more often. And if you're in the area, here's the info about my booksigning this week.

Chapters Book Store
Main Street, Miami, OK
Thursday, August 12 ~ 3:30 - 5:30 pm

Miami's a small town. If you find Main Street, then you can find Chapters! Looking forward to a grand time!

Until next time . . .

5 comments:

Erica Vetsch said...

For some reason, your blog wasn't showing up in my updated blog roll, and I missed the last few posts! :(

I just loaned my copy of Chasing Lilacs to a friend at church. I can't wait to hear what she says about it. I just know she's going to love it.

Congrats on turning in copy edits! Always a sigh of relief for me when I turn in those copy edits and only galleys remain.

Wish I could be there for the Miami book signing, but I'll have to content myself with seeing you in 39 days at ACFW!

carla stewart said...

Thanks, Erica! My blog posts have been scattered the last few weeks. I'm just now surfacing from all the marketing stuff with Chasing Lilacs. I've loved it, but it's a whole different beast from writing.

Ohhhh, I hope your friend likes the book. Please let me know.

39 days???? Really? I hadn't been counting the days, but I'm so excited about seeing everyone. Several new writing friends are coming, and I've never been to Indianapolis. Can't wait to hug your neck!

Patti Lacy said...

I know what you mean about the merry-go-round. Have been on it myself.

A couple of things have had to be taken off the wild circling.

Choices, choices. Hard sometimes!

Glad to see you back!
Patti

carla stewart said...

Hi Patti! No matter what you hear from seasoned authors, you think you'll be able to take it all in stride - NOT! Grandson therapy was great, though. Back in the swing!

Thanks for being such a faithful follower!

Bonnie Way aka the Koala Mom said...

Wow, sounds like a busy but exciting summer. So thrilled to hear about your next book - I'll be saving my Chapters cards for when it comes out. :) God bless your book signings.