As I sit trying to decide the major occurrences in 2009, I realize I don't know where to start.
Personally, the year was filled with health problems. Both Robert and I had our low points and difficulties, but things could have been so much worse. We're both fighters, so we will keep going as long as we possibly can. God has been good to us.
Professionally, I didn't have anything published in 2009, first year in four years, but I have works in progress and one novel that will be out in 2010, Stolen - the novel based on the emotions and heartache suffered when two of grandchildren were taken from our lives in 1996. They are now back, and I thank God.
4RV has kept me busy. The company is growing more rapidly than I expected, and we're having to do some readjusting to keep up. The pile of submissions is growing, but editors are busy editing manuscripts under contract. We've tried to have writers submit electronically, but some insist on mailing submissions, which takes longer for editors to receive.
We released 16 books in 2009, and reworked one other that will now have to wait until 2010 to come out.
Releases in 2009:
1. The First Miracle by Lisa Willis, illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven (children/everyone - color)
2. Being Jacob: First Day of School by Suzy Koch, illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven (chidren - color)
3. Just Breeze by Beverly Stowe McClure (tween/teen - b/w)
4. A Puppy, Not a Guppy by Holly Jahangiri, illustrated by Ryan Shaw (tween - b/w)
5. Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective by John Lance, illustrated by Diana Navarro (children/tween - color)
6. Colors by Dana Warren, illustrated by Stephen Macquignon (children - color)
7. Spider in Our Mailbox by Linda Asato, illustrated by Stephen Macquignon (children - color)
8. A New Job for Dilly by Rena Jones, illustrated by Lisa Oakman (children - color)
9. The Art of Science by Ransom Noble, illustrated by Stephen Macquignon (tween/teen - b/w)
10. Confessions of a Former Rock Queen by Kirik Bjornsgaard (novel - b/w)
11. Tommy Turtle: Exercise is Fun by Eric Mathe, illustrated by Rey Marz (children and up - color)
12. Bait for Lunch by KA Okagaki, illustrated by Ryan Shaw (children/tween - color)
13. Would a Kangaraffe Make You Laff? by Rich Aaron, illustrated by Stephen Macquignon (children - color)
14. Tilly's Tale by Harry Porter, illustrated by Mandy Hedrick (children/teen - b/w)
15. Lemur Troops & Critter Groups by Rena Jones, illustrated by Nikki Shoemaker
16. State of Quarries by Elysabeth Eldering, illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven (tween - b/w)
One very sad note, we lost Kirk Bjornsgaard, but at least we have his book to help keep his memory alive.
In 2010, 4RV has 24 books in the schedule. We need to slow down a bit with our limited staff. We need more good editors and designers for sure. Whew. Maybe some editors and book designers to be would be willing to be interns.
I hope everyone had highlights to remember in 2009, and I hope everyone has a marvelous and blessed 2010.
Oops, ran out of space for labels. Sorry those I didn't get listed.
Happy New Year
Note: All books published by 4RV can be obtained through any bookstore and Amazon.com. The 4RV Publishing online bookstore also has all the books, which are often less expensive.
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20 comments:
Such a busy year for you, Vivian, but a very productive one when it comes to your company. If there's ever anything I can do to help 4RV out, please let me know.
Happy New Year!
Thanks, Rena. I'm just trying to keep everything going the best I can.
Wow! What a successful year! Wonder Woman Vivian. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Well, Terry, not sure about Wonder Woman being me, but if she existed, I wish she would come visit for a while. *laugh*
Happy New Year.
I wish you and yours good health for 2010. You have made so many dreams come true for new and experienced writers. We appreciate all you do, Vivian.
I will be grateful to see 2009 end. My Mom had 3 operations, my Dad fell off a roof he should not have been on, and it was a rough year. Hopefully, 2010 will be much better.
Thanks, Kathy, but I feel that my dreams are coming true, too.
I'm so sorry, Stephanie. I pray 2010 will be much better for you and your family.
Ah, Wonder Woman, I've said it before and I'll say it again, I admire and in awe of you. May 2010 keep you and your family healthy and happiness because without those two virtues what's the point of wishing for monetary success. :)
I'm here, as you know, in any capacity to help out at 4RV because it's one of the few publishers that truly cares about its authors.
Here's wishing you continued success.
Lea, that is a great compliment for sure coming from you.
One reason I wanted to start 4RV was to have a company that did care about authors and illustrators. Any short comings are not deliberate.
May you be blessed in this New Year with more treasured memories, many great books in your catalog, authors and illustrators willing to go the extra mile and good health and happiness for you and your family.
...and the time you need to write...
Hi Viv. It sounds like a very successful year for 4rv. Maybe next year my book may have the honor of being published by you.
Best of luck in 2010. Health issues may keep us down, but not for long. Keep up the good work.
Sharon Schafer
I agree with those who think you're Wonder Woman. I get tired just thinking about all that you do, and knowing you have even less energy to do it than I do. I admire and respect you for that. I hope that 2010 is a better year, healthwise. I hope that you will "selfishly" set aside more time to write and promote your own books. And I can't help but smile, thinking back to that very FIRST book...
I love this picture of you and Robert.
Sharon, one thing that would help would be if I had at least two more acquisition editors. We're going through submissions as quickly as possible.
Holly, ah, yes, that first book ... Who would have thought what that started?
I do look up to you as a role model, and hope you and yours has a happy and healthy New Year.
Vivian,
2009 was successful business wise, hopefully 2010 will catch up health wise.
You are certainly an inspiration and example of what can be accomplished in spite of obstacles.
I hope 2010 brings better health and peace to all of us!
Karen
Thank you for your best wishes and kind thoughts. I don't think I'm anything special. I just try to do what I think needs done, the best way I can.
Yes, we want better health and peace to all of us.
Yes, you are Wonder Woman ~ not only at 4RV (where You Rock!) but elsewhere - you lead by example; and inspire those who have the joy of 'meeting' you to reach for the dream, and encourage them to keep working to attain it! Regardless what happens, your cup is ever half-full. P.S. You guys take a cool picture ^_^ Brightest Blessings for the coming year/decade ^_^
Wow, you've done a lot, Vivian. I'm glad to be a part of the 4RV family.
Won't be long now before Guardian is out, Katie.
That will make you a Happy New Year, won't it.
Vivian, congratulations on all you accomplish. I am always impressed by your caring spirit and professionalism. May you have an equally prosperous 2010 and good health throughout the year.
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