Happy New Year - 2011

I can hardly believe that today is the last day of 2010 and a new beginning is tomorrow. But, here we go, a chance to see how wonderful another year can be. Maybe it's my age, but I'm thrilled to see a new year, another year.

I anticipate some things in 2011 besides books coming out from 4RV Publishing, some things in my personal life. By the way, did you know if I want any of my manuscripts published by 4RV, I submit them just as any other writer does? I do. The acquisition editor who evaluates my submission doesn't know it is mine. My work has to pass muster just as every other submission does. I have two to submit right now. We'll see what happens. Therefore, I look forward to discovering if I'll have another novel accepted or not.

January 22, I will participate in the Edmond Authors Fair. I will do some advertising for 4RV, but this event is mainly for me to show off my books.

In February, Robert and I will celebrate our 49th anniversary. One more before the big 5-0. That's why I'm using a photo of the two of us for my profile picture. Then, sometime this month I'll discover if my entry in the Oklahoma Book Award, Stolen, made the finals. Of course if my book should, that would be the second for 4RV. I can always dream, right?

March 5, Jacque and I are supposed to do a presentation at the Sapulpa library. I'll be speaking about building characters in writing.

The North Texas Book Fest is April 15 - 16 in Denton, Texas. Yes, this is a 4RV event, but I've entered Stolen in their book competition.

I'll be involved in the OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc.) May 5, 6, and 7th. As usual, I'm in charge of BasketWars, a silent auction for baskets/containers for writers from individuals and affiliate groups. This year, I will present a workshop, Submission Etiquette 101, and will take pitches for 4RV. I entered several items in their writing competition, including two unpublished manuscripts (Contemporary Romance and Western Novel), a short-short story, a short story, a western article, an unrhymed short poem, and a published novel. I'll sit at the Saturday night banquet anxiously awaiting the results.

The last of May, Robert and I will be taking the train to Austin, Texas for our grandson Ryan's graduation from high school June 2. I can't believe he has grown up so much and he'll be leaving home for college next school year.

I'll be a year older in July. I want to see those birthdays continue to roll around. I'm not quite ready for them to stop. When people say they aren't having any more birthdays, I want to ask if they have had a premonition they will die before their next one.

Those events are the highlights of 2011 so far. I know more excitement and unknown events will pop up from time to time. The empty slate is filling up with much to anticipate.