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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