Good News #1. As some of you may know, I've been toying with the idea of putting my books out to paperback version. Well, I've made my decision. THE DUKE'S DIVORCE is almost ready. I uploaded my files and received the proof copy last week. Let me tell you right now, there is nothing, absolutely nothing in this world like holding a copy of your book in your hands. I've still got a few tweaks to make, but it should be out, by the end of March.
Good News #2. Also, I've been accepted into the third Anthology presented by The Literary Lab. VARIATIONS ON A THEME will be out in publication around March 19, from what I understand. My short story Reversal of Fortune will be included with some stellar writers and to say I'm humbled is an understatement. I hope you'll look for it.
Now, for the Bad News. Some of you know that my father hasn't been doing well. He's been to all the doctors and had all the tests, but they can't seem to figure out what's wrong with him. It's pure speculation on everyone's part at this stage. However, he's now starting to fall down. Once in the parking lot at the Tractor Supply Store, once outside the garage at home, where he twisted his ankle, and once in the basement. Believe me, we're all pretty scared at this point. He refuses a walker, can't stand to use his cane, and is just slowly melting into madness because he can't wrap his mind around the idea he's not as young as he used to be.
Needless to say, I've been over there more in the last week than I was at my own house (As I'm sure you could tell from my lack of commenting and blog post last Friday). Decisions have to be made and as I am the oldest, the only daughter, and the only child living near them, I get to sit in on that process. Because of these latest incidents, they've decided to look for another house, on one level. (About freaking time I say.) However, in order to put theirs on the market, the changes they wanted to make slowly over time, have now been amped up, and guess who's been relegated to the gardens and the painting and the fixing of broken things, wallpapering the front hall and the cleaning out of various closets. Yup, you guessed it.
So, in light of that fact, and the fact I'm trying to get my books finished before The Monster gets out of school, I will no longer be around much here on the blogs anymore. As you all know, when life gets tough, something has to give and unfortunately, my dearest friends, that means you. I've been round and round this issue, thinking I might be able to post on Monday so you wouldn't forget me, or just say I'm taking a hiatus and come back, but at this stage of the game, my time constraints are really up in the air, literally, depending on the weather. When it's nice, I have to make hay while the sun shines, and gardening and painting is better done in nice weather. (Gee, for a writer you would think I would limit my use of cliches.)
Also, as some of you know, I've been generous with my time in the past with critiques for queries, and manuscripts, but at this time, I'm sorry to say, I can no longer help you. Perhaps when all the craziness dies down I'll be able to take on some projects, but for now, I have to let them go.
So there we have it. You may see my little pixelated face roaming around from time to time, but it's going to be hit or miss. The only thing I can say for certain is that I will be here on my birthday, April 22, EARTH DAY, because I will be celebrating a milestone (50, egads where did the time go?) and I can't think of any place I'd rather be than with you to help me.
I wish you all the good fortune you deserve in your writing endeavors whether an agent or a publishing contract or a million sales in your indie-pubbed adventure. I know I'm not leaving for good, but damn, it sure feels like it.
I'll see you when I do.
38 comments:
Congrats on all the good news. The layout looks awesome. Sorry to hear about your dad. And you're right, things have to go! Family and life are too important. Best of luck getting all those projects done!
Thanks so much Laura. I think I'm going to need a lot of luck getting anything done in the next couple of months.
The covers are beautiful. Congrats on all your hard work. So sorry to hear about your father. When life presents us with these difficulties, sometimes we must step back, rethink our priorities, and simply do the best we can. I admire your strength. Thinking of you...
1) Yes, there is nothing like a book (a real book). I wrote a blog post about this, that I cheerfully read e-books all the time, but I don't feel my books are real until I feel them in my hands.
2) Life does interfere. I hope things work out with your father. Is it particularly men who won't admit they're getting old? I think it may but that may just be me thinking of my father. Anyway, post if/when you can, I'll keep you in my RSS reader. Take care.
Anne, I'm sorry about your father! It will be a lot of work, but good on you for stepping up and doing what needs to be done to help your parents.
Glad you are converting your books to print. You're right, there's nothing like holding one's own book in one's hands.
Don't worry about us while you take care of everything. You know we'll still be here!
I'm so sorry to hear about your father. My prayers are with you.
Congrats on your books. How exciting to see them in print.
Take care.
Sherrie -- Thanks so much. I think doing the best I can is all I can do at this point.
Anthony Lee -- Thanks for stopping by. I didn't know I was in your RSS feeder. Yeah, what is it about men? I'll never be able to figure that out.
Alex -- Thank you. I know, the blogosphere is an amazing place, and I know I'll be welcomed back when I get here.
Christine -- Thank you. I hope you know I'm still plugging for you. I know you'll be able to get all your ducks in a row.
Don't you worry about us, Anne...go take care of what needs to be done and come back and play when you can. And congrats on your books! LOVE THEM!
Congrats on the good news--I know I can't wait to hold a hard copy of my book in my hands. It must be so cool!
I'm sorry your father isn't doing well, and that it's going to entail so much extra work for you. It's hard when our parents get to the age where they can't do a lot of things on their own anymore.
Don't worry a bit about your hiatus -- I know everyone will be here for you when you get back. In the meantime, we'll just enjoy seeing you when we can. :)
Life has a way of socking us with its priorities, doesn't it? Oh dear. With an aging father-in-law a mile away in similar circumstances, I can so relate. Only they've given up on going for the one floor house and I'm so scared as to what may result from that (lack of) decision. Anne, please know you will be in my thoughts. I will look forward to seeing your regular posts when life calms down. Thank you for all your help an encouragement...and of course, congrats on the "flesh and blood" book!
First of all, congrats on your good news! You deserve those paperbacks. The cover for Variations is so cool. I can't wait for it to come out.
About your dad, I can so relate. My folks are aging and after breaking her leg last March, my mother has had a slow recovery, up and on the walker but still at risk for falling. I know what you mean. Though I have many siblings, I live close and they need a lot of help with meals. In fact, I'm overdue for breakfast. I hope to see you around some before Earth Day. We'll have a party when Variations comes out, okay?
Awesome with the good news. Sorry about what's happening with your father. I hope everything works out well for you and your family, Anne, while you finalize everything.
congrats for #1 and #2. Chin up, and all that, for #3
Mac
Congrats on the good news items! I'm looking forward to "Variations on a Theme" too, my story The Penny also made the cut.
Sorry to hear about your dad's troubles. I hope he can find a way to keep focused on what he still has in life, rather than the elements of youth he has given away to age.
I so sorry your dad is poorly and... family must come first. Do not worry you romantic head about us, we'll be here when you get back.
And congratulations on the books! I want to know all about how you did it.
First off, yay for the books! They'll be beautiful, i just know it!
2nd, of course we won't forget you. And family always has to come first. I hope your Dad is OK and i'll cross my fingers for a quick house sale.
I won't forget you. And good luck.
Thanks so much everyone. Your comments are the reasons why I love being on the blogs. I know you'll be here for me, which makes it that much harder to take time off.
But I can't wait for my birthday when we'll all have a great big party! It'll give me something to look forward to.
So sorry to hear about your dad. Good luck with your books. And I hope you'll look into putting your print books up for sale on Celery Tree!
Wonderful good news and sorry to hear about your father!
Of course he should be and rightfully is your priority!
I hope whatever is ailing your Dad is minor and he gets better soon. And remember to go slow and not to overdo it (when it comes to working on the house) - you won't be doing anyone any good if you get hurt.
I'll miss your blogs, but understand how life goes. Good luck in selling your paperbacks!
I'm sorry to hear about your dad - that's got to be so hard. Best of luck to you, and good luck with your paperbacks!
Take care of your family. Don't worry about the rest!
And that is great news on all the other fronts!! :)
Congratulations on all your good news. I'm sorry to hear your Father is not doing so well. Of course, you have to put him, your family and your writing first. I hope all goes well, and that they sell the house and you get a diagnosis in a timely fashion.
Take care Anne, and I'll look forward to seeing you in April.
I'm very happy to hear your good news. Congratulations! However... I'm sorry to hear about your father. I can imagine what that's like. We'll all miss seeing you around, but what matters is that you're taking care of your family and yourself. You're doing the right thing.
You're a good woman, Anne. Blessings to your father and family, and congratulations to you on all your good news.
See you on Earth/Birth Day, if not before.
Anne, been there done that with my own dad. I'm probably going to be on blog break when you have your grand EARTH DAY celebration, but happy wishes for you.
You have my email. Any time you need to chat, vent, whatever, I'm here.
See you when you get back. And you will.
...wonderful news, and most deserving! You're correct, that feeling of actually holding a book loaded with your very own words, that new book smell of paper and ink, your name splashed upon the cover ...unforgettable.
Wishing you the very best!
El
Congrats on the good news, but big hugs on what's going on with your father. You won't be forgotten! My thoughts are with you and your dad.
Thanks so much everyone. Your words of encouragement keep me sane. This last week has had its ups and downs, but my father was feeling better yesterday. I don't know what today will bring, but let's hope he's up and about.
Here's hoping you get through all you have to do with your own sanity intact.
Congrats on your acceptance and on your venture with the print copies of your book. Hope you get everything done on schedule.
While I am happy to hear about your books--especially because I enjoyed the last one I read, I'm sad about the news about your father.
I hope they find out what is wrong and he improves. Keep us informed.
Sorry to hear about your dad. Mine is in it, too, so I'm with you. He's not quite that far along, but it won't be long now. Same with my mom.
You're the second familiar blogger I saw in the Lit Lab Anthology. Can't wait to get my copy.
Hang in there, and when you get back, let us know.
- Eric
So sorry to read this Anne. And it's just as I have been trying to get back to blogging regularly. Best of luck with your writing and especially with your dad.
You can still find me on blogspot whenever you return.
Best of luck.
Michael
Your covers are sooooo gorgeous! =D
Hey, Anne, I thought you've been quiet. Sorry to hear about your dad. Take care of yourself and him.
I love the water background on your blog. Yay for all of your good news! very happy for you. And I'm sorry about your dad. That must be so hard.
I love the water background on your blog. Yay for all of your good news! very happy for you. And I'm sorry about your dad. That must be so hard.
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