10 Year Anniversary!

Ten years ago my life took an amazing turn when “By the Banks of Cottonwood Creek” came out in paperback. Today, I’d like to share some of my journal entries from 2015. They record the excitement of publishing a book for the first time:

February 14: “The way opened to have “Cottonwood” printed as a paperback…I did a happy dance all morning the day this went through.”

April 11: “The proof for “Cottonwood” is in the mail. (Note my Norwegian reserve as I record this momentous news.)

April 27: “I ordered 100 copies of “By the Banks of Cottonwood Creek”…They were to arrive next Wednesday, but arrived five days early. I called Pastor Dan and asked if I could set up a book table at church on Sunday, and he agreed.” The rest of journal entry told of the logistics of being an author. I was finding my way through a whole new world. (More Norwegian reserve.)

May 3: “Today we went to Braddock for the Senior Craft Fair. Only sold 7 books, but about 8:30 someone phoned to say they really liked it and to let them know when the next one was coming out.”

What? Me write another book? That’s like asking a woman who just gave birth when she plans to have another child. But, that sweet couple weren’t the only ones who hoped I’d produce another book very soon. The next Sunday morning, a lady in high heels came running through the church lobby exclaiming how much she loved “Cottonwood.” Another gal was upset because she couldn’t put the book down and ended up reading all night.

Oh joy in the morning! Maybe I would write a sequel.

May 24: “We went to Estes Park for the Colorado Christian Writers Conference May 13-14. The auditorium was filled with Christian writers praising the Lord.” Writing is a lonely occupation and that evening, surrounded by others who were on journeys similar to mine, remains a highlight of my life. Ironically, this week I will attend the conference online.

But, back to Braddock, pop. 14, and fifty miles from Bismarck. That trip began a precedent of taking my books to small North Dakota towns. Plus, a month after receiving that first box of books, they were stocked in my hometown at the LaMoure Drug, and still are today.

July 20: “Something I’ve dreamed of for many years is happening—I’m getting royalties in the mail!” (Finally, my Norwegian reserve broke and I used an exclamation point.)

August: “This morning I did an interview on KNDR-FM. We gave a book away to the first person to call in, and the calls started right away. The interview played again that afternoon. The announcer said he’d started to read a book I left at the station and, ‘folks you won’t be able to put it down.’ It’s really strange to sit in your kitchen and hear your book promoted.”

Today, ten years later, people still ask when the next book is coming out, and with all of the encouragement, I’ve published six books. What a blessing to have this encore career and the chance to publish stories that are dear to my heart.

I’m so grateful to friends, family, store owners, and readers far and wide. My husband, Larry, has been my closest friend and best supporter, and he also “drives Miss Daisy” to out of town events. Thank you also to all of those talented people who provide support—early readers, proofreaders, editors, webmasters, tech people and other authors. I hope my books have been a blessing to you.

 For your summer reading enjoyment, “By the Banks of Cottonwood Creek” will be available for $10 on Amazon during August. The other books in the series, “Amber’s Choice” and “Cottonwood Dreams,” will also be $10. 

But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Enjoy the rest of summer!