Thursday evening began my first participation in The Great Lakes Book Bash. Oh my, did I learn a lot. Unlike some other book signings, this one had break-out sessions where authors could learn a thing or two. I learned a thing or two or three or four. Loved-One did, too. “Being an author is a full-time job,” he said. Umm-hmmm. Promoting is a big part. I loved meeting all the authors. Most in a genre, Steamy Romance, that I rarely read, so I learned a lot about what makes those authors hum, and I’m thinking about how to apply it to the more PG audience of my novels.
Here’s a few more things, in no particular order that make me smile and count my blessings:
[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Our annual Halloween Party. A little smaller this year: No Mr. B, off to school; no Wrestler #2 family, busy with school activities; a late Miss E, Senior picture time. An addition, Miss K brought her crush.
[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Giant leaf piles and the joy they bring. Loved-One thought maybe the kids were too big. “But Mr. C deserves the fun,” I cried. “He’s still little.” The over-ten crowd hid in it, threw leaves, and giggled. Even newcomer Crush, joined in. Oh. The simple pleasures.
[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My friend Joan and her grand-daughter, Katherine. Who says you can’t make great friends via social media? Not me and not Joan.
[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] A new connection through a childhood friend, brought to me by Facebook. While at the conference my friend JoAnn, who I knew from elementary school, contacted me through Facebook. Her friend from work was there. Voila, a new friend.
[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Affy-Tapple, swamp water punch, witches, fingers, and pizza from Aldi’s to make a party perfect.
[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Two Grandmas and a Little Lady flute trio practicing together on Sunday morning. I can hardly wait for our performance in a couple of weeks.
[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] New babies in the family, nephews who are parents for the first time and the joy of new grandparents.
[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] A reader who began reciting “The Chambered Nautilus” as soon as she saw the title of my novel (A Ship of Pearl.) Now, this tickled me almost as much as Mr. C romping in the pile of leaves.
I better stop myself before I go on forever. This does seem to be the start of a great week.