From my family to yours: Happy Thanksgiving!

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the United States. This year has brought saddness and happiness to me, with a mix of blessings.

We have so much to be thankful for. Jake Carrington and his crew in If I Fail has received a warm welcome from all you readers. Mostly, I'm thankful for my family, friends and new friends I've met throughout this wonderful year.

So from the bottom of both Jake's heart and mine Happy Thanksgiving to all!

A Writer might type her story alone, but it is the support in her life that makes the work possible.

Today, I  want to take time out from writing, editing and marketing. As the date draws near for my debut novel, If I Fail, A Jake Carrington Mystery's release (September 7, 2012). I'd like to acknowledge a group of people who helped make my dream come true. Though they each have been thanked individually, I'd like to thank them publicly.

First and foremost, to my husband, Alan. Accepting your proposal thirty-three years ago was the best decision of my life. You define 'the love of a lifetime.' Your constant support and encouragement can not be understated. You are my rock!

My family, what an amazing bunch you are, from my sisters and brothers, to my nieces and nephews, and cousins. All have cheered me on from the beginning.

To Brenda Piel from Apieling Pictures, thank you for your time and patience; the final product made me look incredible.

To Steve Hopkins from www.LogiCFX.net who spent many an hour developing my website and the patiences that task required. All who know me, know I'm technology blond. Steve, you showed grace under pressure. www.marianl.com I love it!

To Kristan Higgins who shares her knowledge and encourages all new writers, especially those of us who are lucky enough to be members of the CTRWA.

From the CTRWA, thank you, PJ Sharon, for all the FB and Twitter info you shared. And to Jamie Schmidt who explained what social network was and how to use it. Everyone at CTRWA are incredible writers and giving human beings! I love you guys.

A special thanks to Lea Schizas at MuseItUp Publishing for taking a chance on me and my Jake Carrington Series.

I almost forgot to thanks my wonderful editors who enhanced my books Julie Lynn Hayes and Les Tucker.

And last but not least, my critique partners, who  started out as aquaintences and fellow writers, but also became cherished friends. Thank you Gail Chianese, Kimberly K. Fox and Mandi Casey.

A special thanks to SavvyAuthors.com for all the classes and seminars offered to improve a writer's skill set.




Photo supplied by Apieling Pictures


www.marian-l.blogspot.com 
If I Fail, A Jake Carrington Mystery is available for pre-order.

To Pre-order:
https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=347&category_id=69&manufacturer_id=178&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

With the arrogance of a novice writer...

Photo by Apieling Pictures

When I was laid-off from my mortgage job, I decided that everyday after I sent out my resumes and made my cold calls; I would do what I always dreamed I wanted to do.

That was write.

Well, with pen in hand (so to speak) I penned my first book. AND...with the confidence of the novice, I sent it out. I'm talking first draft, folks.

Not understanding why I recieved all these form rejections letters, I continued to send out my story and write a new one. Somebody out there had to love it as much as I did. Right?

It wasn't until one kind editor took the time to write a personal rejection letter, did I understand what was wrong with the story. He loved the story, but I had head hopped too much. He recommended websites that offered both paid and free seminars on POV, editing and much more. He also recommended I join writers associations to network with other writers.It was the best writing advise I received.

I don't know about you, but I could have been a professional student. I love to learn. So, I took his advice and scoured the internet until I found conferences and organizations for writers.

His kindness lead me to aquire the knowledge necessary to be published. My first book, If I Fail, A Jake Carrington Mystery will be released in September 2012 by MuseItUp Publishing. And the second book in the series Burn in Hell, A Jake Carrington Mystery will soon follow in January 2013. This is a very exciting time for me.

What classes, seminars, organziations or conferences have you attended? How have they futured your writing career?

Thanks for sharing with me and I hope all your dreams come true also.
Marian

A special thanks to photographer Brenda Piel of Apieling Pictures for supplying all the lovely photos for my website and blog. Including my author picture for my books.

The picture above puts me in a writing mood! How about you? CLICK on the picture to enlarge it and see all the details. Awesome!