Dear Readers and Friends,
Happy Mother’s Day to all you mothers out there, and especially to my sister, Connie, who has been like a mother to me.
I hit a snag this past week. I was planning to announce the publication of my audiobook in this newsletter, however, after successfully uploading all my audio files provided to me by Rachel V. White, my narrator, I received a message that said my book won’t be live for another 20 days. (So, the announcement will come in May) Sheesh!
Not only that, but after I had uploaded 31 chapters, front and back matter, opening and closing credits as well as a retail sample, I discovered I needed to rename each chapter. I had to rename them one-by-one, then download them individually, then upload them again. This took 4-5 hours. Putting all the information required on their website initially took 2 full days. Another Sheesh!
On a more positive note, here is what one reviewer said about my book:
“I found this an exciting espionage thriller for several reasons. Most spy novels focus on Russia, and this was one of the first I read that set its sights on China and the threat it poses to the US. Also, the possible theft of a DNA database by the Chinese double agent was a fascinating new twist, but probably a very real danger as the Chinese government wishes to control every aspect of people’s lives. All these things made this an exciting read!”
The best way you can support me is to write an honest review. Positive reviews help a lot to sell more books.
The hardcover, paperback and e-book are available from
Amazon,
Barnes & Noble,
or Bookshop.org
(to support your local bookstore)
Hardcover $29.99 – Paperback $18.99 – e-book $9.99
In other news, I just came back from a 10-day trip to Florida in early April. Unlike the Pacific Northwest where we need daily Vitamin D supplements because we don’t get enough sunshine, the sunny weather in Florida has a positive effect on your outlook on life. I found people there were more casual, beach-loving folks, who seemed unconcerned about the tariff wars and never saw homeless people on the streets there.
Hadn’t dated a guy for 12 years (call it a dryspell) but had a fabulous time visiting my old boyfriend, Bill. Went to two beaches—ate fish and chips at the Salty Dog restaurant, and ate crab/mushroom and artichoke/lobster appetizers at Sharky’s, a famous restaurant near Venice beach. We visited an aquarium one day and the Tampa Zoo another, and went for walks around Bill’s lovely gated community as well as pooped around, buying groceries at Walmart and eating pepperoni pizza and chocolate/vanilla ice cream at Costco. We also laughed a lot while binge-watching Ted Lasso episodes and Jimmy Kimmel live shows. It was fun creating new memories with Bill who I dated for four years in the early 70s. I feel lucky at my age to have a second chance for love with him. Never dreamed I’d find someone so kind, thoughtful, generous, and encouraging in helping me achieve my writing goals.
Contacted about 200 bookstores in March to ask them to stock my novel and had luck with several across the U.S. Heading to DC in June for a short book tour. Have two signings at local bookstores in Virginia (one at Fairfax Barnes & Noble, the other at Winchester Book Gallery) and plan to visit other bookstores in DC for a meet-and-greet. Bill kindly offered to help me navigate the Metro and I get to spend time with my other best friend, Eleanor, who lives in Northern Virginia. I’ll be sure to take some photos of my book tour, including some with all the nice people I plan to meet there. My writing coach, Robert Gover, advised me years ago that people won’t buy a book if they’ve never heard of it. Stay tuned.
Thank you as always for all your kind notes and messages!
Until next time…
