Not being the athletic type, I can't imagine why people enjoy running. Needless to say, I don't do it. The down side is that I've never experienced the thrill of completing a race - that is, until today.  Scheduled to launch on April 1, my new book Green, American Style is now available!   

Becoming an author is a bit like training for a marathon. Both involve getting up early, learning to fight through pain, building endurance, and enjoying the satisfaction of pushing oneself across the finish line.  It's been two years since I first pitched this idea, 22 months since I found my literary agent, 18 months since my project was sold to a publisher, 5 months since I finished my manuscript, and 2 weeks since the books hit the warehouse.  Now that I'm here, I realize that there is no "here" at all.  Publishing the book, it turns out, is not a destination but a milestone in the journey. Runners get to sit down when the race is over, but authors do not. Although I'm ready to rest on my laurels, there will be no laurels to rest on unless I market my work. As one book store owner told me, if first-time authors want to see the marketing department, they should take a look in the mirror. 

That said, my publisher Baker as been wonderful in helping to get the word out about Green, American Style. I'm excited about our upcoming blog tour arranged by social media whiz Suzanne Burden.  Brooke Nolen in Marketing and Adam Ferguson in PR have been equally encouraging and helpful. I also thank acquisitions editor Chad Allen, who agreed to publish my book and consequently changed my life. And then there is my literary agent Rachelle Gardener. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to her for seeing my potential as a writer and landing a publisher so quickly. Thanks to Matthew and Nancy Sleeth for generously sharing their contacts in the publishing world, which helped get me started down the path. Then there is Nancy Lovell who taught me to write (and Anna Brindley who introduced me to Nancy Lovell!) And Patti Hill who taught me how to promote. And thanks to my amazing husband Michael for his incredible love and support. The list goes on and on.

We are all indeed connected. Good deeds and small favors manifest into tremendous blessings for others, thereby making the world a better place. In fact, small acts of generosity for the greater good is what green living is all about. To all who helped make this happen, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To new friends reading this, I'm thrilled to have you join me on the next leg of the trip.  You can start by buying my book (just kidding....but seriously, buy my book)! Smile