Did you know that 1,100 books get published every day? That's why it's so important to do as much marketing research as possible to ensure that yours get's the attention it deserves. I'm working at present with my publicist on my press release. Need a great hook!

Took a break from being a writer...

Attended a birthday get-together for my long-time friend, Kathleen Warren, at the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley on Sunday. Met some new people, ate and drank and had an overall good time.

The interior of my book arrived from my publisher on Monday. I need to approve the overall format and then we can go to press. My writer's hat is back on!

When the words start to flow...

Nothing can stop a dedicated writer!

Between The Bookendz: Book #38

Check out this book blog for reviews and news, and to follow Eve on her journey to read 50 books in a year.

Between The Bookendz: Book #38

The book is moving through the publishing process and we're making progress. Here's the final cover. Cool, huh? It should be released in the next few weeks.

I know when people read it, they'll want to know how much of the story comes from my real life experiences. My answer: While the book is indeed fiction, my protagonist, Elizabeth Reilly-Hayden and I do share one important element in our lives -- I, too, have been blessed with the friendship of a group of women I first met in high school. We call ourselves, The Wilson Family, (for reasons I won't discuss here), and this book is dedicated to them.
Link to website: judithmarshall.net

Update

No, I didn't die! I've just been overwhelmed with preparing for the release of my debut novel, "Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever," out in a month or so. There's so much to do, working with the publisher on cover design, interior fonts, where to put the page numbers -- you wouldn't believe how much is involved. Anyway, I promise to be more attentive to this blog from now on and will keep you abreast of all new developments. Promise....

My Bad...

Okay, okay. Now it's been even longer since I posted anything; so long I almost forgot I had a blog! Anyway, obviously a lot has happened since last November, we have a new President, the market has tanked, thousands have lost their jobs (including my son), and a bunch of other mostly bad stuff. But in my writing world, some good things have happened. I invited the volunteer readers I mentioned in November to lunch. Four out of six were able to attend. The two absent sent their handwritten comments to me separately. We then had a discussion about what worked and what they thought could be improved. To my delight, all of them genuinely enjoyed the story and saw no major flaws, just a few adjustments. They liked it! They really liked it!

So.... I made the suggested changes, corrected some typos, and once again began to query agents. At present, the entire manuscript is being read by an agent connected to the film industry in Los Angeles. I hope to hear back in the next week or so. Keep your fingers crossed.
I promise to tell you what happens.

Have a Happy Easter!