I know a really good book that went on sale today.

Since I have a hard time “pimping” my own books, I figured I’d take a moment instead to tell you about a fantastic story I just read.

Lainey Bancroft’s Action and Satisfaction was a great read! Lainey is another wonderful BookStrand author I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know because we both sold stories to BookStrand right around the same time and learned the ropes of the company together.

What a wonderful story! I was immediately drawn into the conflict between Seth and Eva — two characters who are both afraid to be honest. I loved how Lainey showed all the ups and downs of modern relationships and how hard it is for people to open up. Her secondary characters leap off the page. And you become so emotionally involved with Seth and Eva that you have to keep reading to be sure they reach their happily ever after.

Super job, Lainey!

Oh, and my Murphy’s Law releases as an ebook on Tuesday. If you like horses and you want to see sparks fly between a hero and heroine, you might like this story.

I love being a member of Elements of RWA.

This on-line chapter was created a few years ago, and it has become a great resource for me. The members are so supportive. There’s an excellent blog on Five Scribes about Elements today. I was honored to be mentioned as one of the chapter’s up-and-coming authors.

I’m also pleased to be Elements “Author Spotlight” for February. Beginning today and running through my Murphy’s Law ebook release on Tuesday, I’m fielding questions on our Yahoo loop from Elements members on anything from the craft of writing to the process of publishing in ebook and with small press. For Elements members who ask questions, I’m going to have a drawing to give away an ebook copy of Turning Thirty-Twelve and an ARC for Murphy’s Law.

So ask away!

Me, myself, and angst…

I used to think it was odd that so many writers, especially those from The Lost Generation, were so damned neurotic. The more time I spend on the publishing aspect of the writing biz, the more I “get it.”

Now, don’t panic. I’m not ready to take Hemingway’s exit plan or anything like that. I’m just going a bit… crazy with all the waiting involved in the process. I think the reason it’s so frustrating for me is the roller coaster phenomenon. Hurry up! Wait… Hurry up! Wait… Makes me feel like running around the house, screaming and pulling my hair out. Okay, stop laughing. I know I do that all the time already, but… At least this time I have a good reason for acting psycho.

There is one thing I’ve learned through this whole odyssey that I never really knew or truly appreciated before I started writing. I have wonderful friends and the best family in the world. Good God, how often have I cried my angsty little heart out on my friends’ shoulders? How often have I called my sister, my mother, or my kids, whining about the snail’s pace of this industry? And Jeff? The poor guy deserves a Purple Heart for all I’ve inflicted on him. Yet, all these fantastic people always let me get the poison out of my heart, pat me on the back, and tell me, “Atta girl.” I thank God every day for each and every one of them.

An update on Turning Thirty-Twelve in print — Looks like it won’t be appearing on Amazon or Barnes & Noble until March. I have more people calling and emailing about that due date than I did when I was overdue with my daughter. I’m thrilled so many people want to buy the print! A huge “thanks” and hug to all of you!

This has been a test of your emergency angst-warning system. Had this been an actual angst, you would have been directed to a safe shelter in your area.

Back to your regularly scheduled program.

I survived my first review.

Review Your Book posted a nice review for Turning Thirty-Twelve.

*****
Turning Thirty Twelve
Sandy James
Book Strand, 2008
ISBN: 1606012142
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com, 1/09
4 Stars
Romance and middle age…
When you realize you are middle-aged, life looks different. Jackie and Mark are beginning to get serious. Their relationship runs into some obstacles when their children begin to date and they find out they are going to have a baby. Is their love strong enough to survive?

Sandy James offers readers a touching romance. I like the characters in Turning Thirty Twelve. Love does not stop when a woman’s hair turns gray. The plot of this book is very realistic. James demonstrates the trials of parents everywhere. Fans of
romance will enjoy Turning Thirty Twelve.

*****

I’ve been really busy. Between trying to cover ground with my AP kids I lost when we had snow days and two-hours delays and working on the final edits for Murphy’s Law, I have absolutely no time to write new pages. I know I shouldn’t let that stress me out, but I get… antsy when I can’t write, especially when I have a strong story shouting in my head.

I’m also disappointed that Turning Thirty-Twelve lost its first place standing in Mainstream Romance. Perhaps when the print releases soon, I can retake the lead. I have so many people asking me when it will be out. I promise as soon as I get the date, I’ll pass it on. And I truly appreciate all the love and support coming my way. I hope those of you who read my first book will consider reading Murphy’s Law. It’s a wonderful story.

Back to my edits…

This has been a busy week.

I received an email about Murphy’s Law. Seems that my ebook release date has been bumped up to February 24th! I’m thrilled. And I’m terrified.

Turning Thirty-Twelve has sold well, but the number of ebook copies didn’t come close to BookStrand’s erotica. It did, however, rise up the charts and remains BookStrand’s #1 Mainstream Romance. I’m very proud of that. But what if the novelty has worn off? My insecurities are showing.

Series tend to sell better than single titles. Murphy’s Law contested very well. In fact, all of the “Damaged Heroes” series books were contest winners or finalists. I need to hold onto that thought and hope readers like the stories.

And perhaps sales will be good because Turning Thirty-Twelve will be releasing in print right around the same time. I’m hopeful the print will sell better than the ebook based on the number of people who ask when it will be out. God love my friends and former students. They’ve been wonderfully supportive.

I hope Murphy’s Law doesn’t follow the fate of its title.

Turning Thirty-Twelve won the Preditors & Editors 2008 Best Book Cover! A HUGE thanks to everyone who voted!