Happy Friday!

It is 8:40 PM and this is the first writing I’ve done all day. I’ve been busy baking, wrapping, and trying to get a bit more of the ice off my driveway. As I worked, I thought about this past year. When I signed the contract for my novel, Providence, my agent (Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary) told me although I had been published many times, this was my first trade novel and it was special. There will never be another first novel in my life, so I should enjoy every moment of the process. As I worked through the steps with my editor and other pros at Merit Press, I frequently thought, “When does the fun part start?” I found the process very stressful.

Now I know the answer to my question. For me at least, it began the day I knew I could make no more changes to the manuscript. The publisher was whisking it off to the printers and the next time I see it, it will be a book. It was as if I had been swimming against the tides for months and had finally reached the beach. I basked in the sun’s glow. I curled my toes in the silky sand and I thought about how lucky I am. Too few people in this world get to see their dream become reality. I have much to be grateful for.

I hope during this season you all are able to remember the things that fill you with gratitude. Have a very Merry Christmas!