Book 1: An Update...

Hello Everyone. Since so many people have been asking about the book, I decided to blog my progress.

I now have an editor, and illustrator, a publisher....and my very first paying customer. Someone actually paid me in advance for the book although I am still writing it. The support has been great.

The writing is coming along well. I have been writing every day for the last few weeks. I have even started writing in the mornings for the last two days. That is tricky because I have to keep my eye on the clock so I won't run late to work.

The viewpoint has changed from third person to first person, which can be a little tricky. The point it to be clear in keeping perspectives separate and believable. I'm tapping into my training in order to show the reader the different character viewpoints, however, seen through the eyes of the protagonist. Considering that the characters are so vivid and different from each other, it is not as difficult as it seems.

Is this a girly book? Actually, I don't get this question as much as I used to. The main character just happens to be fifteen years old at the time, so her personality drives the story forward in the beginning. As you are introduced to additional characters, you will get a sense that the book is well rounded. At least, that is my objective. It may read like chicklit in the beginning, but it is actually a family story about a love story as well as a love story about a family. That may not make a whole lot of sense until you read the book.

My target audience is geard toward young women, but women of all ages have shown an interest in this book, even if it is only to read it with their teenage daughter. I hope they will. I hope this book, as well as the others, will invoke positive, deep disucssions about life. Maybe we can get families back to the dinner table and talk about a situation that the characters face and ask: "How would you handle that?" It could help start a revolution in teenage reading, communicating with their parents, being aware of their environment, taking care of their body, protecting themselves from abuse, the options are limitless.

Interestingly, there are men of all ages that are interested in reading this book. I have to admit, that really shocked me. I didn't know how men would react to this book. I just assumed that would roll their eyes, yawn, look at their watch in boredom. Well, my latest interview was two weeks ago over lunch. I was asked about 30 questions and the interview lasted about an hour. It was great! At the end of our lunch, the gentleman interviewing me was the one who paid for the very first copy of my book. Well, I insisted on giving him a complimentary, autographed copy, but he refused. He wanted to be sure he got first in line. Well, as nice as he ws, he would have to get the second copy. Mamas come first no question about that. (That will be our little secret.)

I'm still sticking to my December 31st deadline for my first draft to be finished. My goal is to have it published by Spring 2010.

Thanks for all of the support! Yes, I do read ALL of the Emails. Please note that my incoming messages have tripled since I started this book so it may take a little while to get back to you.

Delores