January, 2021 Author Update
Let’s make a difference in 2021…
I’m excited for things to get back to normal. Aren’t you? I’m a gregarious sort and love getting together with people — even if I have to be sure to sanitize, wear a mask, and keep a distance. January is a month for me to prioritize, organize, and re-evaluate. Here are some plans so far:
Education:
Woodneath Library’s Story Center - writing & oral storytelling. This year I aim to achieve certificates from two programs (written and oral storytelling) from the Story Center & Metropolitan Community College.
Nicholas T. Smith, author of The Giants and The Smalls, has challenged me to join his Stretch Revolution. It’s a six-month program of weekly emails designed to encourage me out of my comfort zone and grow to new heights. Subscribers to my blog will see highlights of this at the top of their email.
Marketing:
I’m re-evaluating the social media platforms I’m using/not using. I just joined MeWe — the newest social media platform and similar to Facebook. The difference is they see me as the customer, not the product. There are NO ads and everyone will see my posts. I’ll also be posting to Pinterest and LinkedIn.
Book reviews are also going to continue monthly and I’ll be in contact with the authors.
Another goal is to get on some podcasts and other interviews.
I’ve entered Emeline - A Journey into two contests. Results will be out in March or April. I’m hopeful!
Down the road, I want to do some things on Youtube.
Writing:
I recently updated my description for Emeline - A Journey. Now it sizzles! There’s a big difference between writing for a novel and writing a synopsis! Click on the link and let me know what you think in the comments. (The link is for the soft cover. Still waiting for the Kindle ebook to change.)
I am outlining Emeline’s next novel. Ideas for this story come easier when I brainstorm with someone, like my daughter, Cassidy. Would you like to brainstorm with me?
Publishing:
Do your kids know what they believe for themselves? I finished My Journey, a guided journal for tweens and teens. Inspired by Emeline - A Journey, your kids will answer challenging, personal questions about their faith, describe times they’ve needed determination, resilience, and more (plus plenty of free-space for thoughts, hopes, and dreams). Currently, it’s being designed and I can’t wait to see it! I’m hoping to have it available in February.
Emeline’s audiobook is still in production and I’m anxious to hear it. Should be finished sometime this spring. My narrator gave her (deaf) mother a paper copy for Christmas — one of her favorite gifts. Abigail surprised her by telling her she was narrating it. She was so excited! Sweet…
School Visits & Conferences:
Hoping to have several school visits this year — virtually or in person.
Will be a vendor at the Midwest Homeschoolers conference, April 9-10, 2021 at the KCI Expo Center. If you’re a homeschool family, you won’t want to miss this curriculum fair.