It’s May!
And boy are things hoppin’ around here! Literally! But I’ll save the bunnies for a bit. I know, I know, some of you subscribe just for the bunnies, but I have some exciting news to share first.
Writing News
My biggest news is that Dreams and Illusions won first place in the Chanticleer International Book Awards for the Mystery and Mayhem Division, Amateur Sleuth Category! Let me tell you, when they called my name, my daughter screamed, I nearly fell out of my seat, and my husband was going crazy. I’m not sure how I made it to the stage, but I do remember someone helping me up the stairs. I was so flattered to be a finalist in one of the most competitive categories, but I wasn’t expecting to win.
The conference alone was incredible. My writing buddy and daughter, Carolynn, and I learned so much and made a lot of new friends. Even my hubby, Chuck, made friends, which he tends to do, but his fashion statement took him to another level.
Which brings me to my next surprise…Book 2 Cover Reveal! Weigh in and let me know what you think! I’m so excited. I’m revising now, hoping to have Dreams and Decekptions launched this November.
Gabrielle Dorian returns from Seattle, ready to settle down and learn to live without the love of her life, raising their child on her own. She’ll put her prophetic dreams behind her and live a normal life at last. But Kate, her best friend, has made her a local celebrity, and people need her help. Things heat up when Gabrielle learns her husband’s death was not an accident … and she is suspected of his murder. Soneone is weaving a web of deception. Will Gabrielle unravel it before someone else dies?
A week before the conference, I had a very successful Book Signing at our local bookstore, Book & Game, Co. It was so fun! I completely sold out of Dreams and Illusions, and also sold four copies of Malice, Matrimony, & Murder! My best event yet.
I’m almost ready to send The Demon Slayer’s Handbook to my editor as well. Boy, Christmas is going to be a super vacation for this author!
Bunny News
All right, on to the bunnies. We have three litters at the moment, and they are rascals. Here’s a peek.
Carolynn took nine bunnies to a show in Yakima, WA while Chuck and I were at the book signing, and one of her bunnies won Reserve Best in Show! That’s second place out of over thirty of the best bunnies! So, she had a pretty great weekend, too.
It’s these wins that encourage her to keep going when things don’t go so well. Because of the nature of raising Jersey Woolies, we have lost a few babies this year. They’re very fragile creatures, and one day they can look healthy and active, and the next they can pass. This is so hard for my tender-hearted daughter, though other breeders take it in stride. But Carolynn has a goal to improve the breed, and when her rabbits bring home awards, it shows her that, even though she may lose some, she is making a difference.
I can say the same thing about myself. We had a great crop from the garden last summer, but with my surgeries, I didn’t get it all canned as I wanted. What a waste. I mean, we could only eat so much.
But one thing I can do while convalescing, is write … and rewrite … and enter contests 🤭 So, I did. And what do you know, it paid off in spades. As I tell Carolynn, we can’t be perfect at everything we do, but we can do our best and focus on our wins.
The important thing is, we don’t give up. Perseverance is the key to success, no matter what you pursue. If you are unable to do one thing, find something you can do, and give it your best. Sooner or later, that award will be yours, you’ll publish that book, grow your business and be able to quit the 9-5 grind, or whatever you dream of. When that happens, you may still be sad about the bunnies and all those tomatoes you had to throw out, but your wins will carry you through to your next victory.
I hope you all have a fabulous, sunny spring!
Until next time, happy reading!
Rebecca