Redlands Author Stretches Her Legs

It may seem like the world has gone half-hysterical; chaos, technology, computers, games, and that doesn’t even touch the day-to-day chores. In a world that just seems to be gaining speed at every turn, do you ever find yourself longing for a softer, gentler, slower pace? I’m not a travel agent. But, I am a writer. And, while I can’t put you on a plane and whisk you a way to nether worlds, I can put a book in your hands that will provide you an escape. But, I’ll get into that shortly. For now, I guess I could share a little about me. I am the oldest of three children, and also the only girl. I was raised in Texarkana, Texas and moved to Colorado in my early teen years. I’ve also lived just south of Memphis, Tennessee in a small town called, Walls, Mississippi. For the past six years, my two sons and I have gladly called Redlands home. I am very fortunate to have a very supportive group of family and friends. My mother has always pushed me to write a book. She has given me many empty journals as gifts, encouraging me to fill them with what would become a book. In addition, my brother has always encouraged me in my efforts. I’ve had friends asking me why I don’t write books. Then, one day, as I was driving down the road, the floodgates opened and the “Time Capsule Series” was born. I have always had a passion for writing and have enjoyed the hobby since I was very young. As a child, I would write plays for my cousins and we would all act them out, putting on shows for our family. When I was twenty, I had a poem published in an anthology. Unfortunately, I didn’t understand the weight of that experience at the time and have since forgotten the name of the book. It was some years later before I decided to stretch my legs and try to get published again, this time being with a local paper. Helena Mitchell with City News Group, which publishes the Redlands City News amongst other local papers, allowed me to write articles and I even had a couple that made the front page. I have kept copies of every one of those papers, as now, I understand the importance of having anything published, in any light. I will forever be thankful for this opportunity, as it gave me the courage to believe in my dream. Which will lead me to my next topic. In April of 2013, I really stretched my legs and I began writing my first book, “Lock Creek: One Year’s Time.” It took two, five subject notebooks, and I can’t even guess how many pens. But, a year later, I started typing the story up. Finally, on July 3rd, I was playing around with Create Space. I pressed a button, expecting to be given an option to back out or publish. Within seconds, a window appeared that said something to the effect of, “Your book is now published and available to order.” My eyes bugged out, my jaw dropped and I instantly pulled up Amazon. Sure enough! Right there, in living color, was my very first book. I sat, frozen as a stone, trying to figure out if I was dreaming or not. Then, I blinked, closed my mouth and started telling everyone that the book was available. I believe in fate. I believe everything happens for a reason. And, I believe that one little button that I pressed that day has, forever, changed my life. It was so easy, it had to be fate. Now, as an independent author, I received a certificate from Senator Mike Morrel, congratulating me for my accomplishment, which made me feel like it was time to get the promotional show on the road. It was officially done! I had a certificate to prove it. Now, I am trying to promote this book, which is the first in a series. Lock Creek: One Year’s Time is written with an adult audience in mind and is not recommended for the young adults. This book appeals to both, male and female readers. This love story is unlike any of the others. I like to blend in a little suspense and mystery. I also like to surprise my readers; just when you think you know what’s going to happen, I give you a better option. I find humor also makes reading even more enjoyable. So, I put a little (a lot) of that in there for you, as well. As I mentioned before, this is the first book in this series and the next one is due out in later September. This book just came out in July and I welcome you to read the reviews on Amazon, as well as Good Reads. I’m rather proud of the response this book is getting and I would be happy to know what you think as well. I will be starting the book tour with a few local book signings coming up (Yucaipa, Riverside) before I will be going to Denver, Colorado in October. It is my hopes that you will all come visit me, share some coffee, have a few laughs and don’t forget to bring your book with you. I’m always happy to sign them for you. If you do not yet have your copy of Lock Creek: One Year’s Time, you can find it on Amazon.com, as well as www.barnesandnoble.com.