Well it is hard to get any further out in left field than I did last month. As an Indy published author, I have always dreamed of finding a publisher. Remember that old saying, “be careful what you wish for”? In the fall of 2018 I signed a contract with a publisher in Northwest Arkansas and have turned in the five manuscripts for a series of children’s books to be titled “The Wise Old Owl Series.” The company put me in touch with a fantastic lady and together we edited the five manuscripts, but now comes the hard part! I have never been blessed with a lot of patience and waiting for an illustrator has been one of the hardest things you can imagine. My daughter, who is the head of my cheering section, says use this time to write! Sound advice but all I can think of is how is Eric, the star of my first book “Eric Finds A Friend” going to look? Is he going to resemble the squirrel who plays in my back yard? Is the illustrator going to recognize my bluebird, Nic Nic, as the grouchy little trouble maker with a heart of gold that I see? Are they going to come to life like Bambi and Thumper of Walt Disney fame? It does no good to tell myself to be patient and it is hard to write about “Spanish Gold ” when squirrels and bluebirds are racing around in my head. Part of being a writer means we can be dramatic, so stay tuned for the trials and tribulations of Linda and look for Eric and Nic Nic coming soon!
Happy reading, Linda
I have noticed that with self-publishing it’s easier than ever to get a book published. There are several sites who will work with you to print the book, as well as setup and sell your work in the e-book format, but the author is expected to do their own marketing. Needless to say, it’s harder to get it in front of the public. In my section of Arkansas and Oklahoma there are a growing number of self-published authors, of which I am one. Seeing a need for local representation, I recently contacted the editor of the regional newspaper to propose a column featuring our area’s authors and was excited as well as a bit shocked when he approved my idea. Beginning the 18th of July, I will be doing a twice monthly column entitled “The Book Nook” for the 
I have always felt that if you live on this earth long enough and keep an open mind, you will learn a lot about yourself and the world around you. Then, God sent me E. ( Now if you don’t believe in God, this is the first and the last time I will mention him so you are free to continue reading.) E. came into my life from another state and she has me examining my thoughts and values. She teases me about liking feel-good books! This I am guilty of; one of my favorite authors is Debbie Macomber and we all know from the Hallmark Channel how many of her books have been made into feel good movies.
