OPENING MY FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK

It was a long time in coming—perhaps making the thrill even greater—when the perfect Christmas gift arrived on December 20th at 2:15 pm—an advance copy of my very first book, The 12 Dog Days of Christmas in New York City. The publisher’s return address became a blur as I ripped open the dull-yellow package and caught sight of the cover’s vibrant blues and gold. There was the New York City skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and looking up at me, the poignant face of the story’s elusive Dachshund on a red leash.

Beautifully illustrated by Shawn Bridges, I turned one colorful page after the other, skimming the words over which I had labored so hard—and felt good that they seemed right. I clutched the book to my chest and rocked as though protecting a new born baby, and indeed I felt like I was.
There are few exact dates and times that I remember in my lifetime, but December 20th, 2:15 pm will be one of them.

When I first started out as a writer, a critique friend told me “Enter contests.” She was right! I entered this manuscript in the 2004 ABC Picture Book Contest—and it won! The prize was publication by Rita Mills of ABC’s Press, (ISBN 978-0-980278-3-7). She will feature it in her booth at the Texas Library Association, April 14-17.

Another thrill came last week when I saw The 12 Dog Days of Christmas in NYC on the bookshelves at The Twig Book Store and learned they will host a launch and book-signing on April 8th.
Like I said, the book’s arrival was a long time in coming—but it was worth it.