July 10

Today I leave for the National Christian Retailers Conference in Denver. They expect over 11,000 people, booksellers from all over the United States. I’ll meet Renae Moore there; she’s going to help promote my books on the East Coast.

July 11

Am meeting Natasha, my agent, and Jennifer Leep, my editor at Revell this morning to talk about launching The Winds of Sonoma and about a future contract.

July 12

Had a great meeting with Natasha and Jennifer. Revell wants to contract more books with me. I told them that I would agree to one more book at this time. I want to see how my books sell before I commit to another multiple book deal. It is very hard having two full time jobs. (deep sigh) I’m going to write a stand-alone book that will be due September 2006 for release in 2007.

July 13

Spent a lot of time at the Baker Books Revell/Bethany House booth today. I met many of the sales representatives and introduced myself—told them about my book so they will be familiar with it when they call on the bookstores across the country. I feel like this was time well spent.

July 28

Christianbook.com called today for an interview. (Yikes.) www.christianbook.com is the Christian answer to Amazon.com. The Winds of Sonoma and I are going to be featured in several places on the site. If people go to www.christianbook.com and click on the left side, top tab, Fiction, they will get into the fiction section. I’m also in the Discussion Question section (click on the link, then scroll down). Also, have an article in "The Writer’s Corner," have a spot under "Author’s Favorite Verses," and will be in some other places as it gets closer to the book coming out.

August 7

I gave my workshop today at the Willamette Writers Conference. Had about twenty-five who attended. The class, called The "Devil’s in the Details," was supposed to be a workshop about Inspirational Fiction. But over half of the people attending wrote ABA/secular fiction. (eyes widen) so I had to change what I spoke about so it would be inclusive for all who attended. The attendees had to fill out evaluation forms. I got many 5 out 5, excellent reviews. I got two that had 4’s and 5’s.

August 12

I’m starting to get reviews on The Winds of Sonoma. (clutches chest) So far so good. One important one is Romantic Times Book Club Magazine. They review all books, not just Inspirational. I got four stars. You can get as many as five. But no inspirational book has ever gotten five. So I’m pretty happy with the review.

August 14

I got an awesome review from Inspirational Romance Writers. (beams) They said: “This was an amazing read. All of the characters in this story come alive on the pages. Ms. Arana is very lyrical in her prose and brings to life the beauty of Sonoma in a way that will transport the reader to this very beautiful part of Northern California. Ms. Arana is a truly gifted storyteller and one that I have no problem recommending. She is a shining jewel in the genre of Inspirational fiction's crown.” (runs to mirror to find out what kind of jewel I am)

August 17

I FINISHED MY THIRD BOOK TODAY! I have now completed my book contract. (pours last of champagne from bottle) Also found out www.christianbook.com has chosen The Winds of Sonoma as one of the Top Twenty favorite Christian books. (empties glass)

August 18

Talked to Borders Books here in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and I’m going to have a book signing there on October 29 from 2-4. I’ve put all the details on my Web site. Am beginning to think about book 4. The Regalo Grande series is finished now. This will be a stand-alone book. I started the synopsis today to submit to Revell for a second contract.

August 23

Christian Retailing, one of the top three industry magazines, is going to profile me as a first-time author in their October 3 edition. Finished my synopsis for book 4. My working title will be Seek First the Kingdom.

September 6

Am writing the prologue for book 4 to send with the synopsis.(chews lip and ponders)

September 13

My friend, Janet, told me that Borders Books in Coeur d'Alene has chosen The Winds of Sonoma as their discussion book for November! (does Snoopy dance)

September 19

I’m going to be having a booksigning on November 26 at The Sower bookstore, 7352 Government Way in Coeur d'Alene.

September 23

I finished my prologue and sent it and the synopsis to the publisher. Now it will be between them and Natasha to put something together.

September 25

Hey, everyone.

What I am doing now is called author intrusion. You have been reading notes from my journal. But now I’m speaking directly to you!! For those of you who don’t know, my book is now available for ordering!! You all can help me by calling your local bookstores, Christian and others, and asking them if they carry the book, and if not, encourage them to. You can tell them the book was written by an award-winning author. The Winds of Sonoma has been picked as one of the "Top Twenty Fiction Books" by ChristianBook.com, it is rated 4 Stars by Romantic Times and it was chosen as book of the month by Borders Romance Readers Group. I hope you’ll end the conversation by telling them to let you know when your copy is in. After you read the book, please tell others about it. Word of mouth is one of the best ways of creating buzz about a new book. I need to get 10,000 books sold over the next few months. (gulps)

If you live in Northern Idaho, you can call Borders, (208) 762-4497 and ask them to reserve you a book for the signing (we’re just trying to get an idea of how many are coming), or call The Sower, (208) 762-9091 and have them order a book for you. If you pick up your book before the signings, keep the receipt and you can bring it with you and I can sign it on that day. Also, my book is an inexpensive gift for friends. I can personalize gift books, making the book unique. Good idea for that person who has everything. If you live elsewhere, order from your local bookstore and I can send you autographed or personalized book plates that you can put in the front of the book. Just let me know. Also, anyone who does business with Barnes and Noble in the Spokane Valley, be sure to ask them about my book. They only ordered ONE. (sticks out tongue in direction of Spokane) It would be nice if it sold before it arrives. Maybe then they’d order a few more.

Thank you so much for coming with me on this first part of my journey. Now the real work begins. Remember, if you like the book, tell others. I need to sell 10,000!! And be sure to check my Web site to find out where I'm going to be in the coming months.

 

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