What's An Author's Most Valuable Asset? Readers

Happy Spring - from Gail Gaymer Martin at http://www.gailmartin.com/

The last I spoke to you was in February where I was spending the winter in Sedona, AZ, but surprise, surprise, winter never came to Michigan. Was it wasted effort? No I was inspired with story ideas there. Here we are one day into spring with 80 degree temperatures. Life is full of surprises. . .and so are readers. Why? Let me tell you.

One thing I've learned while writing for publicatoin these last fourteen years is that what is a writer without readers -- not only do you purchase our books, but you provide valuable information. My readers group on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110543112472 helps me think of titles, story ideas, and become influencers of my upcoming releases when I send some of them a novel not yet released. I have enjoyed this faithful group and find them invaluable to me as a writer. You are my cheerleaders and often a source of great information. I can't thank you enough.

  

The cover has arrived for my next LI to be release in June, and I hope you look for it in stores or online at the end of May.  A DREAM OF HIS OWN is the final book in the Dreams Come True series and will be Ava's story. It will also reveal the only mystery in the series. Who is the lone donor f or the Dreams Come True Foundation and, as important, why?

Winter Adventures And Story Ideas



Hi from Gail Gaymer Martin at http://www.gailmartin.com/

What is more inspiring than a setting like this? Although we know the Lord surrounds us each day, the grandeur of His natural beauty is awe-inspiring.

I've wanted to winter in a place that would offer adventure and rest, and Sedona, Arizona is one of those perfect settings.

Usually a computer potato--never a couch potato since I'm always writing and I use a mouse--I find myself walking daily and hiking up the sloops of the red rocks when I have the courage and energy. A hiking stick helps, and I've enjoyed seeing the views from higher up. 

We've had the frightening thrill of running into wild animals on our journeys, and my husband had the good sense to bring along his camera.  Our first encounter was a bobcat who looked up at us while he lounged in the shade and then decided his nap was more important than lunch.  We were grateful.

Our next adventure was running into a javelina who was not with the usual herd or pack but was alone.  We were grateful because they are wild and can be dangerous. Though the javelina looks like he'd be from the pig family, he is a peckery and if you look closely you'll see he has hair.

We've seen mountain lion tracks but that's one adventure I'll pass up.  I'm still longing to see a roadrunner. 

The setting, hiking, and wild animals has naturally stirred my creative juices and I can feel a novel budding in my mind. I've been here before but never for more than a week, so this extended trip---away from Michigan's winter---is both inspiring and exciting.  One of these days (more likely years), I hope to offer a series or a novel set in this magnificent location.

This is not all fun either. I'm working on a novel to come out months from now which I've titled Waiting for You. It will be the first book in a new series. So for now from our deck with a view of castle rock and bell rock, think of me, and if you enjoy my novels, look for the next LI, A Dream of His Own (the last in the Dreams Come True series) that will be in stores at the end of May through June. If you wondered who is the donor for this wonderful foundation, you may just learn the secret in the last novel.  :  )

Here's the thing about "The Doctor's Family" Lenora Worth :

I've been getting a lot of reader mail this month. Everyone seems to be enjoying my September LI release "The Doctor's Family." They tell me how much they loved the story and then they tell me how "disappointed" they are that I didn't tie up all the mysteries. Then I have to write a polite letter (because I'm thrilled that they love the book) and explain that I wasn't suppose to tie up all the mysteries. This is Book THREE of a six book series by six different writers. Here is the order of the books: The Nanny's Homecoming--LInda Goodnight, The Sheriff's Runaway Bride--Arlene James, The Doctor's Family--Lenora Worth, The Cowboy's Lady--Carolyne Aarsen, The Loner's Thanksgiving Wish--Roxanne Rustand, The Prodigal's Christmas Reunion--Kathryn Springer. In my book, I did have to set up a lot of mysteries and strange happenings. I don't want my readers to ever be disappointed in my stories, so please keep the letters coming. And I hope you will also read the five other books in this series. It was fun and challenging to corral that whacky Clayton clan, but we did it and we all learned a lot and worked closely together to make sure everything flowed smoothly. I know you will enjoy all the books. And if anyone out there has read them all in order, tell us what you think. And help us spread the word--the mysteries will be solved. Just keep reading until the VERY end!