My First Round of Edits

I'm finally on the front line editing of my book. I just heard from Linda yesterday. She's going to start on my book and should have the first edits to me by Tuesday. Should I be nervous? Should I be scared? Should I be worried. Of course, not. Linda will do an amazing job. Still...I'm really nervous, scared and worried. This is my first book after all, and I'm not quite sure what to expect. But I'm up to the task! 

I hope you'll keep following me on my journey. I'm having the time of my life. Oh, and any pointers any of you established writers can give me are more than welcome. 

Come Tuesday I will be a very busy girl!

How Identity Came About

 I remember the exact spot in the road where my wonderful, amazing, talented daughter, Sarah, helped me come up with the idea for my novel, Identity.

I was telling her about this great book my mother started reading to me when I was just a child. For some reason my mother never finished the story, and this has left me frustrated as I was never able to find it. I gave a brief description of the plot as I remembered it to Sarah. "Why don't you write your own ending." This brilliant advice came from my then ten year old daughter.

So I did! As you can see by the photo she has grown up some, and so has my story. I always pictured my character, Savannah, as sweet, and beautiful and pure as my precious daughter. So Sarah, this story is for you!

Don't worry, DeWalt, I'll  tell your side of the story, too. Even though Sarah was my inspiration, my wonderful, amazing, incredible, understanding, patient, kind, domestic affairs husband  kept encouraging me to write.

He's always been my biggest support, my best critic, my most loyal friend. Without his encouragement I don't think I would have persisted like I did.

My darling, this book is dedicated to you!

Excerpt from Identity-Discovery on the Beach

Who done it?

“Tio! Tio! Alli! Alli!” The two little Mexican boys grabbed their uncle’s hand and pulled him to the water’s edge. The older boy patted Tio's arm. “Es un delphin?”

Tio squatted next to the seaweed-covered mass on the beach and squinted in the late morning light. When he pulled back the slimy tufts, he saw the unmistakable blond hair. Drenched and tangled, it hid her swollen face. Her clothing was stained with blood. Tio dropped the seaweed and backed up crossing himself. “Mi Dios!” he exclaimed. When the younger of the two boys ran to see the discovery, Tio grabbed his arm and yanked him back. “No!”

The nephew’s eyes filled with tears. “Pero, Tio Miguel, quiero mirar un delphin.”
Tio knelt next to the little boy. “No es un delphin. Es muy terible. Yo debo contacto la policia.” He led the boys back to the truck, and then sped into town.

Great Beginnings!

And so begins my journey as a soon to be published author! I've signed my contract, met with my editor, Linda Mullineaux and my marketing director Amy Orton, both incredible women. I get butterflies in my tummy (I really do) when I daydream about my book cover. I can hardly wait to see how amazing it is. If you've looked at the covers already done by Walnutsprings Press, you know what I mean! Incredible!

I hope you will come back frequently, leave a comment--virtual pats on the back are always welcome.

To my family:

Thanks for your support, love and encouragement.

Betsy Love
LDS Author