My first romance novel, The Bluffs Between Us, is out in the world after five long years, oceans of tears, and countless sleepless nights that have probably stolen plenty of time from my longevity. 

And with the book's launch comes a bevy of unexpected feelings: 

• humility (yes, I've found several mistakes even though a dozen sets of eyes read the manuscript, and I scrutinized it at least four times myself)
• relief (after all that time, I can let it go)
• fear (what if nobody buys it?)

I've already made corrections to the errors I've found (and please let me know if you find more), and I'm moving on--marketing the novel and starting to work on the next book in the series. And although early sales are slow, the reviews have warmed my heart. Seems I've hit a chord with many readers!

Several people have asked how they can help me now. Here's a list of activities any author would appreciate from friends, family, and readers:

• Follow them on social media. 
• Share their posts on your social media.
• Purchase and read their books. 
• Write an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads.
• Tell your friends about the book.
• Recommend the book to your book club.
• Ask for the book at local libraries and book stores.

On the home front:

Grandchildren continue to add joy to our lives, even though there are plenty of sniffles and coughs now.

My husband and I flew up to northern California last week to support our youngest daughter, the esthetician, for the opening of her new studio in gold country. We're so proud of her entrepreneurial spirit.

Closer to home, our other daughter continues to heal from a fall she had months ago, and looks forward to returning to her respiratory therapist job soon. Plus, she's planning for her favorite holiday, Halloween, with home decorations and costumes for all four children.

My husband is working diligently to get Charlie in perfect running condition (his multi-year restoration project, a 1955 Ford Country Sedan). 

And I am writing away on book #2 of the Moonlit Midnights series, Until We Begin Again, and musing on an epilogue to The Bluffs Between Us. 

Happy fall everyone!