The Unveiling!

Dear Readers, Change isn't always easy, but it's done many times over a lifetime, right? We go from high school to moving away to college, job to job until we find a good fit, single to being married, and so on.

I am no exception to the rule. My gear switch right now is not so much going from being a teacher to becoming a full-time writer, but learning patience from a different perspective. When teaching, if a student wasn't reading at grade level, I set short and long-term goals for that student and by the end of the school year, progress was made.

Writing is virtually the same, well ... kind of. I set short and long-term goals with a deadline in mind and get to work. But here's the thing--I'm a writer. I'm not a professional editor, or proofreader, or professional artist. I depend on others for these works of art. They are very good at what they do, and I need their expertise so that I can deliver to you, my readers, a wonderful novel. Like writing, teaching involves so much more than delivering a lesson. Moving a child forward depends on parents, reading specialists, social workers, other teachers, and so on. However, there is one major difference. In my twenty years of teaching, I had the same deadline--the last day of school. With writing, I've come to learn that I should never set a publication deadline until the book is actually in my hands.

The other day, my editor gave me great advice. She said, "Don't worry about the publication date. Ten years from now you want readers to remember your novel." This was eye-opening. Though it should have been quite obvious considering that over my years of teaching, students ventured back to visit with me, and not one student asked, "Hmmm....now let's see. What year was I in second grade?"

You know where I'm going with this. Yes, my book is still a work in progress. I had originally said that my second book would be out this spring. Considering spring doesn't end until June 20, I might get lucky, but at this point, I cannot set a date until the sequel to The Fifth Floor is in my hands and ready to deliver. At that time, I will give a happy shout out.

Sincerely, Julie

Whew....I'm glad that's off my chest.

AND NOW ...  There is a great ending to this saga of mine. The cover unveiling is here. 

Just like Ziggy

Building on the beloved story in The Fifth Floor.

Anna desperately needs her family, but how can a family who needs rescuing save her?