… and I hope you get to know her well.
My Name is Sam. … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through — my third book and an expansion of the first novella Heaven Shining Through— is at the final, final, final stages prior to publication. I just shared some last-minute editor suggested changes/additions with my editor. The cover is in the final design stage. And I am getting EXCITED!
The book is a fictional memoir and told through the eyes of my lead character, Samantha — or just plain Sam. You met her before along with her husband Chad and the rest of her family and friends in Heaven Shining Through. And you fell in love with her — much as I did as the author. It sounds silly, but Sam has become my best friend!
Those who met her through the first book asked for more. That’s what I attempted to do as I delved deeper into her mind and thoughts. I built on her relationships, with a few twists and turns. Through the pages, Sam tried to remain true to her Christian roots. I purposely stayed away from being “preachy” but rather told a story that showed the presence of God in everyday, sometimes messy lives. My hope is readers will be able to see that.
My plans call for uploading the manuscript and cover to the publisher Friday (May 31), with a formal launch in late June. I expect it to also be made available pre-release.
I would love to take the book on the road in July and August, meeting and greeting with followers. Specifically, I would like visit northern New Jersey (where the beginning of the book takes place), the Jersey Shore (which plays an integral part in the narrative), the greater Dayton, OH, area (where the end of the book takes place an where I found many new friends), and upstate New York (where I am well known).
The last part will be the trickiest. A month-long junket will cost money. Even though I hate to ask, to turn this promotional tour into a reality, I am seeking backing at Fundly. In return, I will send you a signed copy of the book!
To keep you interested, next week I will share some personal insights from Samantha. In her words, you will get a glimpse of what the book is about and why she wrote it {okay, fictionally}. The formal cover reveal is tentatively scheduled right here and elsewhere June 11. The book is tentatively set to be released in late June — just in time for July 4 weekend reading!
I can’t tell you how excited I am about My Name Is Sam … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through. Watching it all come together from my mind to paper has been a rush.
THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has. — Henry Ward Beecher
The Light 