Well, it's almost time for an official announcement, and I can't think of anything else exciting going on right now, so I will let you in on something that has been developing for the past six months - I'm publishing my book!
I have written a novel for middle readers-to-adult called "The Bridge of the Gods". It is a fantasy set on the Oregon coast, in 1908. Chloe Ashton lives in Fairfax, a small fishing town. She is an only child living with her wealthy merchant parents, and spends happy days exploring the forests around her home. One terrible day her life changes forever, and Chloe is thrown out into the world to be sold by vagabonds. Although terrified, Chloe is not alone. 
She makes friends with a white rat named Shakespeare, and meets a talking mare named Greybelle. And it's not only the animals who help Chloe, nature herself takes a hand. It is still an ancient land of primeval forces - the trees, mountains, rivers, and animals all remember a time before man started chopping down the trees and making roads. They resent the death and destruction waged in the name of progress. But it is a race against time in Fairfax. A new hospital is being built, and the people and animals of the land are getting their first glimpse of the speeding ambulances which are tearing down the roads, scaring folks out of their wits. Soon people start disappearing,
I'll just leave it there for the moment. I'm still polishing my synopsis-writing skills. You don't want to reveal too much or you ruin the surprise of reading the book, but you want enough detail to tantalize. Believe me, there is a LOT more - it's a magical story with lots of action, and with an emphasis on the transformative power of nature. Old nature. Ancient nature. Deep, natural magic that shakes the stones and makes the skies erupt in fire. Good stuff!!! ;)
The book is actually two books - the original manuscript was over 400,000 words, so the publisher decided it should be two. So glory be, the sequel is already written!!! How amazing is that?! I am really, really thrilled this is happening!
Let me tell you about the publisher. First of all it's a self-publishing company, for women. It's called "She Writes Press", and it does amazing work! It was really a fluke of luck that it all came about - my dear mom went on a retreat for a few days, and happened to meet Brooke Warner, one of the owners. Of course being my supportive mother she told Brooke all about my book and Brooke suggested I submit it to them. So, I did, and they reviewed my manuscript. When they do this they first decide if it's publishable material, and then put it on a certain track to publication. My track was #3, the one that needs the most work, lol. It's the one where they match you with an editor, and then you work closely with that editor, 5,000 words at a time, through the book. My editor is the best!!!! Her name is Annie Tucker and I love her. She is so smart, and has the best eye, and is just exactly what I needed to make the story shine. It is my first novel, after all, and has its clumsy, repetitive bits, and after four years of writing it, I really needed fresh eyes on it. So now I call Annie every week, and she goes over the week's edits with me, and then I do them, and send them back to her. We are now 8 weeks away from being finished with the first book, and then we talk about the publication. YAY!!!! I can't wait to see what the cover will look like!!!!!!! 
I'm not exactly sure what happens after that, I will keep you all posted. I do know that it will be available on amazon as both a paperback and an e-book, and it will be carried at Powell's City of Books which thrills me no end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bucket list.
And it wouldn't be possible without the help of my mom. Thanks mom!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxo
So stay tuned for more developments. And happy Thursday everyone!
xoxoxo DR
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