A Sizzling Summer Make-over

Summer is sizzling here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and today is my first meeting with my editor-in-chief since mid-May. It’s 82 degrees with a warm breeze, and low humidity.  We are scooping up a spicy taco dip loaded with meat, beans, fresh lettuce, and sprinkled with cheese. We are also imbibing on a delicious cranberry, vodka drink, and chocolates. As I’ve said a perfect summer day.However, we are working. We are updating the website and promoting, The Word of a Liar, which you will notice, has a more modern look.  When doing book signings, readers consistently commented about how much they liked the poster I was displaying, which was different from the book cover. After considerable consideration, I decided to use the poster design for the book cover as well.  I also changed the back cover.  Lisa Cerasoli, another author, suggested I put reviews on the back, so now some of you who have left an Amazon review, will be immortalized on the back cover.  (By the way, thanks so much for those reviews.) Jayde Peterson was the student graphic designer who fabricated the poster and the new cover.  She graduated in May and I am hoping she will continue her education in the art field.  I owe her, and her instructor, Rebecca Frates, a world of thanks.My Goodreads Giveaway ended at the end of June. 944 people signed up for the Giveaway and there were 25 winners, 6 of which were from Canada.  So now, I can consider myself an international author!I will be doing a book signing in Saukville, WI, on Saturday, August 20. I’m really excited as I will be meeting my biker friend, James Scott’s family and catching up with him.  If you’re in the Milwaukee Area that weekend, come to Saukville for their annual motorcycle Poker Run!I apologize for taking so long to blog, but change has occurred in the Beauchamp Family as well, and it has left me reeling. My son Ross graduated in May and is beginning his adult life. Just when I thought I had the Special Ed. School environment conquered, we moved into the unexplored territory of Medicaid Services which is turning out to be another fight to the death situation. My husband’s job of fifteen years was cut down to part-time in May, and a month later I was laid-off from my teaching position of 21 years. I’ve been working this the summer which is something I haven’t done in 19 years. I know you all feel sorry for me. Now, I am the new “Ted Bundy” and am working in a shoe store. (By the way, I always hated Ted Bundy and Married With Children.) Cleaning out my classroom, filling out job applications, and sending out resumes has taken up most of my time and my poor roses are wondering where their mother has gone.  I’m hoping this new chapter in Doug’s and my life will turn out well, but right now, I not seeing it.SOS message if you haven’t bought a copy of The Word of a Liar, now would be a GREAT time! And if you haven’t left a review, please do it soon! Have a good August. Wish me well in my job search.  Thanks for being a loyal reader.  Sally