Contest Winner/New Covers/New Contest!

So…I've been receiving a ton of questions regarding the new releases of some of my books…specifically Desert Fire, To Echo the Past, An Old-Fashioned Romance, Divine Deception, Daydreams and The Highwayman of Tanglewood. Therefore, I've decided to share a little secret information with everyone.

These particular titles were initially published by a publisher other than Distractions Ink, and were literally in bondage! Since 2008 (the year The Highwayman of Tanglewood was first published) I have been battling to get the publishing rights to my books back in my hip pocket. Without going into great detail, it has been a long, frustrating road to trudge. In truth, it probably took ten years off my life, and it definitely added weight to my rear end. However, it's over now and I'm able to breathe easier. My books are all mine once more! Whew!

And so, with the publishing rights well in hand again, Distractions Ink worked to re-edit, redesign and re-publish The McCall Trilogy (har har) and other titles that had been out of my hands for so long. You cannot believe the relief I feel! It's so liberating and fresh. These poor books had been slaves—trapped in something that didn't let their true nature and ambiance shine! So I hope you enjoy the new versions of these books as much as I do…because now they're liberated and I feel better!

You've probably also noticed that some of my books that were once available only as e-books have finally made their way to print versions. That's another project I've been working on for some time, and I'm so thankful that they're now finding their way to bookshelves as well! In realizing that e-books are outselling print books 100 to 1 these days, I'm very grateful that books like The Light of the Lovers' Moon, Sweet Cherry Ray and (as of tomorrow) The Tide of the Mermaid Tears are being made available n a tangible form.

I love books! I love to hold them, smell them, see them stacked here and there on bookshelves. It breaks my heart to know that technology is changing the book world. Yet, I understand convenience, too. So I'm glad that my books are available to both electronic devise readers and traditional book readers. It helps me to sleep better knowing that which ever format you prefer is available to you.

So there you have it…the answer to a couple of book questions I've received lately. BUT this doesn't make for a very fun blog now does it? Thus, I'm on to random goofiness! After all, that's where I'm most comfortable!

Let's begin with the winner of the "First Memory" contest. Okay…how do I possibly choose a winner out of all the fabulous entries? Everyone's was fabulous! And I loved how so many involved time spent with grandparents! However, I have to say that the one that just jumped out at me (and I'm warning you…it's kind of sad) was Trista Rich's! You have to read her comment! I think the reason it did jump out at me is because it kind of reminded me of a first memory one of my Uncle's once told me. Blah blah…not matter the reason…Trista-you won the DVD! Toss an e-mail to me at marcialmcclure@cs.com with your address and I'll get the DVD in the mail! And thank you to EVERYONE for sharing your first memories! I loved reading them!

As for this week's contest…hmmm…let me think of something really silly…hold on…okay I've got it! My friend Stephanie found this for me! AND since tomorrow marks the release of The Tide of the Mermaid Tears in print form…how about this…leave a comment concerning your positive thoughts on the video below, and be entered to win a 500 piece puzzle of the famous print The Pirate and the Mermaid by Scott Gustafson! Fun, huh? Yep…watch the Cherish video and then comment and you'll be automatically entered to win! See? I'm so weird!