Tick tock

Wow, is it really going to be 2011 in a day and a half? And I missed wishing you all a Merry Christmas (though I did it on Twitter and Facebook). Shame on me. This month has been a whirlwind.

This year, in reflection has been one of the growingest (is that a word?) years for me. On a whim during a dark time in my life, I wrote a novel in 2008 to give me light. With the help of my dear friend Dori, it was edited in 2009 and entered into the Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest January 2010. To my shock, it placed it in the top 250 out of 5,000 Young Adult novels. On a wing and a prayer, Obsidian Mountain Publishing was born and birthed The Emerald Talisman into the world on 3/23/10.

Then, in the midst of taking care of two wonderful (and busy) preschooler boys (ages 2 and 5), I wrote its sequel, The Sapphire Talisman, birthed 12/15/10. I designed, promoted, marketed, networked, begged, borrowed and stole to get my work in front of as many readers as possible. I'm very proud of The Talisman Series' success. To date, both books hold a strong 4 star rating on GoodReads and TET has been shelved by over 1,000 readers.

In the process, I've made some incredible book blogger friends: Eleni from LafemmeReaders, Jessica from Bookaholic, Jen from Extreme Reader Book Reviews, Julie from 5 Monkeys, Yara from Once Upon a Twilight and Kari from A Good Addiction (to name a few). They all have been a tremendous source of encouragement and support in promotion and feedback for me. I can't even begin to thank them enough.

Little did I imagine in my journey I would be introduced to some incredibly talented authors: Abra Ebner- Knight Angels, Book of Revenge; Estevan Vega, Arson; Laura Kreitzer - Shadow of the Sun, Soul Stalker; Lisa Sanchez - Eve of Samhain;  Robin DeJarnett - Whirlwind; Kristie Cook - Promise; Killian McRae- 12.21.12, Kristin Miller, debuting Dark Tide Rising. They've been a huge source of encouragement and so gifted. I'm devouring their works as quickly as possible.

My beta reader and Wonder Woman, Lisa aka Lucy Wolfe, who was sent from God by a random click of the mouse. Without her, my sequel wouldn't have been on time. A million hugs to you my dear friend. And I'd be lost without the folks who surround me at home (Donna, Lori, Michele, Corinne, Samantha, Savannah, AnneMarie, MOPS... gosh, I know I'm forgetting someone) and my dear husband makes all of it possible by being my helpmate and support. I love you dearly!

I am happy. Blessed. Loved. Lucky. What an amazing year.

Thank you, everyone, for your support and enthusiasm. In 2011, I have a few goals: finish up the Talisman Series with The Onyx Talisman and start a new series. I'm excited to grow again and share it with you all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Hugs always, Brenda