Got to Tell you Something

First let me say a MASSIVE thank you to all those who visited my blog while I was away in the USA attending the Pen to Press Writers Conference. I will immediately be getting around to all your blogs tonight, as well as welcoming my new readers. Thank you for joining. You are very important to me. What is a writer without readers anyway? :)

I am now back in the land of OZ. My boys survived nearly two weeks without Mommy, as did the house, my dog and my husband (not necessarily in that order :)

The conference was amazing. I have to say that I was totally unprepared for the response to both my writing and my book. Nothing has happened yet, (and there are no guarantees that anything will) but I had a lot of requests to submit my entire manuscript from both editors and agents. So I am doing a mini happy dance, trying to remember that this writing journey is indeed a long one. Patience and I are getting well acquainted with each other. I'm not going to say we are best friends yet, but we are on solid speaking terms.

Tonight I would like to shout out some amazing people who have helped me grow as both a person and a writer.

Esther. You know who you are. You know what you have done. Thank you. You get that thank you needs to be a bigger word.

Wendy Prior. She has read more versions of my memoir than any person should rightly have had to read. Guys, if you don't follow this girl's blog then go follow her now. Right now. Before she is famous. She writes young adult and has a truly amazing story cooking at the moment. Not to mention a beautiful writing voice. AND she just placed in the top five on Rachelle Gardener's blog for best one line summary of a story. Well done girl! She is one step away from an agent snapping her right up. I will one day be able to say I knew her when...

Deb Shucka and Carrie Wilson Link. Two seriously cool women who have both written their own memories. They run workshops for anyone looking to sharpen their writing skills and I have benefited from both their insight and support.

Karen Walker. Another amazing published memorist who has read my book and given me the benefit of her insight. She is both honest and passionate about life and living well. Her blog is a bright place to be.


Suzanne. For putting cool into writing. And for wading your way through really early drafts of my work and still offering to read for me. Her work is amazing. I can't wait to see her in print. She is one step away people. I am sure many of you already follow her blog. If not, go follow.

There are others who support me and have helped me remember to breath during some really difficult times. Thank you to all of you. Sorry if I have not mentioned you by name. You are no less important. And a huge thank you to you, fellow bloggers. Without who I would have no one to share the ups and downs of writing and no one who appreciates what it means to truly love words. You all make me tear up. Go hug a book people. And send good thoughts my way. I know I am sending them yours. May this be the year for many writing dreams out there to show themselves real. :)

Love Tab