I can’t believe I’m here in Las Vegas celebrating with my agent (Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management) and publicist (Julia Borcherts of Kaye Publicity). What a journey this has been—from meeting Matt Martz of Crooked Lane Books at a conference in 2014, to signing my first book contract, to the release of KILLING TRAIL. This pathway led to the reason I’m here: KILLING TRAIL was nominated for an RT Reviewer’s Choice award for Best First Mystery. So thrilling! The book did not win the award, but that little fact didn’t diminish our excitement.
It’s a funny thing about awards. I never expected my debut to be recognized with one and was surprised and overwhelmed with gratitude when nominated. I got my hopes up that I might win, but when I learned I didn’t, I was even more grateful for the nomination. During the past months I’ve learned that it’s all something to celebrate—each step along the way—from completing a manuscript, to getting an agent, to finding an editor and publisher, to releasing the finished book, to having a reader say, “I loved it!” And I’m so grateful for the RT Reviewers who connect readers and authors in so many different genres. They do great work.
One of my writing friends said, “It’s a long, slow journey; enjoy every step.” Great advice! And I intend to follow it.
