Well, now I'm 61 and no longer alone. Now I have eight published books and a ninth on the way and a whole new and treasured group of friends. Where can I even begin to acknowledge them and how much they mean to me? First and foremost, Valley Forge Romance Writers. From a poor frazzled creature dripping her way in out of the rain, they have turned me into a courageous lioness (slight exaggeration) capable of tackling computers, Map Quest and limping around conventions with toes broken by dropping Mag Lites on them. Kudos, ladies!
Minnette Meador of Rome-antics who introduced me to editor Elaine Breault, who in turn introduced me to DCL Publications, known in those days as The Dark Castle Lords. To publisher Pam Seres, who took a chance on my first book "Confessions of the Cleaning Lady"--and now many more books as well. And Jean Watkins, fearless editor. She has to be fearless, to deal with me. Annie Marshall, one great cover artist. All my author friends at DCL. I love you, guys.
Denysse Alicea, dear friend from The Pen and Muse Blog, where I'll also be a contributor as soon as I figure out how to work Wordpress. Ah...well...I didn't say I had totally mastered the world of the computer.
Mary Donohue of MHD Communications, who got suckered into helping with my first book signing (see below). But we did have fun, Mary, right?
Those are just some key players. There are many more. I'm sure you'll be hearing about them in days to come. The blog should be looking a little brighter by then. Anybody know how I can get a blue rose on here? (Smile.)
And now for the starting over part. It's time to retire. Oh, I'll probably never go fully into retirement; I'm just too much of a workaholic. But things are starting to slow down; I can see the future, staring me right in the face. Well, guess what, future? I'm making a new one, starting here and now. I'm going to write my brains out.
So, to anybody brave enough to read this blog: WELCOME. I'll be back. Soon. I hope to see you here.
Miriam--You are a lioness! Keep writing your wonderful books while you enjoy the freedom of retirement.
ReplyDeleteBest--Adele
Miriam, you look great in the picture! Thanks for the shout out! you are well accomplished and will do amazing things! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Adele and Denise! Yeah, just call me the limping lioness! :)
ReplyDeleteLove you too, Miriam!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your new blog! You're off to a great start!
Haunts and kisses!
Annie
Great picture, Miriam! And I love the new blog :)
ReplyDeleteGreat new blog Lady Miriam! Your DCL fam loves ya too! XO
ReplyDeleteNice blog, Miriam!
ReplyDeleteIt's all you, girl! Great blog... Retire? What's that? Love you, lady... M:o)
ReplyDeleteHi Miriam:
ReplyDeleteYou don't need any suggestions. Your blog is beautiful.
Retirement isn't a time of doing less; it's a time of doing different. You'll be twice as busy.
Great job on the blog, Miriam. Wish you the best!
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to start over again! I so understand. But That's the stuff of life, ne? I like your blog and I'm following you! I expect to see great things from such a powerful lioness!
ReplyDeleteNix
Enjoy your retirement, Miriam, and write like the wind. The blog is beautiful! :)
ReplyDeleteMiriam,
ReplyDeleteFrom one Technophobe to another, your blog looks great. I loved reading about how you are retiring and starting over.
Good luck,
Barri
Thank you all! I'm overwhelmed by the generous comments and compliments.
ReplyDeleteHI Miriam,
ReplyDeleteI just found out and had to rush over to see!!!
You go beautiful lioness! The blue rose is so special. A perfect symbol of your courage, determination, and talent. Enjoy your blog as I'm sure we all will.
Hi, Miriam! Love the new blog. Don't think of retirement as an ending... you're just "shifting your focus" a bit. I'm looking forward to seeing what new ideas (and books!) it brings you!
ReplyDeleteOoh it's changed since I was here earlier. What fun. Welcome to technology, Miriam. After a big lay off I am finding that we can do anything we want... just so long as someone else is doing the dinner!! You go for it.
ReplyDeleteRebecca, Laura and Linda - thank you! I can do dinner, just not the dishes. They're still in the sink because I'm tinkering with the blog. Hehe. Yet another way to avoid housework.
ReplyDeleteHi Miriam
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, it's beautiful. I came here from CRR and find we have several things in common.
I too was widowed young (although a couple of years younger than you were, at 38.) I too am no longer alone and as well as being 'retired' form my day job, but with no intention of stopping 'working' and wondering how I managed to find time to go out to work, I also love blue roses. The heroine of my first novel 'Starquest' was given one and it had a very special meaning.
'The Comet' sounds like a great story and I love the cover. Welcome to the blogosphere!
Thank you, Lyn. Those are some rather odd coincidences, aren't they? It's a small world out here in the blogosphere.
ReplyDeleteMiriam - I was so touched by the story of your widowed life - as you know, I know where you're coming from...
ReplyDeleteBut you've persevered and WON!
And you know i love your books...
KATE