". . . loved the novel," the mystery aficionado said.

One of the most rewarding areas of writing a novel, after the editing and formatting have culminated in the actual publishing process, is hearing from someone who "loved the book." Whether the comment -read that compliment - is heard in conversation, read in an email, or discovered in a review, it not only makes me feel good, it validates the hours of writing and research that went into the story’s creation. The warmth of those words spreads like the branches of a mighty Koa tree.

The reviews I have received are like little treasures in my pocket, or maybe even jewels in my pointy cardboard crown. Having a reader mention that descriptions “are detailed and colorful,” or that the novel is “filled with intriguing characters,” ramps up my energy and sends me straight to the word processor for an extended writing session on my latest Work-in-Progress. 

Another event I find rewarding is a book giveaway attached to an author interview. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity of appearing on Laurie’s Non-paranormal Thoughts and Reviews:

http://lauries-interviews.blogspot.com/2012/12/deadly-as-nature-by-gail-m-baugniet_8.html

She arranged a giveaway for copies of my novel, DEADLY AS NATURE, in print and digital format. Laurie announced the winners today and I quickly arranged to have the digital copies sent out. That makes me want to head straight for the word processor again. 

Thank you to everyone who visited Laurie’s blog site during the weeks I was featured. To the winners, I extend a heartfelt Congratulations and Aloha; to Laurie, Mahalo Nui Loa. 

The first draft of the third novel in my Pepper Bibeau Mystery Series is complete, thanks to the incentive of NaNoWriMo and an additional drive at the beginning of December. Now that the holidays are concluded, and Valentine’s Day is a hazy dot on the horizon, it is time to revisit the manuscript. It’s not all fun and games, but with the excitement of contests and book reviews, it does often seem that way!

 

Working cover and title

of third Pepper Bibeau mystery

for NaNoWriMo