My Debut Year of Gratitude and Trust

In this season of giving thanks and expressing gratitude, I am indebted to my readers and supporters who helped make WHITE MULBERRY shine this year!

A year ago on December 1, 2024, my debut historical novel, WHITE MULBERRY, was published by Lake Union, and I became a published author. I had no idea how my book was going to be received, but I knew once a book is out there in the world, it belongs to the readers. I am grateful that WHITE MULBERRY has touched so many people, and readers felt seen and valued. That was my greatest hope, and still is.

I’m not a numbers person but seeing the breadth and depth of engagement that my book has had this year puts a smile on my face. I am deeply thankful to everyone involved in making it happen.

• 8,500+ ratings and reviews on Amazon
• 7,700+ ratings and reviews on Goodreads
• 1,700+ alumni book club member participation for virtual book talk
• 900+ subscribers to my Journey newsletter
• 300 books purchased for goodie bag at KACF NY Ladies Luncheon
• 60+ events, festivals, and conferences in CA, HI, IL, MA, MD, ME, NJ, NY, and VA
• 50+ articles/interviews in media outlets, such as magazines, podcasts, Instagram features
• 40+ book club visits (in-person and online) and more coming
• 4 international editions in Hungary, Korea, Italy, and Slovakia

I couldn’t have done this without every single individual’s support. Thank you for keeping me going with your messages, phone calls, emails, shout-outs, invitations to participate, heart emojis, and love! It truly takes a village to champion a book, and I appreciate mine!

Trust the Process, Trust Yourself

I was recently invited to be a guest mentor for the Sarah Selecky Writing School on the topic of TRUST. I talked about three aspects of trust that I believe were critical for a successful book launch.

1. Belief: in your story and in yourself that you were meant to write it
2. Place confidence in: yourself and in your capacity to write and commit to it
3. Hope:  that something only you can create will bear success that only you can define

For me, a successful debut year meant comparing myself to who I was when I first started my writing journey. I began my quest to discover my grandmother’s story forty years ago and published my debut novel in my 60th birthday year. I believed that I had a story worthy of being told, and trusted that I was the one who must tell it. Doubt, imposter syndrome, and rejections were part of the process, but so was self-awareness and growth when I committed to writing and publishing. If I can do it, you can too, wherever you are in your writing. It’s never too late!

A participant wrote these lovely words after my talk:

“I loved what you said about writing what your heart knows best and not worrying about others. I also loved that you said to protect your work from early critiques. And don’t define success by other people’s perspectives!”

Trust for Next Book and Jenga

I received my developmental editor’s feedback on my first draft of RED SEAL, and I hyperventilated! Twelve pages of single-spaced notes, in addition to hundreds of in-line comments on a 400-plus page manuscript! It took me almost a week to digest the feedback and process the strategy call with my editors before I dove into revisions. It was a tough week!

This is where TRUST came into the process. I had ten pages of single-spaced notes on my 300-plus page manuscript for WHITE MULBERRY, so I knew I could do it. I took a step back from my new novel and wrote a short synopsis, cut out the last part, and tightened the central conflict and through-line. I think my novel is better as a result! I’m still revising and have a tight deadline coming up, but the novel is taking shape, and I’m grateful for all the editorial insights.

I also gave myself permission to attend a writer’s conference in Kauai that I had previously scheduled. I met a lot of wonderful writers who are now part of my writing community. I was able to reset between my first and second revision drafts and gain new perspective on my story. I was able to take away an important tip too:

“Take out what jumps out as needless, like Jenga!” 

Astute advice that I will apply, especially in the revision stage!

Although I was anxious that I could have been using my time editing, I had developed trust in my capacity to complete meaningful work under a deadline. And my husband and I were able to celebrate our 33rd anniversary on the island where we spent our honeymoon! We even saw a full rainbow! Taking time to linger in joy is good for our characters, so why not for us as writers?

What does trust look like in practice for you? Do you have a later in life story? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please comment below.

During a difficult year in national and international news, my heart goes out to everyone who took the time to support me as a debut author. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and start to a beautiful holiday season.

Past and Upcoming Events

I’m taking a break from events now that the holiday season is here, and I have edits to complete!

More events are coming in January and the new year so please check my Events Page for details.

In October, I was on the Author Stage with an incredible line-up of talented and celebrated authors at the California Library Association Conference in Riverside, CA. I love libraries, so I was honored to be a part of this library event!

It was a full-circle moment to speak to students at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, where my own children attended, and I was an active parent volunteer. The students were curious, energetic, and asked great questions!

I attended a book club at the church where I was married and was featured in an I Heart Radio segment at the beach! It was fun to be interviewed barefoot!

Please reach out if you’d like me to speak at your book club, library, or organization!

What I’m Reading, Watching, Listening To

Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway

This book is a master class in creative writing that also calls on us to renew our love of storytelling and celebrate the skill of writing well. There is a very good chance that one of your favorite authors learned the craft with Writing Fiction.

The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline

Told in exquisite detail and incisive prose, The Exiles is a story of grace born from hardship, the unbreakable bonds of female friendships, and the unfettering of legacy.