First Chapters' Book Signing a Success!

All set up and ready to sign!

My first Chapters' book signing went off without a hitch!

A huge thank you to Trevor Rushak and Camilla Mozdzen of the St. Vital Centre Chapters store for inviting me and making me feel so very welcome.




I met some incredible people; some who knew all about Aspergers, some with brand new diagnoses in their families, but mostly children or their parents who were chiefly looking for a good book.

My two most favourite moments:

Early in the afternoon a young girl named Riley bought Spaghetti and returned a half hour later to thank me again and give me a hug.

Later parents of a newly diagnosed 19 year old came to my table with a stack of books asking, "Where to begin? How do we help ourselves understand our son and give him the support he needs?"

I directed them to Asperger Manitoba and wrote down the names of my favourite Autism Spectrum Disorder authors: Dr. Tony Attwood, Temple Grandin and Michael John Carley. If you're looking for information, just click on their names and visit their website or Amazon page.

Oh! And I also met some incredible classroom and resource teachers. And so very many stellar grandparents involved in their grandkids' lives. And...the list goes on.

Winnipeg is full of readers, and it was a huge pleasure meeting so many of them last weekend.

The best news of the day though, was being asked to return for Autism Awareness Month!

Looking to purchase a copy of Spaghetti?

Click here:

Chapters'/Indigo/Coles

Book Signing at Chapters St. Vital - WOOHOO!

Be here or be square on Oct 26th from 1-3pm!

Okay, best to keep calm. Not my normal state of being, but I will try.

Terribly excited about my first ever book signing at Chapters St. Vital in the south end of Winnipeg!

I was overjoyed when one of Chapters' Booksellers, Trevor Rushak,  F-Book'd me a few months ago asking if I would come in and do a book signing. My immediate response was to run around my house screaming, which I do a lot. It is cathartic, freeing, and I highly recommend it.

It should always be followed by a Happy Dance. 

One day I'll get brave and post a video of my best Happy Dance. Until then you'll just have to imagine me dancing to Pink's "So What" or The Proclaimers' "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)." Just a few suggestions to get you started on your own Happy Dance moment.

Now where was I?

Oh yes, in response to this thrilling invitation, I typed my most professional reply, "I would absolutely love to come and do a book signing. I'm getting excited just thinking about it." Maybe not Donald Trump master class business worthy, but I'm a children's book author after all.

Here are the deets, my peeps:

When: Saturday, October 26th

Time: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Where: Chapters' St. Vital, in the St. Vital Mall, Winnipeg Manitoba 

(click here for a map.)

Click here to link to Chapters Indigo

Did I mention Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food makes the perfect Christmas gift for that young reader in your life?

Spaghetti Dinner a Success!

Charlene and I, with a visit from Gavin.

What a night!

Charlene Walberg, President of Asperger Manitoba Inc, and I were overwhelmed with the incredible turnout for our 1st Annual Spaghetti and Potluck Dinner.

We planned for 85 and served over 150, running out of cutlery and plates! The Drew ran to Safeway to replenish our supplies so we could feed the starving masses.

Ok, so maybe they weren't starving, but still they devoured the scrumptious spaghetti and tasty treats.

DeLuca's pasta was DeLicious!

I need to extend an enormous thank you to Rosanna Deluca-Poole, of DeLuca's Specialty Foods for her generous donation of the best spaghetti I have ever tasted. 

My Rocking Book Trailer.

I was too busy to actually eat at the event, but I scarfed down a mounding plate of spaghetti once I got home. (I did not, however, morph into a cavewoman and dump any noodles on my head, Ala Connor.)

The evening went off without a hitch - beyond the mid event supply run.



Sarah & I getting crafty with signage

All thanks to Charlene, her husband Ryan, my husband Drew, my great friends Brenda and Laura and all my parents - especially my mom who thought of every last detail.

Mom, organizing the troops

And of course to Charlene's son Gavin and my girls Sarah and Emma who helped prep the tables and the kids craft section.

6 year old McKenna's picture she drew for me.  

We sold close to 40 posters, that were donated by Little Pickle Press, making $300 for Asperger Manitoba. 

Again my thanks to Rana DiOrio and her whole team for supporting not just me as a Little Pickle Press author, but also Asperger Manitoba and by extension the Aspergers' community in Manitoba.

But the best part by far?

Nearly blew a gasket, dreaming up witty messages!

Meeting so many incredible kids; Tait, McKenna, David, Alex, Gavin, Sam, Agustin, Cooper, Eric,and Carter. I know there were more, but I lost my paper with all the names written on it. I am a bit disorganized that way. Frustrating, but true.

I hope to see them all again at the book launch in spring, and I'll make sure to include their names when I blog about it!

I was able to squeeze in two readings and the kids had lots of questions for me when I signed their posters.

Looking out to the packed room and seeing my friends and family smiling back at me was my dream come true.

The Best Dad. Ever.

My fellow Anita, Pat.

The Original Anita.

My PR guru pal, Tish.

It takes understanding, compassion, and acceptance to build an inclusive community and this was a much appreciated way for you to show your support. 

Cyber Hugs for you all!

Meeting wonderful people, always makes me happy.

Oodles of Noodles in Support of Asperger Manitoba

 

Please join us for 

Asperger Manitoba's 1st Annual Spaghetti and Potluck Dinner!

Date: Today
Time: 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with spaghetti being served from 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Location: River Heights Community Centre at 1370 Grosvenor Avenue
 

Spaghetti book posters will be available for purchase for $8, with all proceeds going toward AMI and it’s efforts in supporting the portion of our community living with Asperger’s and Autism by providing them with the resources necessary to succeed in school, at work, and in their personal lives.

Beverages will provided courtesy of AMI and with the generous support of DeLuca's Specialty Foods we will have oodles of spaghetti noodles!

Contribution of either a salad, appetizer, main course or dessert will be accepted with gratitude, and should serve 8 to 10 people.

I would like to thank DeLuca’s and Little Pickle Press for their generous support and donations for this event!

Please RSVP to Spaghetti Dinner and Potluck by filling out this quick survey.

Up to Speed with Larry Updike was Exhilarating!

Gracious Host, Larry Updike

This week has taken me on a thrilling ride.

First, I found out that CBC's Larry Updike wanted me on his afternoon show, Up to Speed with Larry Updike, and then my publisher Rana gave me the news I've been hoping for.

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food is going to print! 

Woohoodleehoo!

I screamed myself hoarse when I read her email. Then I did the Harlem Shake with Zoe. Okay, I didn't actually do the Shake, but I could, if I knew how. I just need about 97 lessons.

But I have drifted. Again.

The Green Room is Actually Blue. Huh.

Being on the radio was a rush, a thrill, and downright giddyfying. No, that is not a typo. It is a state of being that I highly recommend. Try it. It's sublime.

Larry Updike is a pro. He guided me through the interview, carefully keeping me from the Dreaded Drift. Which I do. Often.

He asked all the right questions, ensuring our message was heard.

Having Asperger's Syndrome means you think differently not defectively. And being different isn't good or bad. It isn't a qualifier. It just is.

We spoke about Asperger Manitoba's 1st Annual Spaghetti and Potluck Dinner held this Saturday at the River Heights Community Centre. It's open to all Winnipeggers - both Aspies and Neurotypicals. It will be a safe and understanding place where those on the spectrum will find community, support, and acceptance. Click here to find out more!

Finally I got to announce, to all the world, or at least much of Winnipeg, the stupendous news: 

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food (and other life lessons)

Will be Available in Print this Spring!

I can hardly wait for my book launch, which I hope to hold at McNally Robinson Booksellers. It would be the perfect way to thank them for allowing my writing group, The Anitas, to meet twice monthly amongst the stacks, where we laugh our way through our critique sessions. Sometimes we get carried away. Occasionally Often we are loud. Still they let us return, week after week. This is how they roll. And we are so grateful.

Still don't know what all the fuss is about? Here's the Spaghetti book trailer:

"I Love to Read" with Oakenwald Students!

Thank you Mr. Reimer's Grade 3/4 class!

Every time I do a school visit, I think, "Oh my gosh, it's even better than the last one!"

There is a definite pattern developing, and I love it.

Last Friday I had the pleasure of visiting Mr. Reimer's grade 3/4 class at Oakenwald School. They knew I was coming and had questions aplenty. This time, I was uber prepared. I even studied and knew that my book has 14 chapters, not 13 as I had previously believed.

Yup, that's the way I roll!

We delved into what inspiration means and where great writing ideas come from. We discussed the writing process and I showed them my current work in progress - all 32 chapters! (I told you I was better prepared!)

Just one or 652 edits to go!

Then we talked about how long it takes to get a book published and the importance of never giving up. It's just like learning to play the recorder - all wrong notes and squeaks at first, but with practice and determination, it turns into beautiful music. The same kind of effort is needed to make your written words leap off the page.

I was floored by the extent of knowledge those eight and nine year-old children already have. Kudos kids. Kudos teachers. Kudos parents.

And the absolute, positively best part? 
Mr. Reimer asked me to return to hold a writing workshop. 

Fueled by the student's enthusiasm and excitement, I nearly skipped out of his classroom at the end of the morning.

Can life truly get any better than this?

Three Cheers for Readers!

Pretty sure I blew some sort of blogging gasket during my week long BBT.

I needed a few days of rest to refuel my blogging mojo.

Currently, I'm outlining a series of posts aimed at writers.

Yes, I know the title of this post suggests it will be all about the readers. And it is. In a round about, circling my brain, and finally out to you - The Reader, sort of way. You know, my typical way of thinking.

My hope is that this "writing series" of blogs, will not only be helpful for developing writers, but it will give readers a glimpse into the writing process. To see how a story takes shape.

But today, in this very post, I wanted to shine all the attention on The Reader and say, 

"Thanks!"

Your support of kind words and emails have made my heart soar to places I only day-dreamed about.

My current ranking on Amazon, and the success of my digital launch, is a direct result of readers being interested in Connor and the story he has to tell. So, Merci, Danka, Graci!

Here is my most favourite "review" that I received from a parent of a child who has Asperger's Syndrome:.

"I am so happy to have a glimpse into how my son thinks and why he does some of the things he does. Simply put, reading this book helped me to know my son better. I can't wait to share this with his teachers and family members. Thank you Ms Carmichael, from the bottom of my heart." - DB, Virginia, United States

P.S. This is why I write for children. 

A Novel Approach to Asperger's

Okay, could there be a better title to this blog post?

I think not.

And it's from the clever mind of Winnipeg Free Press reporter, Carolin Vesely.

She wrote an outstanding article that ran the entire front page of the Art & Life section and onto a second page. The piece featured Asperger's Syndrome, Asperger Manitoba and my book, Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons.

I couldn't be more pleased with how well it turned out and her inclusion of a factoid side bar was icing on the proverbial cake. (Rich chocolate cake with layers of smooth ganache.)

And the timing couldn't be better. We did the initial interview well before Christmas, and the holidays delayed the article's issue. It finally hit the paper right in the middle of my blog book tour.

A coincidence? Perhaps.

If you missed getting a paper copy of The Winnipeg Free Press this past Tuesday, you can read the full article by following this link:

Novel Approach to Asperger's (by the World's Best Reporter - Carolin Vesely.)

Available for Kindle on Amazon!

All Aboard the Spaghetti Blog Tour! Stop #1!

http://amzn.com/B00ADVR54U

Hey Friends!

Today's the first day of my Spaghetti Blog Book Tour! 

First stop - Flannery Sullivan's: Living on the Spectrum: The Connor Chronicles.

Connor, Flannery's seven-year-old son, has severe ADHD and mild Asperger’s.  He is their pride and joy, as well as their biggest challenge.

Her blog discusses her every day struggles and accomplishments and is a wonderful resource for other parents with children on the spectrum.

As an advocate for ASD, Flannery is a strong supporter of the Facebook site;  Austism Shines. The website is quickly growing in popularity and is a place to say, “this is my amazing, beautiful child,” as well as a place for adult autistics to say, “look at me, I’m just like YOU!”

I hope you'll join me along the way as I scoot around the Internet sharing my Connor's story with the world.

Here are the stops I'll be making. Just click on the blog site names and...presto you'll be there! 

January 7   - The Connor Chronicles
January 8 -  Maryann Miller's - It's Not all Gravy
January 8   - Magic Dog Press
January 9   - mom-ology
January 10 - Confessions of An Aspergers Mom
January 11 - Blood Red Pencil
January 12 - Leslea Tash
January 13 - Inneraspie

Here's a quick summary of my book:

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons, is a humorous chapter book about an eight-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Connor struggles to make his way through a typical school day and in his attempt to be as cool as everyone else, he leaves a hilarious trail of destruction. But, by the end of the day, and despite many miscommunications and misunderstandings, Connor realizes that he is exactly as cool as he is supposed to be.

Now available on Amazon! Click here to easily purchase your eBook.

Happy New Year - Blogging Style!

www.hellolidy.com

Happy New Year!

2012 was one fine year.

So many great things happened over those 12 months, that I was sad to bid it adieu, farewell, au videsen, good-night.

Yes, I watched The Sound of Music over the Christmas holiday. Twice. And replayed my favourite songs, singling loudly, proudly and completely tonelessly.

Nothing says Merry Christmas better than the sound of a yodelling, possibly dying, moose. 

You'd think my children would've been horrified. Nuh-uh. They were only mildly annoyed. They rolled their unamused eyes, with perfection, and popped in their ear buds, tuning out my loud braying. Kids. No accounting for taste.

But, 2013 has been rung-in with excitement and huge plans for the future of Connor and his adventures in Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons. 

www.themovieblog.com

Firmly at the helm and driving Spaghetti upward and onward is my fearless, tireless, and possibly genius publisher, Rana DiOrio. Every few weeks, she whispers to me another few words of her Master Plan, and my heart leaps, my mind whirls with the possibilities. Oh, and she has plans. Big, audacious plans.

Top Secret, "Jodi, you must keep this to yourself until the time is right," plans.

Argh. Being quiet is extremely difficult for someone whose dreams are soaring to heights only dreamt in private. Plus, I'm a might bit excitable. It's part of my very nature. It sits right next to my hyper rabbit-talk, and fidgety feet. It occupies the space where patience lives, in people other than moi.

And I've tried to keep pace with Rana. I've even tried to "out-think" her plan. To "expect" her next whisper, but every time she astounds me. Trying to keep up with her, is like chasing the wind - and she's a mighty Nor-Easter that is hell heck bent on success. (Keeping it family friendly, peeps.)

What I can share is the news of my upcoming 

Blog Book Tour, running January 7 - 13th. 

Come join us for some laughs and find out more about Connor and how he came to be.

Here are the dates and blogs that I'll be visiting: (Click on the Blog Sites and you will be magically taken to their outstanding blogs.)

January 7   - The Connor Chronicles
January 8   - Magic Dog Press
January 8 -  Maryann Miller's - It's Not all Gravy
January 9   - mom-ology
January 10 - Confessions of An Aspergers Mom
January 11 - Blood Red Pencil
January 12 - Leslea Tash
January 13 - Inneraspie

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ADVR54U/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Calling all Tweeters #Spaghettiparty is ON!

Oh, so Purpley.

Happy St. Stephens Day! Happy Boxing Day!

You're invited to my very first Twitter Party! It promises to be a hilariously tasty time.

 

When: Today from 10am to Noon CST

Where: On The Twitter

How: Follow us using #spaghettiparty

As you can see from my photo, I dressed up in all my finest purple attire. (It is a party, after all.) And as my eldest daughter announced this morning (ala Will Ferrel - Buddy the Elf)

"Good Morning Mommy, that's a nice purple top, its very purpley."

I'll take that as a compliment.

New to twitter, or looking to make following the Spaghetti Party easier?

Click here http://tweetchat.com/ and get setup on Twitter Chat. When asked for the hashtag to follow, simply type in #spaghettiparty.

 

Hope to get tweeting with you soon!

Spaghetti - Now Available on Amazon!

WOOHOO! It's here!

Launch day, at last.

So thrilled to finally have my first chapter book ready for young readers.

It is now available on Amazon for your Kindle.

 

Please click here to puchase your copy: http://amzn.to/VmKP08

Don't have a Kindle?

For your convenience I have listed various links for you to download a Kindle app, allowing you to read Spaghetti on your PC, Mac, Android or iPad. Once your app is installed follow the same link to Amazon and you're good to go.

App Links:

 

Click here for PC

Click here for Mac

Click here for Android

Click here for iPad

In 91 days, Spaghetti will become available on iOS, NOOK, KOBO and Sony eReaders. We're pushing for a print copy, and once we get a large enough order we'll be full steam ahead for a paperback, too!

Spaghetti, in summary:

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons, is a humorous chapter book about an eight-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Connor struggles to make his way through a typical school day and in his attempt to be as cool as everyone else, he leaves a hilarious trail of destruction. But, by the end of the day, and despite many miscommunications and misunderstandings, Connor realizes that he is exactly as cool as he is supposed to be.

Book Reviews and Big Thanks!

www.orcabook.com

Are you looking for a great book for a 7 to 9 year old boy?

One that will keep him turning the pages?

Then look no further than, Ben the Inventor, by Robin Stevenson. Click here to read my entire book review:

http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/editorial-2833/Jodi-Carmichael----Night-Table-Recommendations

And a huge thank you to John Toews of McNally Robinson for allowing me to take a crack at my very first online book review. John is a key figure at McNally's and a strong advocate for every writer who walks into the bookstore.

We, The Anitas, (my writing group) refer to John as "The Voice", as we hear his voice eloquently introduce book launchs and special events, every time we're in the store. It is every Anita's dream to have John introduce our own books. McNally's just wouldn't be the same without him.

Another enormous thank you to my friend, Alexei Russell, for being so supportive of Connor's story. Alexei graciously introduced me to John and voila, new opportunities presented themselves. Alexei is a talented author and his young adult novel,Trueman Bradley - Aspy Detective, is engaging and lends further insight into the unique world of Asperger's Syndrome. Follow this link to explore his dynamic book website: http://www.truemanbradley.com/.

3,2,1...Book Launch!

 

 

Bazinga!  

 

We're down to the wire, the final few days to...

 

"Da-da-da-daaaaaa! Book Launch Day!"

There's been a flurry of activity as we set up the marketing for Spaghetti. Blog posts on other sites, interviews, designing posters for Asperger Manitoba, that sort of authory thing. It's made me even more thankful for the community of writers both here in Winnipeg and alive and well on the World Wide Web.

Nothing like finding a million other people, just like yourself, chasing that same publishing dream and willing to help first time authors find their way.

I was fortunate to get connected with two wonderfully supportive writers who have outstanding blogs and on December 3rd I'll have a guest post up on each.

Stephen Tremp at http://www.breakthroughblogs.blogspot.ca/ has a diverse and vibrant blog that has something for everyone. Throughout December he's opening his blog to guest bloggers, so visit often, the tone and subject will change daily.

Michelle Weidenbenner's blog teaches adults and teens how to write. She's partnered with Robin McClure and their funny and uplifting blog can be found at  http://randomwritingrants.com/. It is a terrific site for writers, both new to the business and those who'd like to polish their skills.

More news to follow as dates are confirmed!

 

Top 3 Book Launch Emotions

Lucky number 7.

 

That’s how many days left, until Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons, launches into the digital world.

 

For the past two weeks, I’ve slept very little. It feels like I’m counting down to the most incredible Christmas morning of my life.

 

I’m a natural born insomniac, so all this launch fervour has kept me awake for much of the night, every night. On the plus side of being awake at 2:00 a.m., I’ve had loads of extra time to surf the net, get lost on Pinterest, and narrow down all my heightened feelings into a top 3 list. Oh, how I love a good list. (And chocolate. Just sayin.')  

 

My Top 3 Book Launch Emotions:

 1. Excitement – that my first book is being published. I’ve actually given myself migraines after speaking with my publisher. On numerous occasions. True story.

 2. Trepidation – what if I sell so few copies, my publishes wails to the heavens and refuses to return my emails? (Even when they are loaded with super-smiley-faced emoticons.) I quell this fear with kilograms and kilograms (pounds and pounds) of M&M’s and Caramel Kisses.

3. Hope – I am riding a Tidal Wave of Hope.

Hope that Connor’s story will reach our desired audience – Asperger Syndrome kids and their families; teachers; as well as children who aren’t on the spectrum, but have a classmate or friend that is.

 

I hope, with all my heart, that Connor's story impacts lives.

 

I hope it brings understanding. I hope it brings compassion and acceptance. I hope that hope grows within the Asperger and Autism community that inclusion is possible. I hope that this hope spreads to other communities as well and we foster inclusion for all.

My hopes are bigger than me.

They’re bigger than big and grander than grand.

They’re audacious.

And that’s the best thing about hope.

Hope has no limit. Hope has no maximum weight.

Hope springs eternal.

 

 

And hope, nurtured and encouraged, spreads like wildflowers across the prairies.

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons

www.littlepicklepress.com

"On the 12th day before my book launch, I get to introduce to you -  Connor my favourite eight-year old boy!"

Yes, you were to sing that line to the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas. Work with me people, I am tone deaf after all.


Finally, I can show the world my book cover and show off Connor's baby blues.


The illustrator, Sarah Ackerley, captured the true essence of his personality and with the guidance of art director, Leslie Iorillo, my story has been brought to life.

There are oodles of book launch-type parties and events in the works and I'll keep my blog, face book, and twitter updated with news as it rolls in! We're still working towards a December 3rd eBook launch date and over the next week I'll post the link so you have easy access to Amazon.

And we're hammering out the details, so I will be able to sign your eBook. Isn't technology wonderful? (Even if I truly have no idea how it works.)

Still not sure what Spaghetti is all about? 
Here's my elevator pitch:  

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons is a humorous chapter book about an eight-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Connor struggles to make his way through a typical school day and in his attempt to be as cool as everyone else, he leaves a hilarious trail of destruction. But, by the end of the day, and despite many miscommunications and misunderstandings, Connor realizes that he is exactly as cool as he is supposed to be.

Too Grateful?

diggingwithdarren.com

Is it possible to be too grateful? To give too much thanks for all the good in your life? Can appreciation go wrong? Maybe.

Maybe the risk is not being sincere enough with your “thank yous.” I think the problem lies with your chompers. Your pearly whites. Yes, that’s right your teeth. Not following me?

Let me explain. When you smile, in appreciation, your grin should always reach your eyes, crinkling the corners.

No eye crinkle = no sincerity. All surface and no depth. Big hat, no cattle. You get my drift, right?

I know I’ve blogged my gratefulness before, thanking my family, my friends, my teachers – heck I even thanked my neighbourhood! I got gratitude oozing from me, I tell ya’!

The closer I get to the launch date of my book, the more people I meet who want to help see it succeed. So I now have another round of thank you’s.

Ahem, are you ready? Top up your coffee. Add a shot of bailey’s while you’re at it. (No worries, I won’t tell.)

Thank you to Drew, my husband extraordinaire, who wouldn’t allow me to quit writing when I dramatically announced, “All hope is lost. I’m burning all 243 of my writing notebooks and getting a real job - one that pays cash.”

To my friend, mentor, writer, all round amazing human being Anita Daher for convincing me Spaghetti was ready to submit to publishers. I thank you. And then listening to me moan, groan and fret over possible rejections as we jogged around the track at The Rehfit Centre. (Okay, so she fast walked and I jogged to keep up. Unimportant details.)

Many friends have given me support and encouragement but I have to tip my hat (it's large, brown, and floppy) to two incredible women. I've known them since our children were babies. There's something special about the mom friends you make when your kids are that young - a bond of friendship forms that is hard to duplicate.

Karen Kernaghan, introduced me to speech pathologist, Ramona Thompson. Ramona teaches social skills to kids with Asperger’s and was excited to hear about my book, Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons.

Trish Wainikka, put me in touch with her dear friend, Melissa Harju, who is a board member of Asperger Manitoba. We had an instant connection and shared our hopes and dreams for AS children.

A ginormous thank you goes to my publisher Rana DiOrio of Little Pickle Press. She took a leap of faith with me – an unpublished author from the heart of the Canadian prairies – and in doing so has opened my eyes and mind to the world of eBooks, social media, and the global possibilities for Connor’s story.

My final thank you is for Little Pickle Press’ blog book tour guru, Dani Greer of the Blood Red Pencil Blog. She has given me sage advice on blogging, the future of eBooks and how to better market myself. Our first half hour phone call extended to an hour and a half as we discussed books, the universe and everything, leading me to joyfully conclude I have found another kindred spirit.

There are so many more people I could thank, but I’ve learnt that often less blog = better blog (thank you Dani.) I’ll save my appreciation for those kind souls for another time.

Oh, wait! I almost forgot. Just one last shout out.

Thank you to the scientists who discovered the healthy benefits of chocolate.
I owe you one!