“The good news about self-publishing is you get to do everything yourself. The bad news about self publishing is you get to do everything yourself.”

—Lori Lesko​

Hello Readers,

Have you ever noticed, as soon as you think you may be figuring things out, life has a way of throwing you a curve ball? I don't by any means think I know everything about self-publishing (or life). I've learned a lot, but I know there is a LOT more out there to learn. That being said, I thought I was at a place where I could let the marketing, book promos, and endless training and webinars take a backseat so that I could spend more time writing the next book. That's when life - or to be more specific, KDP - threw a brick wall in my path and brought me crashing back into the business side of trying to be a self-published author.

About two weeks ago, I got an email from KDP (i.e., Amazon). They had linked my account to a previous account that had been terminated for violating their Content Guidelines; therefore, my account was terminated, my book removed from Amazon, and any royalties would not be provided. I was completely shocked and devastated. Something to Hope For is the one and only book I've ever published. I've never had another KDP account before in my life. Whatever account they said I was linked to was definitely a mistake. I do publish wide, which means my book is available on other sites as well, but most of my sales are from Amazon. It was crushing to have that all removed in an instant. After nearly two weeks and multiple emails, I am very happy and relieved to report I was able to get it reinstated. I hope whoever reviewed it can make sure this mistake doesn't happen again, but I was never actually able to speak to a person. In my research, I read many cases online of authors having similar situations with Amazon and never getting it resolved, so I think I got lucky.

On a brighter note, I was in D.C. for work and a colleague was able to get us on a tour of the White House. It is a rather short tour but impressive none the less.

The Bookshelf

​Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Of the hundreds, maybe thousands, of books I've read in my life, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, remains my favorite. Growing up, it was my comfort when I was upset, my entertainment when I was bored, my company when I felt alone. If you have never read it, give it a try. It is old fashioned in some of its views, but the tale of sticking together as a family through all the trials of life are as true today as they were then. This was also the book I drew inspiration from and thought of the most when writing Something to Hope For. Free on Amazon

​Something to Hope For​ For fans of small town stories, second-chance romance, and lost souls finding their way home, discover this first story, Something to Hope For, in the new series, The Crossroads. Growing up surrounded by loving family and friends, Tess McCabe led a storybook life until a single moment changed everything. Her idyllic life shattered, Tess got out of Crossroads and didn't look back. Then, another tragedy strikes, and Tess finds herself on the road headed to home. Buy

Crossroads Diner Menu

​Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Pinto Beans​ From Cooktop Cove, this Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Pinto Beans recipe, contributed by Jessica Jacobs, is wonderful. My husband was complaining because he could smell it cooking all day but had to wait until dinner to try it. Spooned over mashed potatoes with French Bread, it was a great meal to end the workday. Hugo would have definitely served it as a special at the Crossroads Diner to welcome the cool Fall weather. ​ Get Recipe