My debut novel, Wheels to Liberty, is a Women’s Fiction novel that includes an iron will by the protagonist to take control of her life. It also touches on the scare of polio. “Iron Will,” a title to a video clip and blog post this month by Bill Gates in his essay about the historical invention of the Iron Lung, offers a historical perspective included in the time scope of my fictional story with a dose of factual history. The fear of a new vaccine and fear of not having a cure are as relevant today as those issues were back in the 1940s and 1950s. Please join my mailing list to learn of updates on my book’s path to publishing, it’s release, and if so inclined, click on this link to learn about the iron lung which helped children and adults breathe when a virus claimed their bodies. #WheelsToLiberty #empowering-women-to-take-the-wheel. https://www.gatesnotes.com/Health/An-important-moment-in-the-fight-against-polio

When I read about shootings by ex-boyfriends, ex-husbands, or current spouses, it breaks my heart to know people can’t escape the violence even with restraining orders in place. The characters in my novel are intended to bring this issue to the forefront, showing the challenges that make leaving an abuser complicated. However, society, close friends and family can help those in the crosshairs, by asking, “Do you feel safe at home?” The answer can motivate even strangers to offer a safe place to hide, before permanent change can happen.

My novel, Wheels to Liberty, showcases a Chicago homemaker Carol who dedicates herself to her daughter Ellie’s recovery so that she’ll learn to walk again. While husband Joe is in the Navy, Carol befriends handsome Sam, a Chicago newsman who is covering the polio epidemic. Joe returns from WWII with a violent streak, thwarting Carol’s efforts to empower Ellie to overcome struggles while Joe’s favored son Tom competes for his parents’ attention. When Joe’s threats and restrictions impede Ellie’s future independence, Carol must make a choice, knowing that accepting help from Sam or her siblings endangers them all.

I will keep historical fiction fans informed when it is released in 2022. Please join my mailing list for updates.

It’s a good time to slow down and be sure a professional has edited that final draft of your book. There is no rush to market. Having a better product will help authors sell more, particularly when live, in-person book launches are more accessible and safe for crowds again in the future.

Statistics show that about 98 percent of the books that publishers released in 2020 sold fewer than 5,000 copies. At virtual book events, a Texas store has sold as few as half a dozen books, or at best, sell 150 copies — but that same author, in person, might sell 1,000. Some publishers in 2020 have started paying stores to put on virtual events, usually between $200 and $500, which is about comparable to what they would earn if they sold 20 to 50 books, according to a recent NY Times article.

I’m taking on more editing clients now, hopeful that the 2022 book releases will be in person with 10 city tours at independent book shops as compared to online book launches happening in 2020-2021.

If you have a final draft, contact me for an estimate. I’d be happy to help you make use of the pause in marketing to ensure your manuscript is in the best shape it can be before you market it to a publisher or self-publish.