Progress

I love nothing more than seeing the actions, careers and success of my fellow writers move in a forward direction.  I don’t want to run this race by myself, but yearn to be surrounded by my friends and fellow artists; it makes the contest that much more enjoyable.  So, I’m going to take a few moments here and praise the efforts and successes of a few of my fellow writers:

Frank Allan Rogers – congratulations on your new publishing deal and I can’t wait to hop on the trail ride with the upcoming release of Twice Upon a Time. I love seeing you at a table, in a tent or at a booth next to me selling your books.  I’m truly a big fan and can’t wait to see how you rustle up and lasso other fans to your awesome talent.

Mary Cunningham – congratulations on completing another edition of the Cynthia’s Attic Series – The Legend of Lupin Woods.  I love your heart and compassion for the young readers of today.  May you find much success as you fill their young minds with great adventures, and their hearts with a love of reading.  

R.T. Kaelin – congratulations on the release of the new version of Progeny.  I really enjoyed this story, and I’m so glad to see the great response you’ve received from readers all over the world, and now big time agents.  I wish you much success at your appearance at Origins Conference in May, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the next installment in The Children of the White Lions Series. 

Now, a little shout out to the Up and Coming authors and their debut novels:

Thomas Young – Though I know you by another name, for the past few years I’ve watched you labor over your novel Coming Out of Winter.  I’ve also had the pleasure to see you take this labor of love and transform it into a screenplay, and now you’ve gone and broke it up into two books (which was a great move).  I’m excited to see you step over the threshold from writer to author, from conception of an idea to a printed publication, from a dreamer to making the dream come true.  I can’t wait to see you jump from one stepping stone to the next.  

Norma-Jean Sessamen – Your love and passion, mixed with your excitement and dedication has me on edge to see your hard work finally step into the spotlight it deserves.  I’m so proud of you, and the steps you’ve taken to sharpen your craft.  I’ll be like a proud mama bear when I see the release of Taken, the first book in The Hawthorne Series, finally be released into the world.  

Chuck Wanager – Chuck, Chuck, Chuck.  For many years the world got to experience the reporter; the journalist.  Now, they will get a chance to meet the novelist.  I’m really excited for you and the upcoming publishing deal and release of Jackson Flats.  Sometimes it’s those who struggle most, who appreciate the little things.  I want you to know I see and appreciate the little things you’ve brought to the CCWC.   If you can deliver a book like you deliver a newsletter, the world better watch out!

Shelly Murphy – I love your sense of humor.  I love your grace.  Congratulations on your publishing deal with Vabella Publishing and your upcoming release of Compost Happens.  This book made me laugh, and I know it’ll make the world laugh too.

If you are a fellow writer that I’m acquainted with and I didn’t mention you, it’s not because I’m not proud of you or that I don’t support you; that’s not the case.  It’s just that these seven artists were on my heart today.  These are the seven people I see running beside me at the moment.  I’m glad to see them here, and I hope that many, many more newbies can join us – soon!  (**cough**cough!  Johnathan Bright, Dawn Perry, Lorien Forrest, Ann Brown, , Susan Macdonald, Sue Lee, Laura Kirk, Kathy Camp, and Denise Wellman.  I know you all have first novels in the process and can’t wait to see them complete, published and make their debut into the world.)

Till next time,

~T.L. Gray