You Beckon Updates

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What do you think? A hardcover edition of You Beckon is in the near future which will include a few extra poems and other tidbits. Above is the proposed cover for the new hardback edition. A black and white of this photo has always been inside the book and coincides with one of the poems.

I think there was some confusion with the original cover (which I love)

and it caused some people to assume it was a children's book. Thinking so, there were probably a lot of potential readers who didn't even bother to pick it up to see what was inside. Covers are critical! I think the new proposed cover will dispell that assumption -- I hope.

I'm anxious to have the hardback edition available before September because that is when major publishers who offer calendars, like the major greeting card companies, release their new speciality calendars. Although I'm not at liberty to say who just yet, several poems from You Beckon are slated to be included in one for 2006. My byline will be included, along with the title of the book. I want to be sure it's available in both choices (paperback and hardcover) should anyone enjoy my poetry enough on the calendar to go looking for the book!

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Mahogany Sisters Book Club - Kansas City

I have to say that I had one of the most wonderful times of my life on Saturday, May 21, 2005. I was the selected author for the month for the Mahogany Sisters Book Club in Kansas City, and was invited to join them at their monthly meeting where that months' book would be critiqued. I knew the caliber of reader who made up the club, so I went a little nervously, hard hat in tow, so that I could weather the critiques should they be hard hitting.

From the moment the first club member shook my hand, until the last moment we each hugged goodbye, it was the most validating experience I've had in my entire writing life. They eternally etched a place on my heart. I will never forget them. You ladies are all beyond awesome!