I'm Jazzed Today!

I just discovered that one of my books has finally been reviewed in the Library Journal!

The reviewer, Tamara Butler, said cool things about my upcoming January release, Reluctant Smuggler. Stuff like, “worthy third series entry,” and “This is a smart, fast-paced suspense title with enough relationship drama to please both fans of thriller and romance genres.” Hey, I’m smart! Well, she thought the book was smart anyway. She even mentioned that this is the third in a series, and the previous two are Reluctant Burglar and Reluctant Runaway. Whoo-hoo!

Maybe you’re thinking, “What’s the big deal?” To me, it’s a milestone. Librarians across the country pay attention to the Journal’s opinion when ordering books to stock. Library placement equals increased readership. Increased readership means more people potentially touched by the faith and hope I infuse into every novel. It also means increased sales, and increased sales leads to a happy publisher, which tends toward more book deals for a smiling author. . . Well, you get the picture.

My next big goal is to get the attention of the grand poobah of publishing industry opinion, Publisher’s Weekly. But I am still left with a burning question: When I’m reviewed in PW, does that mean I have at last “arrived” as an author?

How about for you, dear reader? What events in your life have made you feel validated in your endeavors?

To celebrate my personal milestone, I'm giving away several books from my own library. Not Smuggler. That one hasn't released yet, and not even moi, the author, has a finished copy.

However, if you'd like to get started on the To Catch a Thief series, I have a copy of Reluctant Burglar that I'd love to put someone's name on. Also, if you like chic lit, I'd be happy to bless someone with a copy of Splitting Harriet, a hilarious romp by fellow Waterbrook/Multnomah author, Tamara Leigh. And how about a set of suspense novels? I've got a copy of Ever Present Danger and one of Never Look Back, also by a fellow Waterbrook/Multnomah author, Kathy Herman.

What do you need to do to get your name in the hat? Just reply to this post with a moment of personal validation--very appropriate for this season as we count our blessings. Don't forget to include your contact information so I can let you know if your name is drawn!

Oh, and all three To Catch a Thief books can be ordered/pre-ordered from my books page on this site. http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/tcatbooks.shtml

Excellent blessings on Thanksgiving and always!

Jill