Happy Holidays

Happy holidays to you and your family.

I wanted to take this time to thank all of you for your support. It is sincerely appreciated. As 2013 winds down, it's been a wild ride this year and I'm intrigued to see how 2014 will play out.

While my book sales this year haven't been as good as I was hoping for, I'm still working hard to spreading the word about the book.

I ask that anyone who has read "A Life Worth Dreaming About" to post a review either on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. Hearing your feedback will help me become a better writer.

I'm still piecing together my second book, which due to some added responsibilities with my full-time work, haven't been able to devote as much time to the project as I would like. But it is coming along, albeit at a slow pace. Trust me, it will get done.

Otherwise, I don't have any book signings planned as of right now for 2014. As soon as that changes, I'll pass it along.

Thank you again for your support and have a happy holiday season.

Have a safe holiday weekend

No matter what you're doing this Thanksgiving weekend, make sure you stay safe and remember what you are thankful for.

There are a lot of things I'm thankful for:

1. God. Without him, I wouldn't have the blessed life I have.
2. My wife. Without her, who knows what kind of person I'd be today.
3. My family. They've been my biggest cheerleaders and supporters since Day 1.
4. My friends. We've been through a lot together. It wouldn't have been the same without you.
5. My talents. I'm so glad to have such an amazing gift to be able to tell a story through words onto a sheet of paper. It's a big thrill for me when someone tells me, they were impacted by my writing.
6. My marriage. While it's had its ups and downs, I wouldn't change a thing. (Well maybe change the fact my wife is a Lions fan).
7. My job. While it has been tough in recent years, I'm glad I'm still employed and doing something I still thoroughly enjoy doing.

Back out on the road to see you!

Booked two signings today and a radio show interview.

I will do a book signing from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Book World in Beaver Dam, Wis. To promote it, I will do a radio show interview with WBEV-1430AM in Beaver Dam at 10:05 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12.

I will also do a book signing from noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at Fireside Books & Gifts in West Bend, Wis.

Hope to see you at one of the upcoming appearances. Tell everybody you know about it and spread the word.

Just a update

It's been a little while since I've blogged so I thought I get one out there.

I'm still working on some additional signing dates in preparation for the holiday season. I'll provide an update once I have something set.

Otherwise, I'm getting close to the completion of my second book. My goal is to have it finished by the end of this year and I believe I'll be able to do that. It's a storyline I'm very excited about. I hope you'll like it.

Lastly, I learned today that Mequon, Wis., will once again have a bookstore of its own as Book World plans to open a store there.

Sterling North Book and Film Festival

On Saturday, I participated in the Eighth annual Sterling North Book and Film Festival in Edgerton, Wis.

It was a great festival from a sales and exposure standpoint. Did better this year than I did last year where I was one of the featured authors.

After the show, I left four copies of my novel at Edgerton Books & Art, 4 W. Fulton St., Edgerton, WI. It's a new and LOCAL book store. Be sure to stop in and check out my book, along with a large collection of other local authors and nationally acclaimed authors.

Right now, I don't have anything else planned as far as book signings, but hope to change that once we get closer to the holiday season.

Here is a picture of me with Dr. Patch Adams:

Pictures from Southwest Wisconsin Book Festival

Free copies of "A Life Worth Dreaming About"

Who likes free stuff?

Five copies of the audio version for Author House best-selling novel, "A Life Worth Dreaming About," is now available.

All you have to do is visit www.nickdettmann.com and go to the "What Did You Think" tab on the website to sign up. When you do, you'll be entered to win a free audio copy of "A Life Worth Dreaming About."

Deadline to sign up is Sept. 30.

Southwest Wisconsin Book Festival

It is today. I will be doing a book signing as one of the featured authors from 1-4 p.m. At the Walker House Inn.

Book signing this Saturday PLUS new 4-star review

I will be at the 3rd annual Southwest Wisconsin Book Festival from 1-4 p.m. this Saturday (Sept. 14) doing a book signing as one of the featured authors.

Cost of the book is $15 paperback, $25 hardcover. You will also have a chance to get the audio version of "A Life Worth Dreaming About."

www.nickdettmann.com

http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/A-Life-Worth-Dreaming-About-Audiobook/B00DY90GBM?qid=1375974050&sr=1-1

http://swwibookfestival.com/

Here is the latest review for "A Life Worth Dreaming About:"

http://www.amazon.com/A-Life-Worth-Dreaming-about/product-reviews/1468543008/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?showViewpoints=1

Dettmann is a talented journalist foremost, and his reporting skills occasionally make his debut novel read like an article. Readers will find the bones of a good story, that of Carl Robertson, who faces a medical crisis and his guardian angel in order to find himself, underneath the layers of a multitude of characters who surround him at his fancy ad exec job. By wading through the opening of the man who couldn't be bothered to stop long enough to see the people around him, readers will come across an intriguing tale of second chances. Don't we all long to "re-do" those things that haunt us?

Each person has a dream of the perfect life. Carl got to choose his. Those who enjoy stories like Heaven Can Wait, will have a good time watching Carl go back and change the disaster that was his life. --- Lisa Lickel

Southwest Wisconsin Book Festival is coming up!

Now available!

Best-selling novel, "A Life Worth Dreaming About," is now available as an audiobook at audible.com. It'll be available on Amazon.com and iTunes in a couple days. Get your copy today!

http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B00DY90GBM&qid=1373996709&sr=1-1

Here is the audiobook cover:

Signing date added

For the second year in a row, I have been invited to participate in the 8th annual Sterling North Book Festival at Edgerton High School in Edgerton, Wis.

The festival will take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. It is a free event. www.sterlingnorthbookfestival.com

Here is the latest book signing schedule:

Aug. 24: West Bend, Wis.
Sept. 14: Southwest Wisconsin Book Festival, Mineral Point, Wis.
Sept. 28: Sterling North Book Festival, Edgerton, Wis.

3rd annual Southwest Wisconsin Book Festival

http://swwibookfestival.com/?page_id=1040

Updates

It's been a while and it has been a while to where anything interesting has happened regarding "A Life Worth Dreaming About." That is until now!

This week, I received an invitation to be one of the featured authors at the 3rd annual Southwest Wisconsin Book Festival in Mineral Point. The event is Saturday, Sept. 14. swwibookfestival.com

Also, the audio version of "A Life Worth Dreaming About" is complete. Expect it to be available in stores in two weeks. It'll be available on Amazon.com, Audible.com, iTunes.com and more! Very excited about this and it sounds terrific.

New comment regarding "A Life Worth Dreaming About"

From Goodreads.com

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1351494-june-a-life-worth-dreaming-about-by-nicholas-dettmann

"Hello! How fortunate to have the author follow the discussion! I am glad I joined this group.

I have now finished the book. I finished in 3 days, which is amazing for me because I have so many other interests and not a lot of time to read each day.

First, I really liked the book! I rated it 4 stars, but for the overall story content I would rate it a 5. I will add some more feedback soon, but was hoping there would be some member discussion about the book. I don’t want to spoil anything here, so I will give it a little more time before I add more detailed comments.

I will say it was a pleasant and easy read. I enjoyed the characters. You are extremely talented with very detailed description! It made me feel like I was experiencing the events along with the characters."

Keeping print alive

Last week, I got a call from The Bookstore in Michigan City, Ind., to tell me they've sold my book, which is great. Then to also tell me the store is closing, which I was bummed to hear about.

With today's digital technology, local business, especially bookstores, are going through hard times. Since my book came out in February 2012, four stores have closed that once carried my book and it's all because of poor business.

It's really sad that print is going through this period, books and newspapers. Someone told me that print has a better lifespan in terms of archiving than digital will. I didn't think of that until they told me. Think about it. How often do computer programs get updated? How often does print get updated? It won't be long until our digital age will be incompatible to the future. Then what?

Please, go out and support your local bookstore and newspaper.

Book contests and Author Night

I have been submitting my book, "A Life Worth Dreaming About," into contests and have come up empty. I think it's 0-for-4. While I'm trying to keep it in perspective because I'm used to winning awards with my journalism, it's a bit frustrating. I wonder if it's even worth submitting the work into contests, seeing that it costs money to do so. So if anybody has a thought on that, please let me know.

I've got one more I'm going to try for. Let's hope for the best.

My Author Night on Wednesday was a good time, but a tad disappointing. I was hoping for a bigger crowd than what I actually got. Don't get me wrong, I was extremely grateful for the people that showed up. But I promoted the heck out of the event. So I'm trying to figure out how I could've increased the attendance. I thought I would've gotten more than I did. I did sell four books at the event, including three to my first-grade teacher Mrs. Black. It was so nice to see her and truly appreciate her support.

Here is a picture of the two of us from Wednesday night:

And here is a picture of me speaking at the event:

Up next is a book signing at Martha Merrell's in Waukesha, Wis. I'm there from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, where a portion of the proceeds will be donated to benefit breast cancer research.

After that, I'll be at the Lakefly Literary Conference and Book Fair on Saturday, May 11, in Oshkosh, Wis.

Then, I don't have anything scheduled for the time being.

Author Night

The long-awaited Author Night at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum in Milwaukee is tomorrow night. I'm eager to see how everything turns out.

If you haven't gotten your tickets, still time to do so, go to: Villa Terrace website to get them.

Article in Shepherd Express (Milwaukee)

Page 37

My new car - 2013 Chevy Cruze!

Five-star review!

Just received a five-star review from a reader on Amazon.com!

Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/A-Life-Worth-Dreaming-About/product-reviews/1468543008/ref=cm_cr_pr_hist_5?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addFiveStar&showViewpoints=0

Just added

I have added a book signing event from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Martha Merrell's Books and Cafe, 231 W. Main St., Waukesha, Wis.

It's a big day in downtown Waukesha. In the morning is the season's first farmer's market. Also taking place is a breast cancer awareness walk, followed by an Art Crawl. I will be signing/selling copies of my novel, "A Life Worth Dreaming About," at Martha Merrell's. I, along with Martha Merrell's, will donate portion of the proceeds toward breast cancer research.

Be sure to come out and support a local author and a worthwhile event.

www.nickdettmann.com

West Bend recap

I can't complain with the kind of day that was had at the 15th annual Spring Fair to Remember on Saturday at the Washington County Fairgrounds in West Bend.

I sold three books and was interviewed by the community television station. It may not sound like much, but it was another opportunity to get the word out about my book.

I encourage those who have read it to please send feedback, whether it's by contacting me directly or by posting reviews online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and/or Goodreads.com. All reviews are sincerely appreciated.

My next appearance is one a big one: Author Night at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1.

For more information, click on the link: Author Night

Just arrived!

Just arrived! Complimentary pens or magnets with a purchase of "A Life Worth Dreaming About" at an upcoming appearance.

April 20: West Bend Spring Arts and Crafts Fair, West Bend, WI, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
May 1: Author Night, Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, Milwaukee, WI, 7 p.m.
May 4: Art Crawl/Breast Cancer Research Walk, Martha Merrell's, Waukesha, WI, 2-5 p.m.
May 11: Lakefly Literary Conference and Book Fair, Oshkosh, WI, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Info on upcoming events

Career Day and talking to kids

Today was a fun day. For the third year in a row, I was a presenter for the annual Career Day at Silverbrook Middle School in West Bend. It's an event I very much look forward to. I get to talk about my job and share my neat experiences with the kids. I also got a chance to talk about my book, which the kids asked a lot of questions about, most of which were around how much money do I make.

Today was maybe the best of them all. In the previous two years, I had about 50 kids total sign up to want to hear my story. This year, the number was over 200!

I was paired with this couple who run a photo business out of their home in Hubertus. What a nice couple. The girl, Amy, was a UWM grad from Hartford and played soccer. But get this, she has the same birth date as me!

Probably the best part is when I said when I get free food when I go to Packers' games, a bunch of eyes lit up like Christmas lights :)

Priorities right?

Riverwest Radio and Burdock Radio Interview

On Wednesday, April 3, I did a taping for an interview on Riverwest Radio and Burdock Radio. We talked about my inspiration for writing "A Life Worth Dreaming About," the challenges in the publishing industry today and upcoming events, among many other things.

Here is the link to the interview: Riverwest Radio

Don't forget. Coming up on Wednesday, May 1, I will be at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, 2220 Terrace Ave., Milwaukee.

I will discuss the inspiration for writing my book, the creative journey, and the process of self-publishing.  I will entertain questions from the audience and have copies of my book available for signing and purchase. Call Ann at (414) 278-8295 or email RSVP@cavtmuseums.org to make reservations. The cost is $8 for museum members, $12 for non-members. Get your tickets today!

Coming out soon!

I will have free pens and/or magnets for those interested. All you have to do is download my free mobile app on your smartphone or iPad to find how to do so.

Trying to spread the word

This week, I was turned down for the Printer's Row Literary Fest in Chicago. That was added to the list, which includes the Cincinnati Book Festival, the Fox Cities Book Festival and the Southeastern Wisconsin Book Festival. What did all four have in common? They each told me they don't take independent/self-published authors because there is not enough of a following.

Here's where I'm irritated. How am I supposed to get a following if I won't be admitted into these festivals. I knew Cincinnati was a long shot, Chicago would've been tough. But I don't understand why a Wisconsin book festival(s) won't support local authors.

If somebody can help me figure out how to develop a following without being able to take part in book festivals, which is a great opportunity to develop an audience, would be greatly appreciated.

I sincerely appreciate the Lakefly Literary Conference folks for taking me in on such short notice. That is May 11 in Oshkosh. And I'm extremely appreciative for the two festivals I've been to in Minnesota for giving me that opportunity.

It is a growing trend where writers/authors such as myself have to go to the independent route because the odds of being traditionally published are much worse than they've ever been.

Sorry for the rant, but I needed to vent.

A sincere thank you to all those who continue to support me.

Sad phone call

Got a bit of sad news on Tuesday evening. Bookfinders in Stevens Point is closing. The store was one of the great supporters for me and my novel.

Busy week ahead

Next week will be a busy one.

On Wednesday, April 3, I will be recording a web interview with Riverwest Radio in Milwaukee. I will let you know when that is available.

On Friday, April 5, I will be featured by the Broadcast Club at UWM, a student-run television station. When the video is available for that, I will let you know.

On Saturday, April 6, I will be one of the featured panel speakers at the 3rd annual Green Bay Writers Guild Book Festival at The Attic Corner Bookstore and Cafe, 720 Bodart St., Green Bay, where the differences of publishing and the pros and cons of certain publishing avenues will be discussed. Afterward, a book sale and signing will take place.

To stay up to date, be sure to download my free mobile app or by signing up for the email announcement newsletter by sending me an email (nicholas@nickdettmann.com).

Announcement

Come late May or early June, "A Life Worth Dreaming About," Authorhouse's No. 2 best seller, will be available as an audiobook through Audible.com, Amazon.com and iTunes.

I'm extremely excited about adding this option for readers, now listeners, of my novel.

Burning the midnight oil

Now book number two is really taking shape.

Burned the midnight oil for about 4 hours, punching out about 6,000 words on my second novel, which is still without a title. But I think I'm getting close to developing one. I want it to match the theme and story of my book, which I don't think I've established just yet.

But I'm really excited I made the strides I did. It helped to not have a cat covering the computer screen.

Book festival March 23

In one week, I will be at the Writers Festival and Book in Bloomington, Minn.

My novel, "A Life Worth Dreaming About," which is No. 2 on Authorhouse's best-sellers list, will be on sale at a discounted price. Paperback will be $15 ($2 off retail price) and hardcover will be available for $25 ($3 off retail).

The festival goes from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. I will do a rapid reading of my novel at 12:30.

Hope to see you there!

News

I wanted to pass along some information/updates.

Unfortunately, I did not win the Penn State award, which recognized excellence in youth sports coverage. However, I'm the award's first two-time finalist. So that was something to be proud of.

I'm close to finalizing a deal to turn "A Life Worth Dreaming About" into an audio book. I'm still working on some details on that and hope to have a formal announcement here in the near future.

I've got a couple appearances/book signings coming up that if you want to drop by and say hi, I'd love to see you. Or you can tell family/friends about them, too.

Saturday, March 23: Writers Festival and Book Fair, Bloomington, Minn.

Saturday, April 6: 3rd annual Green Bay Writers Guild Book Festival, Green Bay, Wis.

Saturday, April 13: West Bend Spring Arts & Crafts Fair, Washington County Fairgrounds, Town of Polk, Wis.

Wednesday, May 1: Author Night at Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, Milwaukee, Wis.

For the Author Night in Milwaukee, here are the details on tickets. The cost is $8 for museum members/$12 for nonmembers. Proceeds benefit the museum and of course me. It is a beautiful and historic museum. Snacks/drinks will be provided. To get tickets, RSVP: RSVP@cavtmuseums.org or call (414) 278-8295 Ext. 5.

I know I say this all the time, but I truly appreciate your support and please keep spreading the word about my book. Thank you! Hope to see you at an event soon!

Making progress

I'm getting more motivation to work on Book No. 2 lately. Let's hope it continues as writing books is becoming a fun hobby. I just struggle with having the energy to do it, trying to balance the pressures at work, which is wearing me out emotionally and physically. What is tough to overcome is I still have a passion to be in journalism. Despite the struggles, it is something I still enjoy doing.

Appearances coming soon!

I will have a couple appearances in the next couple weeks.

March 23. The Writers Festival and Book Fair in Bloomington, Minn.

April 6. 3rd annual Green Bay Writers Guild Book Fair.

Hope to see you!

List of authors, sponsors, vendors for Minnesota Book Festival

The list with websites/contact information for the 2013 Writers Festival and Book Festival on March 23, in Bloomington, Minn., has been set.

Please see the attachment: http://www.btacmn.org/4educat/images/2013wf-authors-vendors.pdf

Featured on Authorhouse.com blog

I am being featured on Authorhouse's blog. I talk about the beginnings of being an independent author and the positives and negatives of the publishing industry. Here are the entries:

http://www.authorhouse.net/author-blogs/nicholas-dettmann/

http://www.authorhouse.net/author-blogs/nicholas-dettmann-2/

http://www.authorhouse.net/author-blogs/nicholas-dettmann-3/

Rapid Reading set

I will give a rapid reading of my novel, "A Life Worth Dreaming About," at 12:35 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the 2013 Writers Festival and Book Fair in Bloomington, Minn.

I will read an excerpt of my book for 10 minutes during the festival.

For more information on the festival, visit: http://www.btacmn.org/4educat/literary.html

Radio Interview

I have been booked to appear on Riverwest Radio, an online radio network in Milwaukee.

I will appear on the show, "Burdock Radio," at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 21. The show will last for an hour. If you can't listen to the live broadcast, it will be posted online soon after the interview.

Riverwest Radio

Burdock Radio

Information for Author Night at Villa Terrace

On Wednesday, May 1, I will be at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum in Milwaukee.

It'll be an evening at a beautiful museum discussing my novel, "A Life Worth Dreaming About." The event starts at 7 p.m. and copies of my novel will be on sale at a discounted price.

Tickets will be $8 for museum members and $12 for nonmembers.

To get tickets, email rsvp@catvmuseums.org or call (414) 278-8295 Ext. 5.

http://www.villaterracemuseum.org/index.html

This just in!

Got word about this today.

For the second year in a row, I have been named 1 of 3 national finalists for the Award for Excellence of Youth Sports by Penn State University's John Curley Center for Sports Journalism.

Last year, I was one of three national finalist for my enterprise story about the national changes being made regarding baseball bat regulations at the youth, high school and college levels, coupled with the rising costs of baseball bats.

This year, I submitted a four-part series about the positives and negatives of club sport participation and how it has changed the entire landscape of youth sports.

The winner will be announced by the end of the month.

Wish me luck!

4-star reviews!

Here are some 4-star reviews I received in the past week.

Amazon.com

A novel for grown-ups, February 2, 2013

By Heather Martin - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Life Worth Dreaming About (Paperback)

Though the novel starts slow and the prose is choppy, once you get used to the style, it is well worth the read. A love story that recognizes that the marriage is the destination, the wedding. And the foundation lays in the life around you and in yourself, not the other person. A man finds redemption, and realizes that his actions affect everyone around him-in small and big ways. These are just a few values that seem to missing in a lot of entertainment today. I, literally, did not put down this book.

Good book, January 28, 2013

By afanofnick - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Life Worth Dreaming About (Paperback)

A Life Worth Dreaming About had a bit of a slow start, but once you get into it, it is a fairly good book. It kind of has a "Christmas Carol" vibe to it, where a pompous, arrogant business man gets a chance to take a look at his life and all of the people he did wrong in his past as a ghost. He gets the opportunity to learn from his mistakes and change the bad events in his life to change the course of the rest of this life going forward. The book is interesting and feel good. I liked it.

Goodreads.com

Heather's review

Feb 02, 13

4 of 5 star

bookshelves: to-read

Read in February, 2013

Finally, a book for grown-ups! A love story that relizes the foundation is in the life around you. If you and your life aren't right, how can another person fit? The wedding isn't the destionation, the life after is. Redemption comes to Carl. As it does, he realizes his life and actions affect those around him in small and large ways.

These are just 2 concepts in this book I was so happy to see. They seem to be missing in a lot of entertinment today.

There were flaws. It starts out slow, and the prose is choppy. (And some English teacher is going to have field day w/ the numbers.) Once you get used to it, the story flows. I, literally, did not put this book down.

I won a copy of this book, and Mr. Dettmann had to remind to read it. I'm glad he did. This will become a gem in my library.

Hope to see you in 2013

The latest addition to my 2013 appearance calendar is one I'm extremely excited about and I hope a lot of you can make it. I went to a similar event with Paul Salsini, a former Journal Sentinel reporter in December and it was enjoyable and relaxing. Here is what I've got on the schedule for 2013 thus far: March 23: Writers and Book Festival, Bloomington, Minn. April 6: 3rd annual Green Bay Book Festival, Green Bay, Wis. April 13: West Bend Spring Arts & Crafts Fair, West Bend, Wis. May 1: Author Night at Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, Milwaukee, Wis. I have a good feeling about this year with this book and I continue to work toward finishing book No. 2. My new year's resolution is to have that book done by the end of this year. Thank you for your support!!

OFFICIAL: Coming to Villa Terrace

A date has been set for an Author Night at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, 2220 N. Terrace Ave., Milwaukee. The event will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1. I will give an hour presentation and reading, followed by a question-answer session, followed by a book sale and signing. Food and refreshments will be available, too. The cost will be $8 for museum members/$12 for non-members. 60 percent of ticket sales proceeds will go toward museum and I will get the remaining 40 percent. I'm extremely excited about this event and opportunity and hope you can attend! For tickets, send an RSVP to: RSVP@cavtmuseums.org My novel, "A Life Worth Dreaming About," will be on sale for a discounted price: $15 for paperback, $25 for hardcover. www.nickdettmann.com http://www.villaterracemuseum.org/

Author Night event

Had a meeting with representative from Villa Terrace Art Museum, 2220 N. Terrace Avenue, Milwaukee, today to discuss an Author Night for me at the museum.

The meeting went great.

The event will be either Wednesday, April 17, or Wednesday, May 1. The time will be 7 p.m. I will give an hour presentation and reading, followed by a question-answer session, followed by a book sale and signing.

Food and refreshments will be available, too.

The cost will be $8 for museum members/$12 for non-members. 60 percent of ticket sales proceeds will go toward museum and I will get the remaining 40 percent.

I'm extremely excited about this event and opportunity and hope you can attend!

I will make a formal announcement about the event once the date is confirmed, which it is expected to be by the end of the week.

First post of 2013

Happy New Year to all. Hope you had a fun and safe holiday season. Right now, my next book signing is March 23 in Minneapolis. I'm hopeful to get one set up in Green Bay before I participate in the 3rd annual Green Bay Book Fair on April 6. Got word this week that I won two awards from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, including one first place honor. That brings my total writing awards to eight. I'm hopeful to add more as I'm submitting entries to four other contests. I don't strive to win awards whenever I write a story, but it's always nice to get one. It makes some of the hard times feel better, like it was worth it. One of my resolutions for this year is to finish book No. 2. I'm about a quarter of the way completed with it. I'm really excited for this book and one I hope will help me break through. I believe that is all for now. Thank you for your support and please keep spreading the word about "A Life Worth Dreaming About," which is still on Author House's best-seller list.