Great time last night with teachers!

Good morning, y'all,

Last evening, I spoke to a delightful group of teachers at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School. I took books, of course, and expected chatting for 30 minutes or so. Weeeelllll, what a fun group were they! For more than two hours, these charming gals asked questions, listened and laughed, and even bought books.

My precious friend, Marilyn Bailey, a retired teacher, finally brought me home in time for the 10 p.m. news. I'm hoping my audience may want to meet for lunch, because I so enjoyed their company. Nothing feeds a writer more deliciously than being asked questions about her craft.

Boosted by their enthusiastic interest in my books, I bravely went on Facebook a couple of minutes ago and mentioned having just received two more cartons of  my memoir, "WRITER, WRITER." My guest room closet is overflowing. HELP ME!

Thanks again to the Holy Innocents' book club. I love you all. Milam

Writer, Writer arrived today!!!!

I'm en route to the party store to buy one of those storks folks put in the yard to announce a new baby. Ours will read, "It's a BOOK!" (Thank you, Mary Ann, for the clever idea.) Loftin and Emmett, our adorable grandboys, to whom the book is dedicated, will help me with this, my initial marketing effort.

Brian Aubitz gets all the credit for producing "Writer, Writer," while our son Jay's precious girlfriend, Summer Paul, designed the perfect cover. It looks marvelous, you two!!!

The first two boxes have already arrived, and there's an offer for a party down the road. So we're on our way! I love being an author, especially on days like today!!!
Milam

Books Are Coming Any Day!

Just got the word "Writer, Writer" will be here any day now! I'll make the announcement on my blog and on Facebook! Milam

Gone!!!!

I just emailed my new book and am about to upchuck. Signing off on a manuscript is akin to mailing a fragile puppy to the other side of the world.

I realize there will always be writing to be improved, edits to be made, and typos to be corrected, etc. BUT, the truth is, I had to let it go.
The feeling is sorta like when we sent our children off to college. We're never ready, but we hope they are. I pray any mistakes will be miraculously corrected, and the book will be perfect.

More soon, I'm off to sleep, Milam

Almost!

Today I will begin my final run through on the new book. I just got the edits back from Jackie and cannot wait to see her comments.
First it's off to the gym for me. As usual, I gained a few pounds working on my story. Look for news of a release date in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, I do have some delightful events on my calendar, one is a talk in Brazelton, Georgia, with another in Huntsville, Alabama. I always enjoy meeting readers, especially after a long winter alone in my study.
It's akin to being a momma bear as she exits her cave in springtime! Joy!!!
Milam

Almost Done!

I'm celebrating with lunch today, tomorrow, and again on Friday. After being cocooned in my study for the better part of a month, this gal is taking a break to chat with long neglected friends and celebrate birthdays.

I'm through the initial drafts of "Writer, Writer," so late spring still looks good for the release date!

As I type this message to you, my sweet Jamey is reading the manuscript for me. Once he's done, I will pass the current draft to my retired teacher friends Jackie and Pam, who will proofread the story. Between the two of them, they've found many a typo through the years. After Jackie and Pam finish, it will be back to the computer for me. That's terrific because for me editing is the fun part of writing books.

Work also goes well with the travel book I'm co-writing with author Jaclyn White. But that's another topic for a blog many moons from now!
Just wanted to let everyone in on the latest. Milam

Big Changes

Wednesday, I met with Tish Sweitzer, a truly brilliant editor, regarding "A Teaspoon of Trauma." After several hours of discussion, followed by a good bit of soul searching, I decided to change the game plan.

Rather than offering a few writing anecdotes for friends and family, I'm going to pen a piece which may even be of interest to readers who do not know me, or know Ociee, or Honey, or any of the more familiar characters in my novels.
 In fact, I've decided to revamp the whole bloomin' thing. Changes include a brand new title, a totally different cover designed by Summer Paul, AND a complete reorganization of the body of the story. That's all! For two days, I'm been working until my eyes crossed.

Hopefully, readers will think it worth the rewrite. I'm still planning for an early Spring release date.

Milam