Only one week after approving the proof copy from the printer, our listing for Dear Walt on Amazon.com appeared today. Information on the web site had indicated that it would take 15 days for that to happen, so we were very surprised and pleased.

Our “to-do” list now includes learning how to maximize our Amazon listing to supplement our other marketing efforts.

You can see the Dear Walt page on Amazon.com HERE!

WOW! It’s finally here, and “excitement” doesn’t even begin to describe the mood around here. After weeks of anticipation, the first copy of “Dear Walt” has finally arrived … and just in time for a fantastic celebration of Ron’s birthday. For his wife, who has always believed Ron’s extraordinary ‘gifts’ should be shared with others, “Dear Walt” is a long-awaited milestone.

From the first glimpse of the riveting mountain scene on the cover, through 287 pages of Andy’s compelling story - plus a sneak preview of Ron’s next book-in-progress “Welcome to Ricochet,” - readers will find themselves caught up in Andy’s life as he searches for an elusive peace. Many will, no doubt, identify with Andy’s often troubled journey … for they, too, have sought a similar harmony in their own lives.

Ultimately, one will find “Dear Walt” brings together an intriguing cast of characters whose lives are all touched by Andy’s retreat from “a place he could no longer live” to his eventual reconciliation within his own spirit.

August 1, 2008 ???????

We are now in the process of completing final review and editing of the manuscript as well as development of collateral material such as the author’s biography and back cover promotional copy. After the final revisions and additions we expect to go to press sometime in mid to late July, 2008. Of course there will still be a proofing process before the actual retail release.

August 1 is now our target date for retail release. If you would like to be one of the first to obtain a copy please let us know ahead of time by using the comment form on most pages on this web site and we’ll notify you via email when “Dear Walt” actually goes on sale. At that time you will be able to purchase a copy online at our “e-Store.” A link to the Dear Walt page at the e-Store will be provided in your notification email.

Stay tuned to this web site for updates as they are posted.

After sixteen months of writing, I finally finished the first draft of the complete manuscript last Saturday!

Today I provided “working draft” printed copies to three people to read and comment. I’ve also asked them to proof read as they go, and mark up their copies any way they want. I know that is not a very high tech way to do it, but at least they can take their copies with them wherever they like to read, whether it be over lunch as I do, or anywhere else they would normally read a novel.

While they are reading I am about the business of exploring marketing options for my first novel.

Hmmmn! Let’s see, we have no budget and we’ve never marketed a novel before. Where should we start?

I’ll research it on the web and get back to you on that.

Good night!