So it's been a while since I've posted on my blog, but man, it's also been a crazy 6 months.

In January, my first novel The Queen of Kentucky released and I went on an amazing tour in NYC and KY. I was so humbled by all of my friends, family, and fans... (I'm sorry, what? I have fans? I'm dying.) The reviews have all been really flattering and I just can't tell you what a dream come true this adventure has been.

Another dream was born in January and will truly be born in October as we were able to get pregnant again and expect our second soon this fall. As exciting as this news was, we have really been through the ringer this winter/spring. An early test gave "cause for concern" and we were offered multiple tests and recommended to numerous specialists to check everything out. I can finally say that, after my check up last week, our little guy is healthy! I won't go into detail here, but I will say that once again, those same friends and family that were there for me with my book success were there for me in these past worrying months.

I'm in the process of writing another book, but like everything else in my life, it too second place to the worry with this pregnancy. It's been good to get back to writing again and to get excited about my baby boy once more.

For details about my pregnancy and the way I'm raising my toddler, please check out my online web show called The Baby Book. I auditioned for this show last year with Knox on my lap crying through the whole thing, so nobody was more surprised than me that I booked the job! I create my own content, but go to a studio for filming and the production company does an excellent job with the show. I love it and hope you will, too.

Please go to YouTube and push SUBSCRIBE. Once I have a following, maybe I'll start seeing some diaper money coming in. ;)   

Much love as always,

Awhit

My Book is Here, for realz

There have been a load of fun moments in this 2 year process of publishing a novel. I've learned a lot along the way, never knowing what to expect next until I got an email or phone call from my publisher or agent. (Actually landing an agent and editor were HUGE moments in and of themselves.)

Some of the highlights include my "first pass" pages, which was basically my book in a stack of loose leaf pages bound by a single rubber band. This was the final chance I had to make revisions and tweak my a dedication/acknowledgments. A fun moment following that was receiving my ARC (advanced readers copy). This was basically my book as a paper back. That was an awesome day.

Then I was assigned a publicist and she has worked like crazy to set up events for me surrounding my launch (only a couple of weeks away - eek!). It will be fun to be on Channel 27 news back home with an anchor who is actually a girl I know from growing up in the same small town. And it will be great to do book signings and read aloud from a book that's been like my baby for a couple of years now.

But the most exciting part happened today - when I received my copy. The real deal. A hard cover copy of The Queen of Kentucky. I'm in love with the cover, the copy, the bound book itself. When I opened that box today, not expecting anything in the mail to begin with, I was surprised that new book smell is actually even better than new car smell. It was a beautiful day.

And the best part is that you'll be able to get your very own copy soon! If you haven't ordered your copy yet, you can pre-order by calling these bookstores and they'll have your copy waiting at the signings... where I'm sure you'll want to come get it signed by yours truly. Right? 

BOOK SIGNINGS

The Corner Bookstore  -  Jan 5th, 6pm

1313 Madison Ave @93rd St

NY, NY

(212) 831-3554

Carmichael's Bookstore  -  Jan 13th, 7pm

2720 Frankfort Ave

Louisville, KY

(502) 896-6950

Joseph-Beth Bookstore  -  Jan 14th, 6pm

161 Lexington Green

Lexington, KY

(859) 273-2911

Joseph-Beth Bookstore  -  Jan 15th, 2pm

2785 Dixie Highway

Crestview Hills, KY

(859) 912-7860

Cynthiana Public Library  -  Jan 17th, 4:30pm

104 North Main Street

Cynthiana, KY

(859) 234-4881