On Top of the World!

School for my two daughters started last week, and I recently changed my work schedule to allow me to pick them up after school. In order to go to school directly from work, I also changed my driving route. I still take the same blacktop, but I travel on it longer, and I bypass another road I used to take. These two blacktops converge near what I am told, is the highest point in the county. Driving over the

rolling road, there is a view that is purely spectacular (by Illinois standards, anyway!). Even though I've driven this road hundreds of times, the way the early afternoon light hits the earth makes everything stand out differently than on late afternoon commutes.  I feel like I am on top of the world, as I can see trees, crop fields, and towns for several miles. I spot wind turbines in my view northward, so I know that I am seeing at least ten miles away. We've had many days lately that include bright blue skies filled with cumulous clouds (the puffy ones), and they add to the beauty.

As I continue driving, I come down off the high point and hurry to get to school on time. With the craziness that ensues, I try to remember my quick glimpse at a pretty and peaceful panorama. Life is full of high and low points, and we must go through rough times to really appreciate the good times.

Writing and marketing children's books is very challenging and fulfilling. I have learned a lot the past few years, but I have much more to learn. Even within this learning curve, I have experienced many wonderful times, such as receiving great reviews and compliments, arranging successful book events, good media coverage, and having new venues contact me to schedule programs or purchase Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk books for resale.  And there is no way to describe the feeling of putting the books together. I love it when the perfect idea pops into my head, and the book begins to write itself, sometimes as I drive to and from work. Taking photographs, working with the illustrator, and editing, fact checking, and perfecting the story, are all part of the creation experience, and I thoroughly enjoy all aspects. However, there are tough times too, when I receive rejections, negative comments, slower sales periods, and other not so pleasant things. But, things always turn around in a positive direction, and then I start my journey to the top of the world.

As I work on getting my Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk books ready to republish through Rising Phoenix Press, I am feeling good and can't wait for the new versions to be available. I will then focus my efforts on marketing to spread the word not only about my books, but also other Rising Phoenix Press books. I hope that as we climb our way that we are able to reach the top of the world and stay there for a long time.

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