Another stupendous piece of news. I've received notice that "Dancing on His Grave" is a finalist in the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association (PNWA) annual writing competition. This is a prestigious organization, based in the Seattle area, that has been around since 1955. They've aided in the discovery of a number of best-selling authors. I couldn't have been more stunned. The person who called told me that theirs is now an international competition, with entries coming in from, for example, China, Dubai, Spain, the UK, Australia, Canada (to name a few) and all over the U.S. The memoir category had hundreds of entries, and only eight were chosen. Even more interesting, the choices for finalist were made from a synopsis of the story and the first twenty or so pages of the book. Some of the more horrifying events in my story and my sisters' stories were not part of the review.

Even if being selected as a finalist is as far as this goes, it will still engender notice from agents, editors and publishers, who will make the final selections of winners. Even after all the work I've done over the past seven years, I would still go to a mainstream publisher if they offered an advance that would pay back my sizable investment in this project. I am poised to do a complete revision, whether or not the book--or books--are picked up by a publisher. I'd like to think that I've become a better writer since "Dancing" was self-published.

I'm keeping very busy shipping copies of "Chasing Ghosts," and unpacking boxes.

We are back in the Big Sky! We emptied/consolidated three houses in two months, and arrived back in White Sulphur Springs with a caravan: Jim driving the biggest U-haul truck pulling the Camry on a dolly, and me driving our Tundra pulling a trailer, all chock full. Jim's mother rode with me, and we drivers kept in touch with cell-phones. It was almost luxury compared with some moves I've made. Now I'm trying to decide what to do with four or five of EVERYTHING. We had a big rummage sale before leaving Sequim, but it hardly made a dent. We'll need another rummage sale and lots of trips to Good Will before winter. I want my garage back (which is now full to the rafters.) At least I'm losing weight (that's good news.) Betty (my mother-in-law, age 90) has settled into her rooms on the first floor of our house, and Jim and I are making our basement apartment cozy and functional. We all share the upstairs kitchen, dining and living rooms.

Now I'm looking forward to spreading the word that "Chasing Ghosts" is available. I received my first shipment of books, and have mailed a few. I've received lots of inquiries about it. Thanks to all for your patience.

A few weeks ago I received pleasant news. "Walking Wounded" received the first runner-up award in the Trafford Publishing Golden Pen competition. Hundreds of books were entered. It is so reassuring to keep getting affirmation of the value of my work. So far "Chasing Ghosts" has received nothing but good reviews.

We will have the website updated soon. All the best to all my friends.