FINAL DAYS BEFORE LAUNCH!

I invited all of you to take this crazy publishing journey with me and I can't imagine being on this wild and wacky ride without you. Thank you for standing by me! Your encouragement, humor and support has meant more than words can convey.

There have been weeks when I questioned if this loop of proofing would ever end. If the goal to publish would ever be met. Well, it did and it will be. There were weeks of slogging back and forth to the store because of an ailing computer that's now been replaced. There were missed deadlines for a number of legitimate reasons (all of them good) but the best excuse was the birth of a beautiful baby boy (to our designer and his wife). Noah decided to be born 3 months early. Of course, medical complications ensued and put the book's publication date behind by months (a chance indie authors take when relying on the talents of independent contractors). However, those who have worked with me in the past know that as far as priorities go, it's always family first. Everything else will fall into place.

There were weeks spent in classes trying to grasp the concept of social media and hours of conversation with author friends about marketing ideas. It took time to design a web site and begin a blog. There were conferences, events, and Author Review book signings and besides all that, there were administrative and financial obligations to fulfill if we wanted to be taken seriously and that we do.

I've had a chance to view the book on a Kindle, I-Pad and I-Phone. I love the printed word and the feel of a book in my hands but this new technology? All I can say is, WOW what a concept!

So, here we are . . . standing on the edge of the publishing diving board with toes curled and heart racing, scared to look to see if there's water in the pool before jumping in but smart enough to know that not looking would hurt . . . a lot! I can guarantee that when I press the PUBLISH button on Amazon, BEGOTTEN With Love will be at the very bottom of the list with thousands of titles above it. The only way things will change is if you help me spread the word. Visit the BEGOTTEN With Love Fan Page to find out how.

We are counting down to the eBook's debut next week but . . .

I CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER to start the celebration. Even though it's not launch day, there's no reason why it can't be . . . giddy time!  YIPEE!  YAHOO!  HOOORAY!  Okay . . . Alright . . . Breathing deep . . . Better now . . . I'm soooooo dizzy! 

It's been a long time coming and now that it's almost here I can say, it's been so worth the wait.

A special thank you to A&A Printing for selecting BEGOTTEN With Love to be the Spotlight of the Month highlight on your website. It's truly an honor. Your timing could not have been more perfect.
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Jo Ann V. Glim is a 40 year veteran of  freelance writing and author of Begotten With Love. To learn more:
FOLLOW/Like on Facebook or
visit www.BEGOTTENtheBook.com
NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon.com/author/joannglim

HAPPY 10th ANNIVERSARY FACEBOOK!

"I'm not doing that!" I'd say with great indignation as friends tried to encourage  me to sign up for Facebook. "I have precious little time to spare as it is now," I'd reason.

As BEGOTTEN With Love came closer to a launch date and on the advice of my author friends, I began to realize the benefits of reaching out to more and more people through Facebook but what I didn't expect were the real benefits of this concept.

Renewed Friendships - This has been the number one blessing to me. Over the years, I've wondered and prayed for people who have drifted in and out of my life since grade school. We are an odd mix of humanity with differing views on so many topics and yet there is such a deep bond of love, admiration, and respect. Through Facebook, many of us have reconnected and it's brought immeasurable joy.

New Friendships - I've met so many new and beautiful people! I can't imagine life without them, now. It's been a great swap of stories, a smattering of recipes, some funny videos, and words of support and encouragement when needed.

Closer Family Ties - With the generational gap, it's hard to see beyond the age difference but through Facebook stronger bonds are formed, especially if you're shy. I love the fact that I can now smile at my nieces when we're together and know that we have something unique in common. Interests are learned and the beauty of the individual shines forth. Shared pictures of events, parties and favorite things from all my friends bring a smile to what may have been a less than stellar day.

I think this form of Social Media is amazing! Facebook for me is the best way to stay in touch.

Thank you, Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook employees and Happy Anniversary!