Hello one and all!  Today is the official launch date of 'Thanksgiving at the Inn', work-shopped here as The Sleeping Inn.  I'd like to share a little bit of the journey in hope that it will inspire a few of you to keep going!!

What a long and strange trip it has been but the feeling of relief could not be stronger than it is today.  I started writing this ms in November 2005.  It took me forever because I didn't know what the heck I was doing.  Many good folks on this site helped make the book what it is today.

While I signed my publishing contract a little over a year ago, the last 12 months have flown by.  The last month in particular has been quite overwhelming.  I've had several newspaper articles, a full page write up in my alum magazine, and reconnected with many old friends.

Perhaps the most fulfilling piece has been the reviews online from YA bloggers and fans on facebook.  While not every review is glowing, the positive reviews far outweigh the negative and it is nice to know that a book can still touch the heart and minds of the public.

If you want to try something neat- do a google search for:
Tim Whitney + Thanksgiving at the Inn

and see how many reviews and posts there are today... WOW!  Two months ago my name didn't even show up and now there are pages and pages of reviews.  It is very humbling.

If I can share anything it is this... don't just follow your dreams, catch them...finish your first draft, find a decent editor to help with the polish, and find a way to publish your book.  If you care enough to sacrifice your time and efforts, you should be rewarded for it.

Best wishes,

Tim