Cleon has a NEW look!

A lot has been happening since my last post.  The first round of galley proofs for Cleon, The Crooked Tree arrived two weeks earlier than anticipated, which is good news.  The bad news is that had to spent countless hours revising and correcting it.  I am happy to say, I have completed that lengthy process and resubmitted it earlier this week.

I am now in the process of finalizing the COVER design and layout.   As you can see, Cleon has a new look.  What do you think?  My goal is to submit the final cover design by Friday.  If you have a thought or suggestion for me please contact me via e-mail or facebook.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Health and Happiness!

BOOK TEASER 2: Cleon the Crooked Tree

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BOOK TEASER: Cleon the Crooked Tree

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Cleon is in PRODUCTION!

Okay, so I haven't been blogging.  But I have been busy.  The last few weeks I've been changing biblical quotations, key phrases, illustrations, and the page layout of my book.  

Yes, I've been doing all of that and more for the past five months, but, there comes a time when one must say-- ENOUGH!   I decided it really is time to move forward, so I've given it the BIG PUSH (kinda like cramming for a college exam) and submitted my manuscript and illustrations mid week.

Everything checked out okay and my project co-ordinator has moved the book into production.   YEA!!!  The production stage of Cleon, the Crooked Tree has officially begun. My goal is to have Cleon, the Crooked Tree launched by late November - early December at the latest, in time for Christmas gift giving.  However, the production team's projected timeline for my book makes this date a wee bit questionable.   I will do everything I possibly can to make it happen.  

I've also had fun creating a short BOOK TEASER on youtube.  This too, is a work in progress.  I haven't quite learned how to properly upload it in real time (it skips and pauses when it shouldn't) but I will figure it out in time.  I hope you'll take a few moments to watch it.

Although this project has been and continues to be very time consuming and often times, down right frustrating… I am thankful for the opportunity work on and complete this rewarding and worthwhile challenge.  And yes, it has provided some purpose for my life.

I've Fallen... But I can get up!

Okay, so I've not only tripped, and stumbled ... I've fallen, big time!  But I am getting up.  The last few weeks have been difficult and stressful, but now it's time to get back on track.  In doing so I must take time to reflect on how this setback has affected me and my purpose.

Most of us spend the majority of our lives trying not to trip, stumble or fall. However, what we learn from the experience when we do, is more momentous; for it is during these times that we grow the most.  So, although painful, these challenges help shape our lives and we must embrace them and trust that there is purpose for them.

I'm not alone when it comes to taking health for granted, however this experience has taught me that it can be taken away in an instant.  Jim and I are blessed in so many ways, and we now realize our health, though not what it once was, is something to cherish!  God has given us good health for a reason and we must use it to better serve humanity. 

It's also been said that outlook and attitude can make or break the best laid plans.  So, as I move forward with my blog, book and life, I shall do so with GRATITUDE.   I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to complete this project, and to continue my quest to find purpose.  

But most importantly, I Thank our Lord for my family and my friends. May God continue to bless us all, as we continue on our journey called life.

Week Three- Carrying on in Faith

I attended my 40th High School class reunion this past weekend.  What fun! I enjoyed visiting with my fellow classmates, most of which I haven’t seen in 20 years.  Some have had the same career for over 30 years, some are on a second or third career, some are thinking of retiring and some say they’ll never retire.  And, yes most have raised children.  

So as I sit here reflecting back on what I have done with those same 40 years, I once again ask... what is the purpose of it all?    

My purpose has NOT been to ...  raise children, have a political career, work in a medical field, be an entrepreneur, or do one of hundreds of other things.  

So what has it been and more importantly, what will it be for this next chapter of my life?  Well, the first thing that comes to mind is TEACH.  Yes, I have been a teacher and I enjoy teaching.   I’ve taught children in middle school and high school.  I’ve taught college students and adults.  I’ve taught public school,  vacation Bible school, continuing education classes, and a college class at Ohio State.

Not only have I taught in the traditional sense, but I suspect God has, over the years, used me to teach in other ways too.  Some I recognize, others I don’t.

I believe that God is NOW using me and Cleon, the Crooked Tree, to help inspire and touch the lives of many individuals who are looking for acceptance and seeking purpose for their lives. Therefore, I carry on with this project in faith.  

Week Two - Minor Progress

This has been a stumbling week for me.  Lots on my mind with little energy to actually write it down. So, I'll take this opportunity to post some progress on the long road to print.   Here is what I have received:

Dear Pamela Dlugos,

I have just finished the line edit of Cleon the Crooked Tree. This edit addressed errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, consistency of elements, and so forth. 

Your book offers readers a poignant tale about being different. Readers are sure to feel uplifted by the positive events in Cleon's life. Well done!

All in all, your manuscript was free of errors. Mainly, I just needed to clean up punctuation (making straight quotes into curly ones, for instance), revise for clarity (such as using "Cleon" instead of "he" where I felt "he" was confusing), and adjust a few minor typos (in one spot, for instance, "to" should have been "do").

I hope you found this edit to be of assistance to you, and I wish you the best of luck in your publishing endeavors.

Sincerely,

Editor for iUniverse 

Another e-mail sent this week was a bit disappointing as the time line for the release date is 4-6 months!  I will do everything in my power to have this book available by the end of NOVEMBER.

Hello Pamela,

Thank you for your email. At this point, it’s difficult to estimate when your book will go live because we are at the beginning of the process. The illustrations process generally takes 8-12 weeks, and then we tell authors to expect for production to take another 8-12 weeks.  If time is an issue, you might consider adding the Rapid Release option. 

So, that's where I am on my path2print.  Pam