Jul

The summer is half over and I still have another trip planned. In August, I’ll travel with my travel buddies to Yellowstone and the western national parks. 

In June, I traveled to Seattle for my nephew’s wedding. It was a non-stop whirlwind of parties, but the highlight was getting reacquainted with my six nieces and one nephew. It rained constantly, but the day of the wedding, the sun came out as planned and the outdoor ceremony was beautiful. Then right on schedule, once the wedding was over, it started raining again. The couple was truly blessed with a wonderful day.

In late June, I visited my Maine retreat. Fo those who have read my book, you know that Maine is special to me. I go every two years to write. The energy I get from the ocean is wonderful. This year a friend went with me and we rented a beach house a few steps from the ocean. We had ocean views from every window and a great writing deck perched on top of the roof. Check out the new photos in my photo gallery.

I’m happy to report that my book is on Kindle. Check it out. I also have a book signing at Barnes & Noble the 31st of July at the Bradley Fair store in Wichita, Kansas from 2-5 p.m. Many thanks to all of you who have taken the time to write me an encouraging note and shower me with nice comments about the book.

May

It’s been a whirlwind these past few months with book promotions and keeping up with my writing schedule. Book sales are steady and I’m happy to report Devoted to Traveling was on the best seller list at Watermark Books for two consecutive weeks. I’ve restocked Watermark three times already. For this I’m really thankful to all who have purchased the book. Raven Books in Lawrence Kansas is stocking the book, and Design Studio in Wichita has kept a steady pace in sales. Happy to report that also Bethel College in Newton, Kansas offers my book.

In April I attended the OWFI conference in Oklahoma City. It was amazing as always and I came away with a renewed knowledge in writing techniques. Kansas Writers Association had a nice presence with six of us at the KWA table. So fun and so informative. A great conference for writers of every genre. I’ll write more later, but now need to get that novel off to an agent. God Bless,

Feb

Devoted to Traveling is finally here and ready for purchase. I can’t tell you how good it feels to have this book in hand. Much thought, a few tears, and a whole lot of prayer went into this publication. I hope you enjoy it. Travel with me as I wind my way through places near and far.

Devoted to Traveling is a chronicle of the first-hand experiences of a woman whose adventures are written with lessons learned.

Adventures, from the healing of San Francisco to a spiritual renewal in an ancient cathedral, allow readers to experience the highs and lows of traveling. As a travel professional since 1983, Graber also gives first-hand accounts of how to pack, security issues, and what happens at the airport when “canceled” blazes over the departure screen. As a travel professional since 1983, Graber also gives first-hand accounts of how to pack, security issues, and what happens at the airport when “canceled” blazes over the departure screen.

Currently Devoted to Traveling is available through the publisher at www.awocbooks.com/book.cfm?b=79, (special only $1 postage) Amazon.com, and Watermark Books & Cafe. More stores coming soon. 

Thank you all for considering and my what an experience this has been for me.

Nov

January 15, 2010

The text proofing on Devoted to Traveling is finished and back to the publisher. I noticed several errors so it was a slow process. In fact, I ended with over nineteen pages of edits. After that, the publishers were plagued with rounds of illness prompting another delay. But, it’s a new year and once again everything is moving forward. It shouldn’t be long now before I receive the cover to approve.

After the holidays, I spent a good amount of time setting writing goals and creating a complete business writing calendar for the year. For me, this works well and keeps me on track with assignments and submissions. Each year I take time to slip away on writing retreats to make sure I keep on schedule. In fact, I just returned from a three-day retreat. The Slatecreek Lodge, near Wellington, Kansas provided hours of silent writing, a welcomed crackling fire, and inspirational views across the lake to the rolling prairie of Kansas. There is nothing better than escaping to the countryside to enjoy God’s great creation and becoming one with nature.

During the weekend, I completed entries for the OWFI contest held in conjunction with their annual conference April 29-May 2 in Oklahoma City. I also worked on a novel which I’ll pitch to agents at the same conference. This is the same conference where I was fortunate to receive the contract for the Devotional Book. Another book contract wouldn’t be bad at all. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

December 1, 2009

I’m so excited. I just received the galley for Devoted To Traveling, a book of devotionals and a chronicle of my personal travels with friends over several decades. In every trip, a learning experience, memorable occasion, or intriguing adventure, triggered a devotional.

I’m thinking the proofing will go quick as I’ve already been through one round of edits. Then it’s off to the printer and a final okay for the book cover. I’ll keep you posted on the release date.

This year I attended three writing conferences. First the OWFI (www.owfi.org) which was chock full of speakers, agents, and editors. This is one of the best conferences around that is both economical and informative. The keynote speaker this year was Tess Gerritsen, who pumped writers with antidotes of her own personal writing journey.

In October, I attended the Kansas Authors Club convention/conference in Topeka, and in November the HACWN (Heart of America Christian Writers Network) in Kansas City. If your genre is inspirational, this is the conference for you. I came away with renewed knowledge of available markets, book proposals that sing, and spiritual guidance.

Conferences are key to gaining expert guidelines on many topics for the writer. Give them a try. Scan the speaker list to select the conference that best suits your writing style, register, pack your bags, and be prepared to enjoy the comradeship of fellow writers all working toward one goal–publishing.