Read on for the gallery of options, how to vote, an update on novel #2 and the latest news.

Hey, followers and friends (I consider you the same). You were great in helping me come up with the title of my second novel, when I had to forgo my beloved La Querencia for an English version of the same concept. My current working title, Last Sunset in San Miguel is due to the great suggestions of so many of you. You were wonderful.

So, I’ve come back to the trough to ask again. Please help me select my new Author Photo. I recently had a session with the incredible photographer Michele Marie, and have great choices, though I know I’m missing the serious profile shot (my nose is simply not “important,” enough).  I need your help because I can’t personally see the forest of a good photo through the trees of the fading red in my hair, the Mr. Ed toothiness of my smile and the fact that I haven’t completely gotten over being told by a former employee that I’ll always look like a cheerleader (which btw, I never actually was.)

Help me pick the shot you think works best to demonstrate a degree of gravitas that says “I’ve written an important book!” for media and reviewers, yet with an openness and approachability that invites readers to feel they’d love to have a book chat with me. Here are the choices. Vote by their number. Pick your favorite one, or top two or three, rank them all, whatever your fancy, and let me know in the comments below. Note, the photos with scenic backgrounds will probably end up being cropped. I’ll share the “winning” shot.

Basic: The little-black-dress shots

Color Coordinated

Palette Perfect: So, if you were an art director casting my hair you’d pick this outfit, right? Two choices:

Update on Last Sunset in San Miguel

Though this book has been underway for the past five years (or net three, since I couldn’t write during COVID), this past year has really been intense and I’ve been nose-to-computer screen with the manuscript since March, which pretty much wiped out my summer social life. However, I’m now down to the wire. At this moment I’m cleaning up final comments from my developmental editor who tells me the manuscript is now “Submission Ready!” After my proofreader signs off I’ll be starting the process of sending it out to see if anyone bites. I do have three agents who’ve asked to read it! Fingers crossed, but the likelihood is that I’ll need to eventually send it out farther and wider.🤞 

It’s a long road to publication. I’ll keep you posted.

Latest News & Updates

Here’s what’s been out in the universe since my last newsletter. It’s been surprisingly busy. I’m gratified that The Fourteenth of September continues to get attention as I toil on with novel #2.