Give them a hand

For everyone who aspires to write a book, it's true -- there is nothing more thrilling than opening that first box of hardcover books and seeing your name on the cover. Yet lately I've been struck by something more. I'm even more amazed by all the helping hands.

Promoting MY MIXED-UP BERRY BLUE SUMMER is like balancing on a log, trying to stay on top -- and every hand extended fills me with gratitude. The hands that are keeping my feet from slipping into oblivion belong to:

• friends, who are buying the book for nieces, grandchildren, and themselves;
  
• family members, who are making sure the book is on the shelves of their local bookstores, schools and libraries;

• Vermont College faculty and friends, for blurbing and talking it up;
• My editor and HMH marketing folks for enthusiastic support;
  
• booksellers, who are agreeing to let me come and read even though it's a dying practice;
• people who know me from the ferry, church or work who tell their friends about the book;
• and reporters, who review and feature the book plus that crazy copyeditor who gave me a big head!

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Writing is solitary work. It's just me and my computer (although I often talk to myself as a I puzzle out plot). Selling is social -- and I thank everyone for pitching in and helping me get across the stream!