Final draft

Thank goodness I had enough ink.

Here it is: the final draft. Over two years of writing and research--in the homestretch for publication.

My editor is gonna have some fun now! *smile*

Riding a beloved UConn legend....

Here I am with UC Ovation, aka "Mama O."

I had the distinct honor of riding her this past June.

She is a lovely, patient mare, and she gave me wonderful ride. She is in her 20s now, and some gray has sprouted on her beautiful face, proudly displaying her nobility and wisdom.

She is absolutely gorgeous.

I must admit I had a few shivers of awe when I swung a leg over and landed on her back. I thought of all the students she taught, all the hearts she touched. This mare was loved by so many.

Wow. How lucky am I? (And, I get to ride her again!)

Thank you, UC Ovation.

Rewrites....

Some of the early chapters needed fine-tuning, as they lacked the flow of later chapters.
Chapter One reads a A LOT different than chapter 47. Makes sense, doesn't it? So, I tweaked and fixed and revised--much better.

The timetable for completion has also been tweaked, I hope to have the book ready by the Holidays. I don't want to rush to get it ready by fall, there's still more editing to do.

A few have asked me why I ultimately decided to go with Createspace instead of sending out a mountain of manuscripts to publishers.

1. I don't want a mountain of rejection letters.  I need to be realistic--I am a first-time author trying to get published in the middle of an economic recession. Plus, my name isn't Snooki, so I am not a 'sure bet.' (Snooki from Jersey Shore has a BESTSELLER. Wrap your heads around that for a minute.)

2. I want to retain total control over the finished product. This book is a labor of love for me, it's 'my baby.' I like that Creatspace allows for the ever-elusive creative freedom. The reins are in my hands.

3. I love the UConn Morgans and I want their stories published. They deserve that honor.

Enjoy your summer with a good book! I just finished Crazy Good by Charles Leerhsen. It's the incredible true story of the famous pacer, Dan Patch. Highly recommended.

And get thee to your local bookstore and look around. You may find something that speaks to you!

Thanks for your support of me and My Horse, My Heart. I would not have gotten this far without all of you cheering me on!