It's out!!!!!

So far, so good. The book launched and I visited all of the middle schools, elementary schools, and libraries in the district. Unfortunately, it was the same day that a major principal meeting was taking place, all of the principals were out of their buildings. **bummer**   :oops:

However, I've been connecting with lots of young readers who seem to be very interested in the book, which I am grateful for. So, I hope you get yours soon because I think everyone you know might be on the way to reading it.

Hugs,
Lee
www.frogburgers.net

LAUNCH!!!!!!!!!!

It's official; Frog Burgers is finally available. You can get it through the website (www.frogburgers.net) or via Amazon.com, just search for "Frog Burgers."

I'm so excited! Send me a note if you read it and let me know what you think.

Hugs,
Lee

Five more days...

From what I understand, the book will be available in five more days. I don't know if I can wait that long, but I'll try. Hang in there, everyone.

Thanks for waiting.

Hugs,
Lee

Getting There

I know I've said it before, but really, we're almost there. I'm waiting for the next, and hopefully last, galley copy to come my way. I would love to have this book available to you within the next week or so.

You've come this far with me, and I appreciate your patience. Hang in just a bit longer.

Hugs,
Lee

Revision

Well, the revisions have been made and changes to the cover are in place. I'm so excited.

Will keep you posted.

Hugs,
Lee

She's A Genius

I just want to take a moment to tell everyone that my web-designer, Cheryl, is an absolute GENIUS!!!! Just look at my website. Thank you, Cheryl! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!

Hugs,
Lee

October already?

Well, it's October. I'm looking forward to my favorite holiday, Halloween. I love the creativity and fun associated with this holiday. And, seeing the kids - both mine and other - have a great time is always wonderful.

The book is going through the editing process and I'm hoping to have it available in November sometime. I can't wait. I'm so excited about the whole thing.

Thanks for your support.

Hugs,
Lee

Still Plugging Away

Currently, I have the galley/proof of the first run of Frog Burgers being read by the ladies of one of my writer's groups. I'm hoping to get it back shortly so that I can get it out to all of you. Be patient with me, it's worth the wait.

Hugs,
Lee

The Day After

OMG! OMG! OMG! So, we had a guest speaker at the Writer's Workshop that I moderate, and guess who it was... it was literary agent, JOANNA VOLPE, from Nancy Coffee Literary Management. She was fantastic!!! We had so many attendees that there were no seats left. Other than a few brief announcements on my part, she talked to us the entire two hours, giving us insight into the literary agent world, and what publishers and agents look for when reading through their mounds of submissions. She answered every question and even shared some interesting moments in her own career. It was GREAT!!!! I'm so sorry it had to end, but I'm grateful for what I've gained.

Thanks, Joanna!!!!

Hugs,
Lee

Already?

Is is September already? I know, we're already in five days, I should have noticed by now. Anyway, I am moving forward on the book. I'm passing it on to my trusted "extra eyes;" my critique partners. They are great! I don't know what I'd do without them. They always find whatever I take for granted. So, they will be reading the first galley/proof and get back to me. I'm hoping, if all goes well, that the book will be available by the end of September/beginning of October. Keep your piggies crossed!

On a positive note, I just read in the newspaper that a local teacher is going to be self-publishing the second book of his series. He wrote under an assumed name and even his students didn't know it was him until Meet the Author Day, when he was the guest author! How great is that? So, now I'm even more inspired and motivated.

Okay, I'll continue to keep you posted.

Hugs,
Lee

Topic Page

Well, I received the first galley copy of the book, that means I can read through the first "proof" of the book in book form. It was very exciting to get it in the mail. My legs hurt from jumping up and down so much. Of course I ran to the illustrator's house (Cheryl only lives 3/4 of a mile from me), and then we jumped up and down together. Even my kids are excited. Zach immediately made a topic page on Facebook (gotta love his enthusiasm). So, I am diligently working on the corrections, which have more to do with format than grammar, especially if you know me (the grammar psycho) then you know what I'm talking about. Therefore, I'm hoping that I can make the revisions and go through the second galley and have the book available by late October for you.

Thanks for all of your support.

Hugs,
Lee

Big Step

I just took the first big step regarding the publishing of the book. Now I have to wait for the first galley. I'm so excited and scared at the same time. It's a good thing my friend Cheryl has been great about holding my hand. I'd definitely be lost without her.

In another facet of my life, I've posted photos from the Star Wars day at Barnes & Nobel on my Facebook account. My older son wasn't into it, but my little guy loved it. And, he bought a book AND is actually reading it. Talk about good things. ;)

Okay, I'll keep you all posted as I know more.

Hugs,
Lee

The Hang

I think I'm getting the hang of this blog stuff. This will be my second post, but I didn't have any trouble signing on or anything. That's a big deal if you're me - the technologically challenged.

I'm happy to say that the website is up and running, although there are still aspects that need to be added. My web designer, Cheryl, is amazing. And, she is extremely patient with me. So, I am officially extending an invitation to view my website at www.frogburgers.net . Let me know what you think by sending me an e-mail at leemandel2@me.com.

Hugs,
Lee

The Beginning

This is my first blog post ever. Please bear with me as I have no idea what I'm doing. However, in today's world it is essential for a writer to contribute to a blog, particularly since my soon-to-be-released middle grade novel, Frog Burgers, is progressing. So I'm diving into the blogosphere.

The website is currently being worked on, as is the the cover for the book, by my amazing illustrator, Cheryl. I will keep you all posted on when and where you can get your hands on a copy just as soon as I know myself.

That being said, I hope that you will feel free to write me and let me know what you think about any aspect of this venture. I look forward to all comments.