Happy, happy, joy, joy!!

February was an interesting month, at least in this part of the country. That is my excuse for not posting last month. It started warm, then the ground hog saw his shadow. (The joke I heard is that Phil is in witness protection now!) The Arctic blast that hit the middle of the country and hung on for more than two weeks was felt as far south as northern Mexico. Some people are still recovering. 

We were very lucky here in Oklahoma. While it was at or below freezing for about two weeks, we never lost our furnace or electricity. Water was left running the entire time, and even though a local main went out near the end, we never had frozen pipes. Not everyone was that lucky. We were blessed. (I will feel that way until the water and gas bills show up in our mailbox!)  

 While seven or eight inches is a lot here, the cold was the main factor in most people's misery.

Now with the weather report done, I am happy about other things! 

My husband and I were able to get our Covid vaccinations the first of this year. I know some are leary, but having had relatives and friends fighting the effects of the virus, a few unsuccessfully, I was ready to stand in a very long line for this shot. I have had almost no side-effects from it and I feel much safer. 

The other part of the happiness report is that I was offered a contract on a new novel. I don't have a publication date, but the publisher has already done the cover. It is absolutely incredible. I will make you wait a little bit on that!

 Okay, you talked me into it!

The novel is titled Crossroads to the Stars. It is an adult novel, could possibly be considered new adult science fiction, much in the tradition of Robert Heinlein, Andre Norton, Clifford Simak and the other old sci fi masters. The main character is Kendra Manning, the leader of the newly formed space exploration service. The adventure really begins when an abandoned alien base is discovered on the moon. There are technological wonders galore, but will they lead to adventure or death?

Another bit of joy is the progress of Billy Bob Flybottom. My publisher tells me that the cover art is almost complete, along with extra illustrations to go along with the extra chapters I wrote. The book will soon be ready for printing of the ARC (advanced review copies). Again, I will show off the cover later. (I don't have it yet.)

This is the part of writing that does make me happy; knowing that one of my babies is ready to be born. I have a prequel to Realms of the Cat almost ready to go to the publisher. I have a sequel to Moon Crusher ready to go to a critique group. Happy, happy, joy, joy! 

I realize there are other parts to this business that I have to learn, but as I do, that will raise my happiness level, too. 

What makes you happy--really joyful? 

Let me know....