The Launch

 The Launch

I grew up in the “Space Age”… but this post is about a different kind of launch. 

One week from today, on October 21, 2026, I will officially launch my latest novel, Corners and Straight Edges. It feels like Christmas. 

The book is already available on Amazon and through my publisher, Mt. Ziion Ridge Press. So why launch?

A book launch is a celebration. 

Crafting a novel requires intense labor. Some may be able to crank out eighty thousand words or more in short order. I’m not one of them. 

I spend months researching, crafting the story, revising some, more, or most of it until I get it to a place I like. Then I spend intense amounts of time editing, rewriting, and editing some more.

I DO NOT USE AI. This is my story. My craft. My words. 


So, when a publisher reads it, likes it, and offers me a contract, it is a pretty big deal. You can ask Mike. I squeal and dance around and giggle like a schoolgirl.

Then I wait. The publisher has a string of boxes to be checked before the book goes to print. I’m in the loop for some of it. I have a say in things like approving the cover design and such. I don’t need to be in on formatting or assigning an ISBN number or other pieces to make the book come to life. That’s on the publisher.

All elements for Corners and Straight Edges are now in place. The book is ready. I’ve crossed the finish line. 

I am ready to celebrate.

I have a deep connection to the Tampa Bay area in general and the town of Lutz, in particular. I lived there, was a member of Lutz First Baptist Church, and still have friends and family there. I married two men who grew up in Lutz.My late husband, Tom, and my husband Mike were friends who lived on the same road, skied together on Lake Hobbs, and hiked across Florida together with four other guys in their high school years.) I digress.

Because the main character in Corners and Straight Edges is a first-grade teacher, much takes place in the classroom. So... I decided to host my book launch at the historic Old Lutz School  in Lutz, Florida. 

I’m inviting my high school friends from Chamberlain High School and other friends from Tampa and Lutz and you, my readers from surrounding areas to join me in celebrating this milestone. 

Drop in anytime between 5:30pm and 7:30pm for a chat, a book, a snack, or some fun conversation. Old Lutz School on US 41. Come celebrate with me!

Here’s a bit about the book: 

For first grade teacher Katharine Gilmore, life is like a jigsaw puzzle. 

“Always find the corners and straight edges first,” Katharine’s aging mother advises her.

Easier said than done. Especially when it comes to one six-year-old in Katharine’s class named Ellie.

When an actual intruder storms the school, Katharine stands in the gap for her students. Awkwardly. Fearfully. Like a misfit piece in the puzzle of life. 

And one piece is missing. Where’s Ellie?

Welcome to Old Lutz School
18819 US 41 N
Lutz, FL


 

 

 

 

 

 

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