Happy Birthday Desert Breeze Publishing!
Content
It seems just like yesterday.
There I was, an Inspirational Romance writer, faced with yet another rejection. Talk about feeling vulnerable.
It was a time when I had just started a new job, all still in the hope of “writing”.
After sending a manuscript that was as near and dear to my heart as my ‘first born’, after the interminable wait of eight agonizing months, after mustering up the courage to contact the editorial offices with a polite message, I received an email reply that really would make the hair curl of anyone with any self respect – especially a writer!
Suffice it to say, with all the excuses about the problems in the Editorial Offices, the weather and the flimsy reference to my manuscript, I was glad NOT to deal with them, knowing it would be nothing but trauma and drama.
This, of course, after my tears dried and I forced myself to take a deep breath.
Do you believe in your writing? Do you wish to continue? Are you sharing His word?
Yes, yes and yes.
Okay, then, get busy and find a house that’s professional, a house that wants to produce good stuff.
But where? I’ve looked everywhere! I’m in Rhode Island, the Smallest State!
Once more, I researched “Inspirationals” and in that instant, Desert Breeze Publishing appeared.
I had never seen them before. This could be what the French refer to as a ‘coup de foudre.’ Love at first sight. Maybe. Hmmm.
Never heard of them; but what a nice landing page. Let’s look a little more.
Well, the rest is history. I sent information on ‘Destiny’s Designs’ and ‘Spotlight on Love’ and the prompt, professional reply from Publisher Gail Delaney brought tears to my goofy eyes.
Someone understood. Someoneone had standards. Someone knew what it was like to try. WOW!!!
This could be the start of something really great. And it has been!
Think of the network of friends we have established, thanks to Gail and Jen and all the DBP family.
Congratulations, Desert Breeze! Thank you for your professionalism and I really, really look forward to meeting all of you soon!
Tune in tomorrow for a Birthday Bash Post from J Morgan. Here’s his link: http://www.themorgandiaries.blogspot.com
And here’s an excerpt from “Light of the Heart” Book One in the Nine Book Sterling Lakes Series!
Than you so much for visiting today and Happy Birthday, Desert Breeze.
Excerpt from “Light of the Heart” by Regina Andrews
Chapter One
The afternoon class at Tanglewood Women’s Prison was a spectrum of tension, as separated and splintered as a beam of light refracted through a prism. Cascade Preston held her student’s template assignment up to the light overhead, and spoke carefully on the quality of the stained glass project.
“With two lights, or openings, Brenda, I would say your idea of a church window for this one would be correct.”
Sighing, the student replied, “So you think I’m making progress?”
“Of course.” She tossed her honey-colored curls behind her shoulders. “Don’t you?”
Brenda snorted. “Heck, no. I’m in here for domestic assault. What do I know about progress? My life is over.”
This stopped Cascade in her tracks. “Look, we all make mistakes. God has told us that sinners should flock to him. What do you think? ”
Brenda shrugged. “God has his own agenda. We’ll see what the parole board says about mine in two weeks.”
“For now, let’s focus on next week’s class. Bring me a flower for that one.”
“Where are we supposed to get a flower?” someone muttered.
“Draw one, stupid,” Brenda answered.
“Bye, ladies. Take care.”
“See you.” Sad-eyed, Brenda gave her a high-five as Cascade walked past her.
Cascade’s heels clicked efficiently with her every crisp step, and she made sure to shuttle as closely as possible alongside the beefy guard who escorted her from the holding room. Getting into her Corolla, she whispered a prayer. “I don’t think I’m doing any good here, Lord, but I feel you telling me to stick with it. So I will. Maybe this is the kind of thing that saved my mother.” She tried to block the images of her mother’s bruises from her mind, but they wouldn’t go away. They never did.
The drive back into Boston passed by quickly, without too much traffic. “Lean on Me” blasted from her audio system, and she sang along with all her heart. At twenty-seven, she knew it was technically an oldie, but to her, it was fresh and filled with meaning. Cascade wondered as she sang what it would feel like to have someone to lean on, because she had always been alone.
“There’s only one thing that could make tonight perfect,” she mused as she pulled into the parking area for her condo complex, “and that’s not going to happen, for sure.”
Images of her long-gone fiancé, Kevin, came into her mind and heart. Where was he this fine June evening? More importantly, why were things so much better for him without her in his life?
A form crossing her path brought her back to reality. Her eyes narrowed as she noticed someone walking towards her car. A guy — a big guy she did not recognize.
She shaded her eyes from the late day sun. Dark hair and outdoorsy looks. Work boots. “Nope,” she murmured to herself, “I don’t know him.”
Hopping from her car, she said, “Can I help you?”
“If you’re Cascade Preston, you sure can.”
He folded his arms across his chest. With all those muscles moving, Cascade could only imagine the stress put on the seams of his light blue cotton shirt.
“And you are…”
“Dan McQuay.” He extended his arm towards her. “From the site.”
“Hi.” Cascade pumped his strong hand, lost in his sky blue eyes. “What site?”
He tilted his head. “The construction site.”
“I’m not following you.”
He looked at her steadily. “I’m project manager for the retrofit on the church in Sterling Lakes. The one that you’re doing the windows for.”
Cascade’s heartbeat quickened. Just hearing the name of the town where she grew up made her anxious and tense. “It seems there’s been a misunderstanding. No way am I working on anything in Sterling Lakes.” She started to bustle past him. “Now if you’ll excuse me?”
“Don’t run away, Ms. Preston. There’s a problem here.”
His tone of voice got her attention. He sounded like he cared… about her. That was crazy. She was a total stranger to him.
She nodded. “Apparently there is a problem, you’re right. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Like I said, I’m not doing any work in Sterling Lakes, and I never will. That’s the last place in the world I ever would go.”
He gave a slow whistle. “Well, that’s a loaded speech if I ever heard one.”
In spite of herself, she smiled. “I didn’t mean to get all hot and huffy, but it is how I feel, and I have my good reasons.”
He eyed her intently before he finally spoke. “Understood. The thing is, your name is on the plans that I have, and my crew is ready to get going. We haven’t heard from you, and we need to have a job meeting. Mostly, we need your specs.”
Cascade noticed the strong line of his jaw when he spoke, and oh, those bluer than blue eyes of his were so easy to get lost in. She swallowed.
“I don’t know what to tell you. I’m not contracted for that job. Your project executive should be able to answer your questions.” She toyed with the zipper on her oversized leather shoulder bag as she watched thunderclouds roll across his handsome face. “Look, why don’t you give me his name? I’ll check things out at my studio in the morning and get in touch with him. Maybe I can get to the bottom of this.”
“Yup.” He took his hands out of his pockets. “Here’s my business card, and here’s his. Try and remember, every day is money to me.”
“Okay, I know. I’m in business, too, so I get it. I know every job I’m on, and this one is not on my list. Let me see if I can find out why I’m on the list of subcontractors… if I really am.”
“You are.”
“I shouldn’t be, so there’s a mistake. I never even sent in a bid.”
“At least we found out something tonight,” he said with a shrug. “Other than you being a whole lot prettier in person than in the pictures all those magazine articles and newspaper stories print about you.”
Cascade’s face warmed up at his compliment. “Now you’re trying to butter me up.”
“Just stating the truth, plain and simple like I always do, Ms. Preston. That’s my way. Thank you for your time.”
“You’re welcome.”
He started walking over to his truck. “Talk to you tomorrow.”
“Right. And there’s one more thing.”
He questioned her with a wondering look.
“Please call me Cascade.” Her smile lingered as she watched him drive off into the Boston twilight. Too bad this job was in Sterling Lakes. It might not be that bad to do a job with Dan McQuay. Not bad at all.
Light of the Heart is available for purchase at Desert Breeze Publishing.
Good Morning, Regina!
I’m glad you chose to submit to DBP! You have done great getting DBP recognized as a wonderful publisher in so many places with the promotion of your awesome books. It’s been fun to see you and Shawna doing so well on the ACFW Book Club yahoo group. I was so proud when your Destiny’s Designs was a book selected for one of their month’s book discussions. I’m glad you became a published author with a superior publisher instead of the first inferior one.
Great excerpt! I feel blessed to have met you thru DBP and so many other talented writers!
Hi Diane!
Thanks so very much for stopping by and your kind comments and encouragement. It’s awesome to hear from an author as accomplished as yourself — thank you. I am blessed to know you.
Hugs,
Regina
Regina is one of those unusual people who radiates warmth. Her children will have the advantage of growing up in a warm, nurturing environment.
Desert Breeze is lucky to claim her as their own.
Toni Noel
Toni, my friend! So nice of you to pop in and comment and thank you for your nice message! You’re pretty wonderful, you know and a knock-out writer!
Happy Birthday Desert Breeze!
Hugs,
Regina
Regina, I’m so glad you found Desert Breeze. You are one of the sweetest people I know and I’m proud to call you friend. I’m glad you had the strength to stay on the journey.
Smiles
Steph
Steph, you were the very first person I emailed in reply as part of the group discussion – I was so shy (!) and you were so nice and encouraging. From that moment, you have grown in warmth and kindness into a dear friend for always. Plus you are an absolutely wonderful writer 🙂 Thanks for being such a special blessing.
Good Morning Friends! Don’t you just love a celebration?
It’s so wonderful that we can all get together and revel in the 2nd Birthday of our wonderful Desert Breeze Publishing. Thinking of the way it has touched each of us is truly amazing.
REGINA-Desert Breeze I am sure you have been happy with their authors etc.REGARDS BEN SMITH
REGINA-I am sure you will be with DBP a long time.Desert Breeze certainly found a great author to celebrate their 2nd Birthday.Goodm luck to you on your future projects etc.REGARDS BEN SMITH
Hi Ben, thanks for being such a loyal blogger. You always have an interesting comment, or a good point to interject! You’ support is greatly appreciated.
Best,
Regina
Regina,
What a great story. I noticed as I’ve been traveling through this birthday bash that several folks mentioned something along the lines like “…she (Gail) go it… she understood my story/characters.” I guess that’s one of the greatest strenght behind DBP. It gives it a very unique style. I haven’t read a ton of DBP books, but the ones that I have, I’ve really enjoyed!
Hi JoAnn,
What a salient and perceptive comment! Thank you so much for taking the time to mention this.
You really have hit on something — that being the common thread of Gail’s insightful balancing of the entire line.
Just as we know in our own lives how really unusual is is to meet someone who can relate to all sorts of people – and that’s Gail! – it’s also even more unusual as a writer to meet an editor with the scope to handle numerous genres. That’s Gail, as well.
Along with that she has the knack for unifying people, bringing them together. Her ability to operate on these varied levels, is a key aspect in lending such cohesion and harmony to DBP.
What a joy!
Hugs,
Regina
Regina, you’re an awesome lady and a great author! I wish you all the best, my friend.
Happy Birthday to Desert Breeze Publishing!
Dear Anne, my cyber soul-mate, may you be blessed with many joys and successes always. Your kindness flows like a river and your talent is remarkable!
Hugs,
Regina
Thanks Regina! And we’re very happy to have you! Every author in our ranks has brought such unique and interesting stories with them. It would be such a shame to have missed any of them.
We have been blessed. 😉
Jenifer
Hi Jen my friend! Thank you for stopping by. You are an incredible talent and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making the gorgeous covers that embrace our stories. Bless you!
Hugs,
Regina
*sniff*
Y’all are gonna make me cry!
Regina, thank you so very much for your kind words… you and everyone else who posted here. I wanted DBP to be a different place, and the more I read the comments of my authors, the more I am convinced we’ve done it. 🙂
Thank you
Gail R. Delaney
Editor-In-Chief
Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc
Hi Gail and thank you always for opening the door to my dreams – and the dreams of all of us!
It’s wonderful to be a published author, but more than that, it’s incredible to think that during that process we have all discovered a new family, too.
Oh yes, it’s different here @DBP – with a capital ‘D’ as in DIVINE!
Thank you and blessings always.
Hugs,
Regina
Happy Birthday, Desert Breeze!!
REGINA-good luck in the future with all your DESERT BREEZE books etc.REGARDS BEN SMITH
Thank you Ben, I have a hunch you’re right on target! 🙂 HOPE SO!
REGINA-are any of your books part of an actual series with sequels etc???Please advise .REGARDS BEN SMITH
Thanks for asking, Ben. The answer is “yes.”
“Light of the Heart” is the first book in the Sterling Lakes Series, which is a nine-book series. The 2nd book, “Angels of the Heart” will be released in August. I can’t wait!
Right now I am working on “Praises of the Heart” – book 3 – which will be released in Jan 2012. It has a sub-plot in the music industry.
Do you think you’ll be reading them?
Thanks!
Regina