There are many breath-stealing moments in the journey of a book. It starts with the seed of an idea that pops into my head and takes root. Nearly always my main character comes to me fully formed – both the physical characteristics, personality, and general idea of the story. The tingles up and down my spine can not be ignored. Of course that’s just the beginning of a story and I have to dig to find out what secrets and longings the character has. Weaknesses and strengths. The way said character handles success and defeat and interacts with all the other characters who populate the fictitious world I’m creating. I love it when new twists and revelations take my breath away. And then, the two most satisfying words in the English language finally come – THE END. Hours, weeks, months of work and the book is turned in. What will my editor think? Have my hours of toil paid off?
In the case of A Flying Affair, relief swooshed from me when I got a resounding “Yes, I love it!” from my editor. With some suggestions, of course. The editing process is one I happen to love as I weave these excellent suggestions with my vision and come up with a much stronger work. I’m truly grateful to have some of the most dedicated, talented people in the world of publishing working with me on my books. And through it all, cover ideas dance in my head. Will the cover art pros capture the era and tell a story with their rendition of my novel.
Getting the first glimpse of the cover is always one bathed in breath-holding apprehension. And I’m happy to say that when I first met the cover of A Flying Affair, it was me who gave a resounding “Yes, I love it!” I hope you do, too. Mittie Humphreys was part of my life for most of a year, and her journey was mine – one that wasn’t always easy, but one where the end result was worth every ounce of effort. Every. Single. Ounce.
Good News! You can read what others are saying and pre-order A Flying Affair now so you have it in your mailbox or on your e-reading device on release day – June 2! It’s going to be a glorious adventure, and you’re invited! I’ll be telling you more about the book, the Roaring Twenties, and Mittie in the weeks to come, but for now, here’s the back cover copy:
Ever since Mittie Humphreys agreed to join dashing barnstorming pilot Ames for a joyride in his airplane, her lifelong love of horses has been surpassed by one thing–a longing for the skies. It seems she’s not the only one–with Charles Lindbergh making his victory tour in the Spirit of St. Louis, aviation fever is spreading across the country. Mittie knows flying is the perfect focus for the soaring ambition and taste for adventure within her, and whenever she can slip away from her duties on her family’s prosperous Kentucky horse farm, she heads to the airfield.
Considering their shared passion, it’s no surprise that Ames begins to vie for Mittie’s time. But when handsome British aviator Bobby York offers her flying lessons, he is equally surprised-and beguiled-by Mittie’s grit and talent. Driven to succeed, Mittie will do whatever it takes to compete in the Women’s National Air Derby alongside Amelia Earhart. But when Calista “Peach” Gilson, a charming Southern belle, becomes her rival both professionally and in love, Mittie must learn how to navigate her heart’s romantic longings as well as the skies.
Birthing a book isn’t for the faint-hearted, but finally being able to share the cover with readers is one of the “sweet” moments. Celebrate with me!