Despite the dire predictions for 2012, this author is optimistic and eagerly looking forward to the sale of manuscripts in the year ahead. My belief is that my words will touch readers in a wide range of countries. That anticipation excites me.

Writing as a craft is hard work, but when a reader says, "It's gripping. I wouldn't change a single word," those words wipe the “hard-work” slate clean. For me it's analogous to childbirth. The 12 hours of pain washed away when I held my tiny son.

The lonely hours at the keyboard pay off under the excited chatter of a reader who is engrossed in the story. New themes and imagery merge that were not consciously in my mind at the time of writing the words.

I have two series being marketed. One is a two book historical Western romance. The other is a three book historical paranormal suspense. The latter is actively marketed by my agent, Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency.

I'm excited about 2012. I hope your anticipation of the year matches mine and we both end the year with our dreams having come true.

              JoAnn

               www.joannsmithainsworth.com