PhyllistheAuthor

Living as I do inWilliamsburg, it is always refreshing to see the Historic Triangle through the eyes of a first-time visitor. This last week, my nephew Brian, visited from North Carolina.

We spent a day at Colonial Williamsburg. We visited the Governor's Palace, the Capitol, Raleigh Tavern, and a variety of other places. A highlight was seeing Thomas Jefferson. After a full day we took the ferry across the James River to Surry where we had dinner.

Jamestown was our second destination. We visited both Jamestown 1607 and Jamestowne, the orginial site of the first settlement. We had a great tour at the former and the later was torn up as the National Park Service prepares for the 400th anniversary of Jamestown. The day was steamy, but we thoroughly enjoyed our investigation of our country's earliest permanent settlement.

The third leg of the Historic Triangle is Yorktown Battlefield. This resounding defeat of the British was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War and crucial to securing American independence. We visited both the Victory Center the National Park and we walked around the charming village of Yorktown.

Brian took 275 digital photographs. Everything seemed to interest and delight him, except for the many flies that brought a picnic on the James River to a premature end. All in all, it was rewarding to introduce him to the area's historic wealth.

After much looking around, we finally bought a new Madza Miata. The plan is to go adventuring with it. The new beauty has a six-speed transmission and it is a challenge to drive.

As I read recently in Road and Driver magazine, what is there not to love?

I've heard from severals kids who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the last Harry Potter book. It is terrific so many kids are so enthused about reading.

I am wondering if anyone has read Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett. It is touted as a kids' version of The DaVinci Code. I have been enjoying it and I would like to know what kids think about it. The book takes place in Chicago. Two kids, Petra and Calder, try to unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a famous Vermeer painting. I haven't finished the book yet, but I find it intriguing.

Once a book is published, a new phase of the author's work begins. Just because a book is published doesn't mean it will automatically get read. Authors and publishsers have to actively promote the books. Promoting books can take many forms: Authors must prepare promotional materials such as business cards, posters, teacher's guides, and handouts. Authors and publishers arrange book signings and make sure the books are in the bookstores and the events covered by newspapers. Authors arrange school visits and speaking engagements. Authors attend bookfairs, literary festivals, and writers' conferences, all to promote their books. Authors also maintain blogs and web sites so that they can engage with readers. It is a lot to keep up with.

I am often asked how long it takes me to write a book. It is probably the question I am asked most frequently. My first book, Lottie's Courage, took about ten years. But during that time, I was a mom, teaching, and taking care of old people. So I worked at it in fits and starts and for long periods not at all. My second book, Anybody's Hero, took about a year to write. My third kids' book, Divided Loyalties, took about a year and a half to write.

I once thought once the book was written and accepted for publication that was the end. However, I have since learned that the work is far from over. The publisher asks that the author finds endorsers for the book, prepares catalogue and cover copy, and completes final revisions (in my case I also have to find and get permission for the use of the pictures inside the book). The publisher also asks for marketing information. This is a detailed listing of booksellers, newspapers, and other resources for the sale of the books.

The work on the book is not done yet. The publisher sends the author two sets of galley proofs. Copy editors have gone over the text and question word usage, historical facts, and grammar, punctuation, and spelling. The author has to make corrections as needed. Divided Loyalties went through three galleys.

The author suggests possible illustrations to the artist. Later the author gets imput on the artist's final sketches. Then the artist hires a model and paints a picture. Once the cover is done, the author has to proof read it.

All this takes time. My books have averaged about two years from acceptance to publication. I have heard that the industry average is two to four years.

So when the book finally appears, as Divided Loyalties, did last week, it is the end of a very long, work-filled process.

However, that is not the end of the author's work for the book. I'll leave that story to another time.