My first novel Auralia’s Colors — currently on sale at Amazon for a bargain price — is 7 years old today!
She’s growing up so fast.
Why do I bother celebrating the 7th anniversary of my own book?
That’s easy. Thanks to WaterBrook Press (now WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, Auralia’s Colors went out into the world on September 4, 2007, and I began to hear from readers. And many of those readers became friends. And those friends struck up conversations with me not only about the book but about art and storytelling and favorite authors and faith.
And those relationships have enriched my life with discovery and laughter and surprises… like this amazing artwork by Karen Renee of Auralia boldly unveiling her art in a hostile environment.
Thanks to all of you, the hostility I experienced was overwhelmed by the love.
So… as I celebrate this week, I’m offering an Auralia’s Colors coffee mug, illustrated with Karen’s artwork, to the best Auralia “birthday card” posted to Facebook or Twitter between now and Saturday evening. Post your note or card on Facebook or Twitter (#AuraliasColors) if you’re interested, or just send it to me in an email.
And speaking of Karen Renee, it looks like talent runs in her family. I just received an Auralia’s Colors birthday card from her daughter Holly:
Congratulations! You not only managed to do something I’ve been trying to do for years (finish a novel — more than one, in fact), but your art is actually inspiring new art. Can’t beat that. And if there’s been hostility out there, it means you’re alive and contributing fearlessly in a world full of fear. Beauty will save the world.