I completed the Gifts of Olmith - Book One -Strands of Hope Launch Tour.

When I set out to write Strand of Hope, I pictured myself like Lewis and Clark: paddling into uncharted waters with a full canoe, clear skies, and a big grin, singing a rousing version of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”

It was a grand adventure. I discovered characters, mapped out the world of Olmith, and charted a course I'd never traveled before.

Then I reached the modern world of publishing.

Edits. Rewrites. Formatting. Marketing. Algorithms. Social media. A launch tour. Somewhere along the way the canoe became a beat-up SUV, the river became a cracked highway, and the scenery got a little more... apocalyptic.

But no explorer makes it alone. Along the way I found great editors who helped me read the map, a talented graphic designer who gave my story a face worth stopping for, and many fellow authors who were happy to share trail tips for the road ahead. And then there are the readers, the wonderful readers, who make every mile worth it.

So look closely. I'm still smiling. A little dustier, a few dodged bullets, some holes in my shirt, but still smiling. And the sign up ahead? It says HOPE, just down the road.

My first book launch tour is officially in the books, and I'm grateful to everyone who came along for the ride. The road is rough, but the adventure is far from over. Book Two is calling, and I'm ready to keep driving.