I’m in a state of disbelief another year is just about gone, and so, what better time to gather up some pictures and share them here, thereby providing a “snapshot” of 2016 in review!
To say it’s been a wonderful, fun filled, exciting time doesn’t even come close to how I really feel. The holidays are almost here and I find I’m in a reflective mood, feeling ever so grateful for all that’s happened while looking forward to what 2017 might bring.

And so it began…like every other New Year, with fireworks, that feeling of renewal, AND the ever present resolutions! (did you break all of yours like I did mine?)

February arrived, and with it Miss Priss turned 1! She likes cake. A lot. She will hate this picture in about 15 years.
Page proofs arrived
my first time seeing the book as it would look in print.
In March, page proofs arrived for THE EDUCATION OF DIXIE DUPREE.
Then came the ARC (notice the cover) and book plates. So exciting to see!

Early April, and spring was here. The rhododendrons were spectacular, as always!

Also, in April 2016, came my first ever book club presentation! Here we have some members of the Cosmopolitan Book Club.

In May came another event, a reading and publication discussion for Ye Olde Town Arts Club!

In June 2016, I received the good news that the book was really resonating with the Sales Department, and with booksellers. The cover was tweaked to bring the title out more.

Despite all of the good things happening with THE EDUCATION OF DIXIE DUPREE, I had to keep writing! And in June, 2016, I completed my second novel, THE ROAD TO BITTERSWEET. And I had a celebratory beer. 🙂
July and August 2016 = typical summer months. In other words, hot, hazy and humid, and a few violent storms.

In August, Mom turned 80, her second birthday without my Dad. Here she is with her great grands, and though I can still see the sorrow in her eyes, she’s getting along okay.

In mid September, I found out THE EDUCATION OF DIXIE DUPREE was selected as a November 2016 Indie Next List pick!

I was invited to attend the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA), also in September, where I signed books at the all around author event, participated on the Southern Reads panel, and met a lot of other great authors. And yes, here’s a lovely Penguin Random House Sales Rep, and look there, what book do you see? SO exciting!
And then? Unbelievably, (while also thinking FINALLY!) it was time for the book to release on October 25th! I held my official launch at Raleigh NC’s well known Quail Ridge Books, on November 1st. Not only did the staff have to bring out more chairs, they sold out of the books. 🙂 I had the best time, and was so thankful for all of my family and friends who came out to make it such a big success!
During this event, it was announced that THE EDUCATION OF DIXIE DUPREE was selected as an Amazon Top Ten Pick for November, as well as being featured as the Debut Spotlight pick!

And that certainly helped to propel it here! (along with the Kindle and the Bookbub deals that ran almost simutaneously!)

In the meantime, Fall/Winter lists had been compiled, and the book made these lists!
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It was a Library Journal Book Club Selection

And suddenly, folks were sending me pictures of the book from everywhere. Here we show Miss Dixie Dupree at the local Wal-Mart, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), Denver, Kentucky and Seattle.

Then came the news the book hit the USA TODAY bestsellers list. (!!! x a bajillion)

It made the IndieBound bestsellers list (and…it’s still there!)
So, you can see why I am feeling so grateful.
It’s hard to wrap my head around the idea that this book, THIS story, would resonate with so many. It’s not an easy read. It deals with dark subject matter, social issues, and as one reviewer pointed out, “all the triggers are going to be pulled.” And, as I’ve mentioned before, The Washington Independent Review of Books said it was”a harrowing tale of domestic trauma with Southern Gothic flair.”
And there have been many more reviews, like that one, that removed a lot of the doubt I had about writing such a difficult story without mincing words.

Still, there is a lot of work yet to be done. I was thrilled to be asked by my editor to read a manuscript and provide a blurb. I am finalizing the revisions on BITTERSWEET. I am working on my new book’s outline and first three chapters. For now, though, I’m turning towards this holiday season and spirit of giving. I wish each and every one of you joy, peace and hope.
Little Dog says, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too!
I hope to see you back here, in 2017.
xoxo,
Donna
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