​That's right, don't forget the moms in your life, it's their day, tomorrow, so you still have time! Make it special like only you can.

Meanwhile, I'm back at my desk to send out the inaugural edition of my Netah News newsletter. You can sign up for free at the bottom of this post. I know you don't want to miss it!

What kind of news you ask? I'll start with progress or set backs on current writing projects. Recently that has included a lot of promotional work for my recently released book 2 in The Netah series. Then books I'm reading, and yes, I'm voracious. Events will get a spot, and thoughts on travels past and pending.
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Now it's time to find a much better place to start book 3 than my first attempt, thanks to a wonderful seminar put on by SCBWI's local YA Connect group. Traci L. Jones, an old friend of mine, talked about beginnings of books and best practices. Now I know what I did wrong, there was no hook, no showstopper inciting incident, no pizzazz. Sounds easy enough, right? You have no idea! 

, ​After what felt like months, but was only weeks, my virtual launch party happened. The Netahs, Down in the Valley is officially launched. Zoom worked, the Eventbrite registration worked, lights, camera, sound all worked as planned. 

But that's not all. As hoped, I was able to connect with friends and family from across the country. We talked about writing, editing, inspiration, and then I read an excerpt from book 2. It was Josh telling a story to his new lodge mates about his first day as a Netah. Some time had passed, and he had a little perspective on the events, so he could laugh about it. I kept reminding myself not to nervously speed through the reading, but relax, take my time, slow down! I think I did a pretty good job, because I was encouraged to make the book an audible offering. 

I'm still processing how it went. It was my first attempt, it was ambitious, and though my turnout did not match registrations, it was a success, nevertheless. I will do it again, with revised expectations. I had promised a prize to the first 10 registrants, for instance, but when the time came to announce the winners, most of them were absent. So, we moved on to choosing among attendees for a hardcover copy, autographed by yours truly. That was a happy surprise. 

Now to prepare for the next event. I hope to see all my local fans and friends on May 19 from 1-3 pm at the Barnes & Noble on Colorado Blvd. I created a QR code for it, posted below. It's also on my Good News page, so no one misses it. The store will take pre-orders, which will save us time when you swing by for an autograph! I'm planning to talk about writing, about my book, and then lead a flash fiction writing session, so bring something to write on, a pretty notebook, your laptop, the back of an envelope, no judgment. Hope to see you there! Let me know you're coming so we can put out enough chairs!

My writing career started with a typewriter in high school, then an electric one, and eventually a computer. I'm a fast typist, but computers are like a fancy typewriter for me. I can easily edit, cut and paste, delete whole sections, change the name of a character through an entire book with a few clicks. That's how I managed to finish and publish 3 books and a short story. 

Then came zoom meetings and social media. 

All I can say is GET HELP! I don't mean right now, I'm fine, now, really, because I got help. I am about to run a virtual launch party for my recently released book, The Netahs, Down in the Valley, book 2. I did my homework and decided to use Eventbrite to gather attendees and emails, and then set up a Zoom account to run the event on. I got the ball rolling, then called my beautiful daughter who works remotely and is very tech savvy. She has been an immense help. Not only does she know how to connect everything like a Zoom link to an Eventbrite notice, but she has helped me set up my meeting space with the proper lights and sound. Her music and theater background may have helped with that, too.

There were days when I thought I should just go ahead and shave my head because I'd been so ready to yank out all my hair! My daughter came to the rescue. 

What's that? You don't have a daughter/son/grandson to call? Don't worry. There are resources out there. Check your local library, maybe they have teens who volunteer to help tech dunces get around on their computers. Community colleges run classes. But seriously, call anyone you know who is younger than you. They will know and probably be happy to help. Feeling superior to your elders is a good mood boost for them!
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It's not too late to register and attend my event. Click on the links above to register. However, if you are a Denver local, you have another chance to help me celebrate. I'll be at the Barnes & Noble at 960 Colorado Blvd. on May 19 from 1-3 pm. You can pre-order your books to be signed, and come meet me, ask me questions, tell me what you think of The Netahs! Go to: www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the%20netahs/_/N-8q8. Hope to see you there. Leave your dunce cap at home. I think they're no longer PC.

Three small things we can do to help our big planet.
 
It often feels overwhelming and like there's nothing an individual can do to help our environment. I'm here to offer some good news.
 
We have all read about the preponderance of and damage caused by plastics in our environment. As individuals, we can try to remove plastics from our grocery and on-line purchases. Carry refillable water bottles, use cloth grocery bags, order from companies that use compostable packaging. That's helping.
 
We know that methane is a huge by-product of garbage dumps, worse than cow farts! The methane is created by organic materials breaking down. As individuals, we can stop throwing food scraps into the garbage. Better yet, save them in air-tight containers and compost them in your vegetable garden, or if you don't have that, find a composting operation that will collect them! High Country Conservation does that in Summit County, and Denver has several programs: https://www.scrapscolorado.com, and  https://www.compost-colorado.com/. That helps.
 
We know that water is a limited resource in the West. As individuals, we can plant xeric gardens. We can remove lawns and plant native wildflowers and meadows to support native insects and wildlife, and campaign with your neighbors to allow this with your HOA! That helps.
 
How do you care for our planet? We're in this together, even the Netahs!

Don't forget, you only have 8 days left to Register for the Netahs Virtual Launch party, April 28. Lisa Kaniut Cobb can't wait to meet you!