Another garden tractor jamboree has passed.  Like the 15 predecessors, a great time was had by one, and all Andy Hinrichs hosts a great show.

There are plenty of activities to participate in. The day begins patriotic by presenting the colors. There is a tractor parade immediately following. Throughout the day, there is an opportunity to plow. In the afternoon, there is a cruise to an old wooden  railroad bridge. The annual 4H auction starts around noon. Andy emcees the slow race in the early afternoon.

I enjoy seeing tractors simply just driving around. That’s a great way to view machinery, running, and in action. For the past two years, I have recruited Leigha and Laci Kersten to exercise a couple of mine during the show. Evan Speicher and Danny Davis took a spin.

The show is well documented with pictures on Facebook. There is a group AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree where people have posted many great  pictures. I enjoy viewing every perspective. There are so many unique insights on what to see

So what’s my insight?

I like the unique, obviously. Considering I collect Shaw Du-all and Gibson, that would be well evident. I carried six of my collections to Oregon. Other than Leigha and Laci”s pictures, I didn’t deem the necessity to take pictures of my stuff. The readership of this blog has seen them.

I’m happy to report there were five Du-alls at the show. Another collector from Champaign brought his R12T to display

Jeff Klewer brought this early model Economy from Wisconsin. It almost could be mistaken for a Gibson D with a steering wheel

I never had the opportunity to visit with the owner of this Bush Hog Javelin.. I’ll be watching and hoping to get an interview sometime.

Dave Carlson, from.Terre Haute, IN, had some really interesting David Bradley items. This little “pedal” tractor would have been a fun toy in the early sixties.

This snow scooter would have also chased away the winter blues. Dave looks like he could have scooted right off if we only had snow

So, that’s only a few of what caught my eye this year. I’m going to wrap this article with a teaser….

There’s cool, and then there’s 49 Haney cool. What’s the story? Stay tuned.

I, like many others, can relate to Joe Diffie’s song celebrating the pick-up truck. I probably had my first truck that young, but I didn’t haul anything for the girl next door. I didn’t have any close neighbors.

I don’t agree with Joe’s fondness for Chevy, however. He and I will just have to agree to disagree. I wouldn’t want a Cadillac. I have had a few cars, but mostly trucks. I shared my truck ownership recent history in an article, Changing Logistics.

Saturday, May 3, found me selling books in partnership with Cindy Ladage. We were in Greenville, IL. This is our second cooperative venture. Since we’re country folk, the outdoor venue suited us. The host allowed us to have my truck right where we set up.

Cindy pointed out that we actually could have set up without the table. We used the truck tailgate as our place to sit instead of the sales surface. Her idea caused me to reflect.

A lot of my life has gone over a tailgate.

I’m a certified SCUBA diver. A good majority of my logged dives were in local “black” water. The dives originated on shore. Any guesses, what serves as a great gear assembly point?

On a busy summer day, a line of pickups and SUVs could be found at lakes that accommodated SCUBA. My book New Perspectives celebrates that style of diving.

Tailgates make great work benches for any number of activities. I’ve used mine as saw horses.

Everyone has been to a tailgate party. Some four-wheel drives are the perfect height for a bar top. I have fond memories of going to the drive-in with friends. We would take several trucks and mill among them. Sometimes, we’d even watch the movie! I’m not much on sports, so I’ve never actually been to a bona-fide tailgate party.

I can only think of one bad experience involving a tailgate. I lost a lawn tractor out the back of a truck. In those days, my dad didn’t have the convenience of a trailer like I do now.

We’d find a handy embankment or a ditch and back the truck so the rear was lower. The tailgate would make a great dock plate or ramp.

My dad put me in charge of loading our JD 110 in the back of the truck. We didn’t believe in straps. Leaving the tractor in gear worked fine, maybe set the brake….

Well, it’s all good on paper. I got into a hurry. It was supper time! I pulled away from the bank, and the tractor decided it didn’t like it in the truck. It rolled out backward and flopped upside down.

My dad didn’t yell too much.  It took a minute to stop laughing at me. I have a greater appreciation for that model of lawn tractor now, but I hope to have some latitude. I was only 12 at the time.

A JD 110 looks pretty sad wheels up. The steering wheel was never the same after the accident.

What was the takeaway? Set the brakes, leave it in gear, and make sure the tailgate is secure. Maybe a rope as a tie down. The things learned with experience

Logistics ~ the detailed coordination of a complex operation involving people facilities and supplies

During my Nashville adventure, my close friend and travel companion for the trip   Scott announced he was in the market for a new vehicle. I asked if he planned to trade his F-150 for his new ride. He shook his head, and with a sly grin informed me. “Nope! I’m selling the truck to you”

I wasn’t completely shocked about the peer pressure. Scott and I talk about everything. He’s pretty aware of my life. I had been contemplative of the need for new wheels. My logistics are ever changing.

My hobby / passion has an influence on my vehicle. I continued to outgrow my hauling capacity. Short of a semi, which I’m licensed to operate, I found the perfect compromise. I have a heavy enough truck to handle any load and still be a daily driver.

Nothing lasts forever, though. I’m also anticipating the need for fuel economy and travel comfort. If Nashville this year and the Huntsville trip last year are indications, I’m going to travel as an author.

I’ve entertained several ideas. A newer truck? A second vehicle? If a second one, what? I’m not a car guy. That wasn’t an option. Even as a second vehicle. A SUV? I had one as my primary vehicle before. Ironically, the Ford Explorer was a previous purchase from Scott.

I was a fool to part with the Explorer. It was nice! I had convinced myself I needed a pickup, though. Unfortunately, I had outgrown it soon after.

I moved into a full-size truck. Some of my local friends probably remember the truck. I freaked out many thinking I was a cop.

I found my first fifthwheel. The 1/2 ton handled it surprisingly well.

Here’s an idea! How about a cool truck that would be show worthy in itself. Big Red

The plan was great on paper, but. ..well… The old truck was loud, It sounded like a stock car, It was also pretty hot in the cab with no AC. The fuel capacity was lacking, and being comfortable outweighs looking cool.

Edwards’ influence helped me see Chrysler as a great choice. I finally ended up with a heavy hauler, My Ram 2500.  I had two trucks in one, a toy hauler and a daily driver

The problem being the truck was too tall for  the fifthwheel. I replaced that with a newer one

I agonized scenarios. Was it time to downsize? I considered selling the Farmalls and eliminating the need for a heavy hauler.  Sell tractors. eliminate the fifthwheel, I’m not ready to let go, though. The versatility of my trailer setup is perfect for anything I want to haul, 

So, cutting to the chase. I did buy the Fotd F-150 from Scott. My Chrysler comrades need not worry, though. I didn’t completely go back to the Ford dark side. I kept my dependable white tank. It’s just semi retired. I’m going to take care of it and see it to 300,000 miles.

The F-150 is pretty plush. I dare say I’m getting soft with all the creature comforts. I’m getting older, so I think I deserve to be spoiled

With all the traveling, it’s a wonder that Cindy Ladage has any time to write anything other than for her travel blog. Her debut book, published by House of Honor Books, was released at the end of February. Cindy’s book was released just in time. March 1st, she  traveled to Nashville,TN, for a book fair with fellow HoH authors Jack LaFountain, Keshia Willi, Robert Borders, and me.

This isn’t Cindy’s first published book. She had coauthored children’s books with Jane Aumann and recently created an e-book. 

This current release is a work of fiction, however. Instead of reporting the facts in her wonderful journalistic style, she proves herself a creative novelist.

Artistic talent must be hereditary for Cindy. The book cover centers around a painting by her father, Bill Disque. In further tribute, Cindy dedicated the book to him

Cindy “stays in her lane” with this book. This series of short stories she writes about comes from her mind and heart. Readers of Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl won’t need to adjust. They’ll know just what to expect.

Cindy knows Americana. This book is yet another way she shares that. Cindy has the ability to draw a reader in quickly and share a  quick plot.The stories are well written and will leave the reader with thoughtful insight or just simply a warm feeling. This is a book that can be read over and over

Farm Girl Adventures is available on Amazon. For those readers with Kindle Unlimited, the book can be read for free!

Also, check out the link houseofhonorbooks.com

I’m willing to bet that fellow author and good friend Cindy Ladage will cringe when she reads the title to this article. I’d be surprised if she curses under her breath, though. She’s more sophisticated than that.

Yes, Cindy, this will be a tell all. Put down your pen, though. I’m coming clean about me, as well. I came to realize that after our Nashville trip, we  BOTH have a support staff. Mine isn’t as convenient as yours, though, and it might be bigger. I know there are more people in mine since you have one person in several positions. I wonder if we haven’t joined each others staff?

This article celebrates the behind the scenes assistance that makes a writer’s work easier. No matter as a novelist or a journalist assistance is greatly appreciated. I tease Cindy that she has a driver, baggage man, camera man, security guard … you get the idea. We place pretentious titles like keygrip, lighting specialists, and such .Of course, Keith Ladage takes on a higher role in production for Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl.  He fact checks and proof reads.

I’m not as advanced as a journalist. I have unknowingly to them, recruited researchers, and photographers. Actually, the photographers do know. They always get credit for their work in an article. With exception to Steve Farmer, my researchers don’t always know they helped me. If you think you are to whom I refer, you’re probably correct! Thank you for the help! Marvin, Mark, Carl, Digger,Jim, Jason, Nathan, the list is endless….

Being a tractor reporter is all about image. The pristine restored tractors I have are due to a first-class crew.  I doubt my tractors would all run without help.

Most of the beautiful paint seen is because Doug Edwards of Edwards Tractor Restoration has put in time to make them shine.

Jerry Rawlings had a hand in getting ALL my Shaw Du-alls running. Jerry is my go-to fabricator. I need to mention Steve Farmer again. He’s my mechanic, Kevin and Travis Periman have  gotten me out of a bind or two….or five.

I’ll confess that writing a novel isn’t all me. Okay, so I’m the mastermind, but I’ve talked out ideas as I write them. Some writers claim they are only reporting what the voices in their head tell them. Evidently, my voices can talk through other people. Scary!

Judy Snyder originally became my cover artist during the final phase of New Perspectives. We’ve become friends, and she now proofreads  before submitting. One more set of eyes helps. The cover for Can’t go Home was also her design.

As far as my support staff goes, Scott and Kathy Rakes hold multiple roles like Keith does for Cindy. Kathy holds a title as my stylist. She is working hard to get my out of bib overalls. Believe it or not, it was my idea for a tie in Nashville, but she gets credit. I even thought to wear one.

Scott does what he does and keeps me grounded. I can’t imagine where I’d be without the Rakes.

I’ve grown my writing from a Facebook group. I’m grateful for the administrative staff I appointed to govern. That sounds so pretentious! Sorry!

Jessica Basford came on to help moderate. I didn’t ask her willingness, but she became an administrator. After a health scare a few years ago, I let her take over as chief. I’m still on staff, but it ain’t my show no more.

Now for a secret…..

I had my pen name my whole entire life! My aunt gave me my pen name before my birth. I’m well known as Rick, but that’s not my “legal” name. Who’d a thought I’d have my pen name 58 years before it appeared on a book cover?

As Paul Harvey would say, “and now…. you know…..the rest of the story”

Author duties go beyond just writing a book. We also have to do our part in promotion and sales. I began the month of March at the Book Authors and Publishers Fair in Nashville, TN.

Other authors working with House of Honor, besides myself, were in attendance. Jack LaFountain, Keshia Willi, Robert Borders, and I had our tables reserved for several months in advance.

Cindy Ladage had recently signed a contract with HoH. Since table reservations were booked, I volunteered to share mine. Before anyone thinks I was being generous, I had an ulterior motive.

I’m grateful I could share my space. Considering my introversion, it was a blessing to have a close friend I know to help me stay grounded. Thankfully, I managed to stay any anxiety attacks.

The table location was perfect! Cindy and I were placed with Jack to our right and Keshia to our left. Robert was our satellite table, further down the row. I learned the HoH system of sales last year. We work as a team selling everyone’s books. Robert continually sent potential readers our way, and we didn’t forget to reverse that.

There were 50 authors scheduled to attend. Surprisingly, there were a few no-shows. It was sad to see tables without authors behind them.

I sold a few books and had a few promises that they would be back.Some did ,Some didn’t, but I learned from selling farm toys years ago that was how it works.

My profits were reinvested in other authors’ works. The old antage of coming back from the dump with more than I left with comes to my mind. I wasn’t amune. Cindy had done the same thing.

~ Special thanks to Scott Rakes and Keith Ladage for their behind the scenes help. Driving, carrying, and camera duty wouldn’t have been as easy without them

Get well, Kathy Rakes. My stylist who coordinates table covers and advice on what I wear. Kathy couldn’t travel with us as planned.

As I get older, I’ve come to a conclusion, I hate winter!

The cold weather months are agony for a tractor enthusiast. It’s harder for one that writes. Sure, I have vast untapped topics I have yet to share. Some of them I haven’t even explored.Research can get stale, though. It’s more interesting to report new topics and happenings.

Winter is a great time to prepare for the upcoming “tractor” season. This can be a time alloted to repair and improvement. Providing the shop is heated. Both my mechanic and fabricator shutter their business when it’s too cold.  Who can blame them! It’s hard to work with frozen fingers…..and toes…..and, well you get the point.

Even though I have a couple of projects, I’m on hold for a temperature increase. Yes, even I have projects with tools. My continued confession is widely known by the following, I’m not mechanically apt. I do stay in my pay grade, though.

I can’t be the only one ready for spring. AJ’S Tractor Jamboree can’t come soon enough! That will begin my tractor season. Until then, I impatiently wait. I’ll try to be productive on the keyboard and share something interesting about tractors.

Rant over. Thanks for reading

I recently penned an article about becoming published. In that article, I hinted about a strange experience. Technically, House of Honor wasn’t my first attempt or in book writing terminology “pitch.” Let’s discuss some background to understand.

Big publishing houses work through literary agents. An author needs to pitch their manuscript to even be considered for a contract. Besides a worthwhile book, the opening pitch can make or break.

Once a contract is negotiated, book sale percentages are determined. Generally, the author receives nearly 20%.of the net book sale. The book printer /  distributor takes their cut from the top, and the profit trickles down until the author gets a check.

Some publishers pay an advance of income. This money should be used to help the author market the book. Authors won’t see another dime until the book “pays out” earned profits equal to the advance. Offering an advance, the publisher demonstrates confidence in how well the book will sell.

Publishers will also offer a multiple book deal. That’s exactly what it sounds like more than one book. Those curious, my contacts didn’t include an advance or multi-book deal. HoH has a first refusal option for each submission I write, but that’s industry standard. I’m okay not getting any advance, even after I’ve “educated” myself more on the inner working of the business. My novels are earning on their own merit without any forecast on sales.

The first pitch….I think.

New Perspectives wasn’t even complete when I started thinking about being published. I began searching around the internet to learn what was involved. I had a basic idea, but to confess, I was pretty clueless.

There are many promoters and agents who want to help a newbie get started. Of course,  they behavior can be very predatory. Like anything else, I’m leary, a fool, and his money is soon parted.

I sent an email inquiring information. In return, I received a request to see my manuscript. Most publishers want to see a complete manuscript. I explained that mine wasn’t finished. That didn’t seem to matter to this agent / publisher.

What the hell, I thought. Let‘s see where this goes. Did I mention I was leary? I sent them what I had.  Wasn’t long until I heard back. I received a glowing review and an offer.

Let’s just say the offer was too good to refuse. Spoiler alert: Since I’m with HoH, I turned it down. I don’t regret my decision, but I have been left pondering if the offer had been legitimate.

I had been offered a two book contract with an amazing advance. I had to submit two books in two years.  Before I’m pronounced a fool for not accepting ..let me explain.

Remember, New Perspectives wasn’t finished. I had eight years on the project since concept. I didn’t want a time limit placed on me. I wasn’t sure I could meet the contract guide lines. Knowing what I know now. I’d have been fine. Can’t go Home was submitted and published much quicker. My current masterpiece should have been submitted long before now.  CgH only took a year, but my latest submission is taking longer than I anticipated. I’m not writing at a consistent speed. See why I was concerned?

If I had been frugal, I might have lived off the advance so I could dedicate more time to  writing. I was afraid of a major life change. Did I want to write full-time?

I didn’t understand the obligations of the advance in a contract. My great fear was that I’d have to forfeit the money if I didn’t meet the agreed obligations. I later learned that, no, the money would have been mine. I wasn’t willing to live on a fixed income, anyway.

Was it a scam? Maybe. Maybe not. My takeaway was feeling flattered, providing the review was legitimate. NP had many revisions before it was deemed marketable. I’ve referred to the book as my Ikea project. With Jack’s help, the word jumble was assembled into a book. I look back at that knowledge and think I was the fish that safely slipped a hook. Even being my own worst critic, I’m still learning. Very seldom is an author’s first one the very  best.

I found the publisher that suits me. After screwing up my pitch, I still managed to secure a fair contract. I don’t recommend going at the way I did. I got lucky.

I can’t believe in all my time writing this blog and collecting that I’ve never featured Marvin Stinebaker and Mark Kleis. I have  mentioned Marvin and referred his expertise, but never “featured” either man.

Marvin pleaded with me not to make a fuss. Of course, anyone who knows him would expect his request. He’s just a laid-back guy. I’m not the first to share about them, Both Marvin and Mark have pictures of their tractors in Lawn and Garden Tractor and interviews with Brian Baxter for Classis Tractor Fever.

I met them in 2013 when they and Carl Davis rescued me from embarrassing myself hosting a garden tractor show. If not for them, the show display would have been measly at best. Granted, it was a side distraction for a garden tractor pull, but thanks to Marvin, Mark, and Carl, there was a good amount of garden tractors to view.

Before then, I didn’t realize there were so many lawn and garden shows. Thanks to their friendship, I’ve been introduced to further great L&G friends. I actually should give them credit, their behind the scenes influence helped introduce me to magazine writing.

Both Marvin and Mark have amassed an incredible collection. Marvin may own a few more, but that’s because he had a little more collecting time. Marvin corrupted Mark by introducing the contagion and joy of the passion. Mark also took a little time to discover his first machine, while Marvin already had his.

The two are known to be Oliver collectors. Classic Tractor has featured Marvin twice. Once for an Oliver and once for his Farmhand 100. Mark was featured  for his Springfield. Members of the Antique Iron Mafia might recall I recently shared Mark’s interview

Marvin’s Oliver interview https://youtu.be/lvxkAnelDNQ?si=HQcFtw8T0CzOw4ln

Talking Farmhand https://youtu.be/7v2c7anB0KQ?si=0LEo7cITBu3skFmb

Mark shares about his Springfield https://youtu.be/9EoZG6E9qXE?si=g7CgvHvjnFuuljKF

Marvin started his collection with a Wheel Horse. That tractor had been in the family and was going to stay a one family tractor. Marvin was giving it to his son. Marvin has a lot of Jacabson built tractors in his collection . Brand names are recognized, but the tractors aren’t commonly seen.

Mark started his collection with a Springfield model.  Like Marvin, he has brands that people have heard of, but the tractors are not often seen.  Both gentlemen shy away from Cub Cadet and Deere.

Until last Christmas, I had never seen the two collections in their entirety.  I’ve seen what they have taken to shows, which changes at a whim. They have told me about the building, but I could only imagine. Their building is well organized, Marvin has his half, and Mark has his. The center has their transport trailers parked side by side.

I was so impressed! I was also grateful to be allowed to have a private viewing. Marvin had commented that he was surprised I wasn’t looking at every single tractor. He didn’t realize I was enjoying what I was seeing in an entirety.

We spent the time “talking tractor.” Both guys  know a wealth about Lawn and Garden. I heard great stories about shows and buying expeditions

I’ve been held to a confidence, I’ll never share the exact location where their tractors are housed. Simply put,if you’re in to Lawn and Garden tractors and are lucky enough to view the two collections. You’ll be in a small section of L&GT heaven.

So! You’ve written the next greatest artistic work, and you’re looking to become a published author.  Let me share my experiences. First off, in answer to a quote, I hear a lot, “You don’t look like an author.” I never feel insulted, but I do ask, “What’s an author supposed to look like?”

Maybe I misread the assumption, I actually hear, “You don’t seem like an author.”  Is there a type? I’ve been published since 2022, and to be honest, I still can’t believe I’m an author either. 

I have certain practices to feel like an author now. I only feel like a novelist when I sit at my laptop keys. I don’t have to work in my office, but that’s my comfort zone. I don’t type fast, and there is modern tech that could help that, but I veiw voice to text as a cheat. I guess even I have an envisioned view of an author. I see someone at the keys of a typewriter. Im.glad those days of old are gone. I’d waste A LOT of paper!

This blog is created on my smartphone. Maybe there is no writing difference, but I feel there is.  Poking at a smartphone just doesn’t give me an author vibe. Authors have written novels with their phones. I’m an author by a laptop and a blogger by phone.

My editor/ publisher is also an author. Jack LaFountain told me “There’s a certain feeling to hold a book and see your name on the cover.” Can I be honest? After two books, that feeling still hasn’t come to me. Of course, I feel pride. If anything, I feel a responsibility to my readership. I’m motivated to write more for their enjoyment.

There are basically two styles of becoming a published author. Self-publishing is one route. The term explains what that is. The author has complete control of every phase. Editing, publishing, and marketing are all handled by the author. There are hired guns that will assist, but that costs money. An old saying comes to mind “If you want to make a million dollars, you need two million.

There’s a stigma to self publishing, that’s probably why it’s termed vanity press. Readers may judge the quality of work as being poorly written. After an explanation of traditional publishing, that reasoning may be easily understood.

Now, let’s discuss traditional publishing. The author submits to a publisher. After the publisher determines whether the book is worthy, a contract is signed. In layman’s terms, the publisher leases the book. It may be the authors work, but the publisher has controlling rights to edit, creating a marketable read. Once the novel is released, the publisher markets the book. Publishing houses make money from the book sale. Obviously, they want quality saleable reads.

Some authors never make it past submission for a contract. I wouldn’t know the frustration of a rejection letter, however. I simply lucked out! It’s a story in itself that I found my publisher by accident.

I was very green, but I was ready to start the first step. I found Jack LaFountain by watching a YouTube interview. Jack was discussing one of his recent published novel that YouTuber Cam Buckner had narrated. After watching I decided to attempt a pitch.

How I became a published author was an exception and not the norm. I’m grateful for my experience, I did everything wrong and still managed to gain a contract.

House of Honor isn’t a large, well-known publisher, but they still are a traditional one. Including Jack, there are only a small handful of authors. Jack tends to contract with beginners, giving them a chance. Sadly, Jack has contracted with authors who didn’t work out.

HoH mave have contracted  control, but the author has a vested interest. Editing is interesting. During this phase, the author and editor can have a back and forth on what stays and what needs to be removed. I don’t know if all publishers work with the author, but that’s our practice.

I’ve learned a lot within publishing my two books. Can’t go Home was cut shorter, and my current manuscript is actually the continued storyline. The final outcome was from Jack’s advisement. I didn’t easily see his wisdom, but I’m glad I overcame my diva attitude.

In my opinion, traditional publishing is the superior route. There are more eyes in editing, which leads to fewer mistakes. The final outcome is a more professionally done novel.

New Perspectives went through editing with no hiccups. That’s pretty good for a brand new author, so I’m told. There were a lot of revisions, but I learned.

Can’t go Home did have a couple of hiccups. I’ve already confessed it’s shorter than the original manuscript. That works out for the story. It turns out there’s more to the story I couldn’t share….I can now!

There was a heated discussion over the cover for  Can’t go Home. That wasn’t the cover I wanted. Again, I needed to curb my diva enthusiasm and see reason.

You can’t always get what you want…but you get what you need ~ Rolling Stones

Judy Snyder  saved my book by winning over Jack with a much better suited cover. Thank you, Jack, for your patience. Thank.you.Judy, for a great cover. Judy created both my covers, by the way

From the outside looking in, the advantage may look to favor the publisher. Maybe, but then again, maybe not so much. The publisher has a larger monetary investment and does more work towards marketing.

House of Honor is small. The company hasn’t been in business long, either. When I earned my first contract in 2021, there were only a half dozen authors. Keisha Willi, Julia Yeoh, and Judy Snyder were some of the fine authors who were in editing and the same time as I was. Considering Jack does primary editing, he can manage several authors in what he deems rotation. Jack edits a chapter at a time.

A good majority of HoH’s catalog is available on Audible. That’s an alternative to those that have no time to read. New Perspectives is available narrated by Dean Mehling.

Finally, there is the review. This step is in the hands of you, the reader. I’m blessed with a local following. I have had several praise my writing personally. So far, no one has told me my work is garbage….to my face... Trust me, my skin isn’t that thin. I can take constructive criticism. I also quickly discovered that I can’t please everyone

My most cherished reviews came from two friends who claimed not to be readers. Both gave my books a chance simply for the sake of friendship. Both told me they greatly enjoyed the novels and couldn’t put them down. If I introduced two people to the joy of reading. I feel an accomplishment…. by no means am I done writing, though.