MY FIRST BABY GOT A CONTRACT!!!!!

It is with a proud smile I announce receiving a contract offer by Crescent Moon Press for my first manuscript, Ruling Eden. Although I have completed three other novels since initially typing those blood pumping words--The End--my first story will always have a special place in my heart. It's my baby. The manuscript I cut my teeth on. The one during which I had to learn about those brutal first time writer's mistakes and rewrite chapters endlessly. It is the material for which I learned to walk the gauntlet of critique groups and open myself up to criticism (constructive thankfully). For all the time and passion I put into those manuscript pages, the story is more than deserving of finding a home where readers can finally meet Rachel and Gabriel, Tarn and Sebastian, Morven, Qest, Christian and Jasper.

I am busy learning the ins and outs of working with a publisher to deliver the best product possible. Crescent Moon Press promises to be a fantastic small publisher with which to work. They specialize in romantic fantasy, science fiction and paranormal stories. Like any diligent author-in-waiting, I did my research when the possibility of a partnership with Crescent was looming. I contacted one of their current authors, Leanna Renee Hieber, who had tremendously positive things to say about them. She published a fantasy novel by the name of Dark Nest with Crescent Moon in 2008. Leanna generously shared her thoughts even though I was an unknown writer who had contacted her out of the blue. Her assistance is an an example of the wonderful support you can find within a writing community if you take the time to look. Writers want writers to succeed. The more folks we get hooked on books, even those penned by others, the more readers exist for our own publications. Please visit Leanna's website and check out her stories.

It is amazing to be on the cusp of finally achieving a dream. When I first decided to write Ruling Eden my only goal was to finish the manuscript. But after you create characters and an entire new world you love, it is hard not to want the world to share your excitement over the story.

So what is Ruling Eden about? Well, imagine if a modern, street-smart woman suddenly learned she was the heir to the throne of a magical realm hidden in our world and was about to become the most powerful magical being on the planet. Then, she's thrust into this new world and must unite seven contentious powerful magical races to prevent the total destruction of the planet, while facing some wicked chemistry with her half-angel, half-demon guardsman. Intrigue ensues, with a murder to be solved and psychotic magical power brokers to cajole.

I promise that excerpts and updates on the release schedule will be posted in the future.
The book will be available both in e-formats, and for order in print.

Last but not least, congratulations go to The Quirky Ladies for all of their support and assistance as I've worked toward this goal. I couldn't have done it without you, ladies.

So everyone get out there and pursue those dreams. Sometimes they really do come true.

Michelle Picard