Debut Today!

Posted Nov 1 2011 in , , ,

My dream of becoming a published novelist comes true today as my debut novel, Death, Taxes, and a French Manicure, hits the bookstore shelves.  Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! 

When I set out ten years ago to become a writer, I expected the process to be a solitary endeavor.  But I couldn’t have been more wrong!  There are so many people who have played a role in making my dream come true, and I couldn’t have done this without them.  Today, I’d like to take a chance to thank them.

First and foremost, thanks to my editor, Holly Blanck, at St. Martin’s Press.  If it wasn’t for Holly taking a look at my manuscript and falling in love with my characters and story, this wouldn’t be happening.  She gets me!  Woo hoo!  What’s more, Holly takes my raw material and gives me incredibly insightful feedback to make my stories even better.  She’s always upbeat and an absolute pleasure to work with.  Thanks, Holly!

To the many people at St. Martin’s Press who’ve played a role in bringing my books to readers and promoting me and my work – Eileen Rothschild, Katie Dean, Laura Kramarsky, Clare Toohey, Megan Frampton, and those others behind the scenes.  Thank you all!

To my wonderful cover artist – Danielle Fiorella.  Thanks for creating such fun and eye-catching covers for my books! 

To my critique partners – Celya Bowers, Angela Cavener, Michella Chapell, Vannettta Chapman, Cheryl Hathaway, Angela Hicks, Kennedy Shaw, and Jana Upton.  These women have spent countless hours reading my material, making suggestions for improvement, and cheering me on.  Their input was invaluable and their friendship priceless.  Thanks to all of you!

To the members of the Arlington Kick-Ass Writers Group – Gay Downs, Urania Fung, Charles McMillen, and Simon Rex-Lear.  Thanks for your feedback! 

To all of the writers who judged my manuscripts in contests.  Your comments and suggestions helped me improve my work and learn the craft.  Thanks so much! 

And finally, to my readers.  I hope my debut novel will make you laugh out loud.  I wrote this book for you! 

8 Comments

  1. donna parsons says:

    YaY! Can’t wait to see your book on bookshelves! Now the world will get to know the exciting Ms. Tara Holloway!!!

    1. Diane Kelly says:

      Yep, watch out world. Tara’s on the loose now!

  2. Congratulations, Diane! Can’t wait to read it. Enjoy this special day!!

    1. Diane Kelly says:

      Thanks, Bev! With all my friends and fellow writers cheering me on, this has been a great day!

  3. Tara Follower says:

    i’m loving the book!! On page 100 and can barely put it down. iBooks on the iPad rocks!!!!

    Go Tara!! Rooting for her to nail the ice cream bandit!!!

    1. Diane Kelly says:

      So glad you’re enjoying it! Tara was such a fun character to write.

  4. M.E. Anders says:

    Just had to chime in that I am soooo excited for you on your big day yesterday! Woohoo! Hope that “squeeeeeee” was all you expected it to be.

    P.S. Love your website design. 😉

    1. Diane Kelly says:

      It was definitely a major SQUEEEEEEEEE! : )

      I love my design, too. It’s all thanks to Liz Bemis at Bemis Promotions. She’s awesome!

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  Diane Kelly
Haha! Our terrier mix and shepherd mix are certainly selective, too. They hear "treat" without fail, but "down" or "no!" don't always register. Raggs is such a cute name!
  Molly Weston
Reggie certainly looks happy! My own dog, Raggs, has "selective" hearing--and he's not well trained. But. Our dogs are family and we do love them.
  Diane Kelly
Thanks, Barbara! I wish I could write faster, too! My ideas are backing up in my head. : ) I wish my brain had a USB port where I could automatically download the stories from my mind to the page. I'm so glad you enjoyed the book! I'm hard at work on the second one, A Trip with Trouble.
  Barbara
I LOVED getaway with Murder. The second book can't be published soon enough. Can you write any faster? ;-)
  Diane Kelly
Thanks so much, Gerrie! So glad you enjoyed the book, and your kind words put a big smile on my face. The second book in the series, A Trip with Trouble, will release next fall. I'm looking forward to it, too!

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