Halloween AKA my publishing date

(Photo above: Halloween in Montara, Amy Wilk, Sara Freitas, me and Peter Jeute.)

I had another post all ready written for this Thursday. I thought I was still about a week out from the book being published. Surprise! My editor texted me first thing this morning, “You’re live!” 

“WHAT?” I was still wiping the sleep from my eyes after binge-watching Halloween flicks all day yesterday on TCM. For those who don’t know, Halloween is high on my list of faves. I used to live on the Halloween destination block in Montara, California. People came from miles around to visit the witch’s house at the end of our block, about five houses down. The first year we lived there, we had been warned about the number of people who visit the area on Halloween.

But nonetheless, I was shocked when I opened my door to the first trick-or-treaters; the street sounded like a shopping mall at Christmas. I was thrilled. I had landed right where I needed to be for a few years. 

I’m a huge Alfred Hitchcock fan; I love all of his movies, especially The Birds. We began collecting blackbirds, and every year, we added more, a little like the birds collecting in Bodega Bay as the movie progresses. By the time we left Montara, we had enough blackbirds to line our gutters, litter our lawn, etc. We played the soundtrack from the movie at our doorstep, and I dressed as Melanie Daniels with a bird in my hair and blood on my face. 

Sadly, we now live in an area with no trick-or-treaters, but I still put my birds out. I also put them all around my fireplace and the front door to mimic Alfred’s movie. This is the first year my birds didn’t make it out because I was busy finishing up book projects. 

I think Alfred will forgive me, especially since I published my book on Halloween. 

I can almost hear Rick in my mind reminding me, “focus, Sue!!!” 

Okay then, back to the book— oh my gosh, I am a published author. My moods/reactions/emotions have run the gamut today. I’ve been calm, excited, emotional, crazy because I have things I do not yet understand in terms of media/selling/promoting, and I’m slowly settling into such a lovely calm. 

I’ve been enjoying all the beautiful responses from friends on FB about the release of the book. And I’m ending my day doing what brought me to this point, writing my next blog post– still listening to my music, excited to write, hoping to connect with others, and sending my thanks to the heavens above for this experience.

The book is available on my website for pre-sale. I will not receive the books until mid to late November due to the shipping issues this season faces. If ordered on my website, it will be an autographed copy. You can also order on Amazon, a bit higher price but a quicker ship date.

Cheers, my friends. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support throughout this journey.

7 Comments

  1. Aunt Susie!!!! This is so exciting! How perfect it’s on Halloween for you! Love that!
    Just ordered from you so I can have your autographed copy! I’m so happy for you and so proud!
    I love you lots!! 🙂

    • Wendy, Thank you so much! I love you too!!!

  2. Congratulations doesn’t seem enough to capture all the hard work that goes into a project like this. What an incredible accomplishment. I can’t wait to get my copy. May you be blessed with all the success you have worked so hard for and deserve. Love you 💖

    • I wish there was a new word for thank you, because I’ve been thanking you for so long.Your support and encouragement mean more than you will ever know! I love you.

  3. Congratulations!!🎊🎈🎉

    • Thanks, Jod. I have a special autographed book for you, waiting for your visit, 🙂

  4. […] Sadly, we now live in an area with no trick-or-treaters, but I still put my birds out. I also put them all around my fireplace and the front door to mimic Alfred’s movie. This is the first year my birds didn’t make it out because I was busy finishing up book projects. Continue reading my blog here. […]


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