A Change in Seasons Announcement

4/26/2025

Hello, blog friends ~

A change in seasons is exciting, don't you agree? Everyone seems happier - especially the four-legged among us. If you are like me, you've packed your winter coats and boxed up your boots -- oh, the freedom of sunshine and warmth!

The world has awakened, and in my locale, mountain bike enthusiasts crowd the trails for the 20th Annual Whiskey Off-Road Mountain Biking Event. The Prescott hills are a beautiful area to bike, and folks travel notable distances to participate. Oh course, the pro purse of $34,000 is alluring as well.

This weekend is also busy with gardeners -- like me. The big nurseries are packed with folks buying mulch, starter plants, and seeds. There's the hope that there will not be another freeze.

In keeping with the change in seasons and the accompanying excitement, I'm embarking on a new endeavor with my books. My publisher closed its doors earlier this month, so its clients must go elsewhere. This development prompted an adventure I had not expected.

For the past week or so, my mountain bike experience has been to tiptoe into the self-publishing world. I now see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, but I'm still learning. At my age, being in grade school again is a bit uncomfortable, but it has elicited even more respect for all of you who self-publish and already know the trade. 🌞 Fingers crossed, I'll be joining you soon.

Have a wonderful week, dear friends - hopefully with adventures full of smiles, blessed with warm weather, and free of challenges.

21 Comments

Thomas Wikman link

4/27/2025 03:01:39

My wife and I like bicycling. I am sorry to hear that your publisher closed door but I wish you good luck into adventure with the self publishing world.

Gwen M. Plano

4/27/2025 07:01:06

Thank you, Thomas. My husband bicycles every day, while I walk/hike around the area. One of my sons is an avid mountain biker, so I vicariously enjoy the sport. 🌞

Priscilla Bettis link

4/27/2025 05:53:38

My sister and BIL are heavily involved in Bike Prescott. No wonder I haven't been able to get in touch with them this weekend.😂

I'm glad you're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel regarding self publishing. I hope the rest of the self-publishing journey goes well!

Gwen M. Plano

4/27/2025 07:03:55

Wow, what fun! I wish them much success. I love seeing the bicyclists and envy their strength. As for the self-publishing, step by step. 🌞

Timothy W. Dittmer link

4/27/2025 06:21:07

Biking must be great there, Gwen. Self-publishing is a learning experience. Best of luck to you. 💖🙏

Gwen M. Plano

4/27/2025 07:06:29

Thank you, Tim. I think the mountains/hills/lakes attract bikers from everywhere. As for the self-publishing, I appreciate the encouragement. 🌞

Liz Gauffreau link

4/27/2025 07:31:43

This past week, my husband has been busy enlarging our vegetable garden and putting in flowers at the front of the house. Very optimistic of him!

I wish you all the best for transitioning into the self-publishing world. If there is anything I can help you with, please let me know.

Gwen M. Plano

4/27/2025 10:04:26

I'm anxious to put in our garden as well, but we still have iffy weather. Maybe next week. Thank you for the encouragement with self-publishing. Fingers crossed, all will go well. 🌞

Annette Aben

4/27/2025 07:38:58

My ex husband and I were a part of Michigan Bicycle Touring back in the day, and it was fun. He enjoyed it much more than I... Where the self-publishing in concerned, it can be a chore. I might suggest contacting Colleen Chesebro of Unicorn Cat Publishing; she may be able to offer some guidance.

Gwen M. Plano

4/27/2025 10:06:24

Thank you so much, Annette. Colleen is on speed dial. 🌞

Jacqui Murray link

4/27/2025 08:28:23

Best of luck with self-publishing. It's not as difficult as it seems first blush, just tedious!

Gwen M. Plano

4/27/2025 10:07:26

Thank you, Jacqui. It's definitely tedious...hopefully, I'll remember one step to the next with each book. 🌞

John Howell link

4/27/2025 08:43:41

Best of luck on the self-publishing journey, Gwen. I have done all mine, and if I can do it, so can you.

Gwen M. Plano

4/27/2025 10:08:31

Thank you, John. I hope you are right. It's probably something I should have done years ago. 🌞

Jan Sikes

4/27/2025 11:44:28

I believe when one door closes, another opens and we can do this, Gwen! Sending hugs!

Gwen M. Plano

4/27/2025 19:49:41

Thank you, Jan. I believe it! Hugs back to you. 🌞

Dan Antion link

4/27/2025 13:36:28

Issues with my neck forced me to mostly give up riding my bike. That was a sad day for me. Now, I walk.

Enjoy the venture into self-publishing.

Gwen M. Plano

4/27/2025 19:52:10

Like you, Dan, I have trouble with my neck and back, so I walk and enjoy nature slowly. 🌞

Yvette M Calleiro link

4/29/2025 04:04:56

Welcome to the indie world, Gwen! I love bike riding, but I'm more for flat paths. Lol!

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Gwen M. Plano

4/29/2025 15:15:07

Thanks for the welcome, Yvette. It's a new adventure for sure. 🌞

Jaye Marie link

4/30/2025 02:30:09

being a self publisher takes a lot of learning, but can also be a lot of fun. The best part is being fully in charge of what happens to your work.
Good luck with your journey, Gwen...💖

A Change in Seasons Announcement

Leave a Reply.

Archives