Writing can be a solitary profession, which is why I am so grateful for my two critique groups and other author friends who support me personally and professionally. Through almost twenty-five years I have worked on a young adult historical novel even while I have been writing other books, magazine articles and curriculum. At long last, considering the manuscript finally ready, I sent it out to an editor who shall remain nameless (though I hope to be able to name her and call her MY editor at some point). She read the first three chapters and synopsis, was interested enough to request the full manuscript, and still has the book under review.

Since I sent her my novel, I have lived in author's limbo-land, the "wait-and-see" that can lead to publication or... rejection. So while I am waiting, I decided to send my work to a variety of capable readers who happen to be experts on the subject about which I wrote the book. (I'm not trying to be cagey here. It is simply not yet time to divulge more details.)

Both of my writing groups and several other writers have read the work in various stages, but until today my only feedback was from a fourteen-year-old reader who wrote me because she was doing a research project on my subject, and my name came up. The young woman gave me positive, helpful feedback. That was months ago and I continued in my long, lonely wait until today when I heard from the first fact checker/reader of this manuscript, who wrote, "Phew... let me catch my breath here... and stop crying!!!... You have such a way with words! You have definitely done your homework...your book is so well written I can really find nothing wrong. Thanks for the gift of this story... It will be one I would like to recommend when it's published." I appreciated her enthusiasm and helpful comments.

This woman's words boosted my spirits. I feel a little like Sally Field when she won the Academy Award for PLACES IN THE HEART ("You like me, right now, you like me!") And at least for today, I can dream that this book will actually be published and other readers may be moved by a compelling story that has been so much of my life's work.