Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke, a year in review
It’s the end of 2017, so it’s time to check in with my book goals. How’d I do? Well, l did realize a few of the goals I think. Others may have been too much of a stretch. For instance, I did not get a call from Martin Scorsese begging for the movie rights to my book, and I did not reach 100 reviews on Amazon. However, the book did jump from 27 to 55 reviews, and it has achieved a solid 5-star rating! It’s unbelievable to me, really. What’s even more exciting is seeing reviews from Ireland and the UK and realizing that my book is being read and reviewed internationally, as far away as Australia! I am thrilled with the momentum that Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke is gaining, and I hope it will continue into 2018.
Here are some photos capturing the Highlights of my 2017 book journey:
- Travelling to Ireland to promote my book:
- Receiving my first book award
- Presenting my book at libraries, museums, and Irish, genealogical and Civil War organizations all over New England
- Interviewing on TV, Radio, Youtube and newspapers
- Selling my book in 7 stores in Massachusetts (plus one in Ireland!)
So, What’s up for 2018? (I’ve got some big news to share!)
- New Book!!!! I am in the research phase for my new historical fiction novel which is a spin-off of Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke. It takes place in New York City in the late 1800’s and portrays the life of Florence’s morally corrupt brother John Burke.
- New Cover for Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke: I’ve decided to overhaul my book cover with a new and improved second edition that will feature the Irish Times review, the Independent Publisher’s New England Award seal, and a new image on the front. I can’t wait to reveal it in early 2018!
- A special event: My parents and I have decided to donate my great, great grandfather’s Civil War collection to the Burns Library at Boston College. The 19 letters will be professionally preserved and archived forever! The presentation ceremony is January 31, 2018 at 7pm. The event is hosted by Boston College and the Eire Society of Boston.
- A guest post: for Damian Sheils, a distinguished Irish historian, archeologist and author of the book, “The Irish in the American Civil War.”
- Even more author talks: Check out my events page for a full listing of where I will be presenting next year.
- Traditional publication? I have my fingers crossed that an Irish publisher will pick up my book. This would be a dream come true.
Well, that is a look at where my book has been this year and where it’s going. I am thrilled with the achievements given to Yours Faithfully in 2017 and eager to begin working on my new project in 2018.
Once again, I would like to thank my family, friends and readers for buying my book, sharing your thoughts and supporting me through messages, emails, “likes” and reviews. I couldn’t have done this without your help and encouragement.
Happy New Year!
Ellen
What an impressive and successful 2017for you and a Yours Faithfully Florence Burke!!! Congratulations Ellen! You deserve all the accomplishments and accolades! Exciting news about beginning your next book! Great picture in your new hat!!!!!
Thanks again for your support. My book has come a long way from when I read the first chapter to you and Dic in my living room! I can’t thank you guys enough for your encouragement.
An amazing year, indeed! Your have done an incredible job marketing your book and sharing your story. It’s been fun to see!
Thank you, Michelle! You and Cate were two of my first readers and I was so pleased that you enjoyed it! I hope you can be my Beta readers for my next one!!
Ellen, congratulations on your tremendous achievements in 2017! You’ve worked tirelessly throughout the year, and you deserve all of the wonderful awards, accolades, invitations, reviews, follows and likes! You should be very proud – as we all are of you!!
And 2018 will be another fantastic year; looking forward to seeing the new book cover for Yours Faithfully, and to hearing more about your latest project on the adventures and misadventures of John Burke! So exciting!!
Congratulations, again – Ellen! We are looking forward to joining you at the Preservation Ceremony on the 31st!!
Kristin, you are one of the people I am thanking! It is encouraging comments like yours that have kept me going this past year, and made me believe I can write yet another story of the Burkes!