I've been waiting for this day, the day I get to tell you all about my book, To Dance With Dolphins.
I got the idea for the book way back in 2005 and then made a cross country trip to do research for the story in 2006. If you'd like to see some of my posts and photos from the trip just go to the blogs for late September and early October of that year. It was an amazing adventure. This photo was taken at the Grand Canyon.You're probably wondering why it took so long to actually write the book. It's pretty simple - when I first presented the idea to my agent she was crazy about it (Thank you Wendy), but publishers just didn't catch the vision. So I went to work on other projects and stayed busy. But the idea never left me ... I knew I had to write this tale one day.
Early last year, I decided that no matter what this was the year. I was going to write the story of my heart, the tale that had been simmering inside and demanding to be told. I shared the idea with my friends at Ashberry Lane Publishing. They caught the power and possibilities of this unique story immediately, and said, "Yes. We want to publish it. Write it!"
And so I did. And I'm thrilled that today is here, the day I've dreamed of. I want to jump and leap, and shout to the world that the story of my heart is done and available for readers.
I hope and pray this talle touches the hearts of thousands, uplifts and encourages those who live with chronic pain or illness and that it will give understanding and insight to the people who stand with those of us who live inside wounded bodies.
I wrote it for you.
And I wrote it for me.
Twenty-two-year-old Claire Murray has suffered from a mysterious disease for years. Her social circle has shrunk to a small support group for people with chronic illness and disability. But what if life could be about more than doctors, pain, and medications?
Claire and three others—old grouch Tom, hippy-holdout Willow, and moody Taylor—hatch plans for a cross-country trip to swim with the dolphins in Florida. Only a day into the trip, they unexpectedly need help. And who happens to be hitchhiking along the highway but a young, good-looking loner named Sean Sullivan? However, the last thing he wants is to be harnessed to a bunch of ailing travelers.
Though the journey proves difficult, following God’s plan might be even harder. Will they find the courage to follow their dreams and dare to live again?
My cast of characters taught me so much. I hope you love them as much as I do. Make sure to get a copy of the book and become acquainted with Claire, Sean, Willow, Tom, and Taylor. I think you'll agree that they are very special people.
You can buy the book at your local bookstores or online.
http://amzn.to/1OSje2d
http://bit.ly/1HsfBdG
http://www.bonnieleon.com
And don't forget to enter my TO DANCE WITH DOLPHINS CONTEST. Just go to my home page at http://www.bonnieleonn.com.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
I'm so glad you preserved! It's a one of a kind book that will give others insight into the lives of people with disabilities. I found pieces of myself scattered throughout the story.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Congratulations!
Bonnie, I think God has great things in mind for this book, as it was such a labor of love starting way back at its conception all the way to the delivery of it in people's hands. It is going to touch so many lives and hearts. What a legacy you are leaving!
ReplyDeleteLove and congratulations to you!!
It's been amazing to see the response from readers, and the book hasn't even been out for a week! It's resonating with so many on various levels. So glad you wrote it and that we got to publish it!
ReplyDeleteLyla, I'm so glad you liked the book and extra delighted to hear that you found pieces of yourself throughout the story - what a great compliment.
ReplyDeleteBless you.
Sherrie, I'm so thankful you and the people at Ashberry Lane were able to see beyond the "norm" of the CBA market and join me in my labor of love. It means a great deal to me.
ReplyDeleteNow in the midst off launching this story I am praying for the readers - that the book will minster to them right where they are. And that they can have a good time as they travell along with Claire, Sean, Willow, Tom, and Taylor.
Grace and peace to you, dear lady.
Christina, you have so much to do with the beauty of this story. You worked just as hard as me and your belief in the power of this story helped me keep moving forward. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm trusting God to place it into the hands of those who need to read it. He knows.
Hugs to you.