T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Members of a Team

With each step closer to the release of 
Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, 
the realization of the TEAM effort this involves 
remains one thing I am most thankful for. 
Last night I gathered with my wonderful writers' group. 

They are such an inspiration to me and a constant reminder, 
we can't do this alone. We need to keep our eyes focused 
on God and remember Who we write for while utilizing 
the resources He blesses us with in the process. 

As I started to compose a list of my team 
I realized you all wouldn't fit in one blog 
by name so in some respects, 
it is by area of support you might be.

Let me share some of my teammates:
God ~ Nah...He is the Coach of this team

Prayer Team ~ many continue to pray for Heidi, me, and our entire family but now they include my writing and speaking in their prayers.

My Parents ~ Their love support, and encouragement are limitless

My Husband ~ Of course his love, support, and encouragement are a blessing but he deserves HUGE kudos because he bears the grunt of my sleepless nights and long hours

Our daughter ~ Oh my gosh - she is all of the above with my parents and Ed but with an inspirational aspect that always motivates me

My Friends and Family ~ I couldn't do it without each of them

My fellow writers, authors, speakers, and bloggers ~ Their talent and unique styles challenge, inspire, and educate me

My writers' critique group ~ Their honest and detailed suggestions always improve and enhance my writing. The encouragement and friendship are an added blessing.

My Editors ~ Wow...you worked through my terrible PUGS and modifiers and continue to teach me how to be the best writer I can
 
My Own Geek Squad ~ this is said in love, my book trailers are amazing and your skills continue to amaze me and others share new tools, resources, and programs to enhance my writing and speaking

Cheer Squad ~ Blog comments, Facebook posts and private messages, emails, notes in the mail, and phone calls...blessings

Publisher ~ Spending time both online and the phone to help me understand the process and the each step as I move forward

My Employer ~ That believes and supports my writing and speaking

My Angels ~ Please know the surprises from colored steno pads and sticky notes to coffee and creamer, or even jewelry, are appreciated. 

My Multiple Hatters ~ Some fit in more than one of these areas 

My readers ~ For your prayers, support, and encouragment.

Thank you all!

News to report: 
*The reading, editing, and revising of the proof book should be complete this weekend. The gift of a 3-day weekend is a bonus. 

*Feedback of the book continues to be an encouragement. A new review to be posted in the near future. I had a spelling error in one of my Scripture verses, the woman reading said she found this to be a blessing in disguise, "When I went to "look up" the verse I realized not only did I have to look for my Bible but when I found it, it was covered with dust. Thank you. I have wiped the dust off." Only God...Thank you.

*In addition to finalizing this round of revisions I am preparing for two speaking engagements in December. 

*At writers' critique group last night we celebrated. Four of us had books released in 2012 and mine is scheduled to be released in 2013. There is a blog and photos coming in the near future to introduce you to my wonderful friends and their new releases.

*Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden: After last year's kissing ball fiasco my parents decided something different was needed this year. They spent the afternoon setting up to surprise me. It is beautiful. A blog about this will be coming soon too.

*A sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey is brewing in my head with thoughts to release on the twenty-year anniversary of Heidi's disappearance but this is still a working thought. (With chicken scratch notes and Scripture verses as God gives them to me.)

*My second book is in progress too with a goal release date on September 14th, 2013 but this again is still an idea. I put it out there because I work better when I talk it out loud. lol

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Our Tuesday blogs are titled, T.0.P.'s Tuesday 
and will provide you with information relating to the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. It might be an upcoming speaking engagement, the cover, an excerpt, or bizarre tidbits about the publishing process you may not be aware of.

Why is is called T.O.P.'s Tuesday? Great question! 
Heidi played volleyball for the Bishop Cunningham Jr./Sr. 
High School until it closed in 1992. On February 14th, 1992 
the Palladium Times (an Oswego, New York newspaper) named 
my sister, Heidi M. Allen athlete of the week. This was exciting and we were all proud of her but it was the name they gave her 
that stirred the most attention, "Tower of Power".