What an honor to be here among my fellow bloggers! Thank you, Leena, for the opportunity, and hello to all! I'm Gerri Russell, winner of this year's American Title II contest sponsored by Romantic Time BOOKreviews Magazine and Dorchester Publishing. If it wasn't for the contest I probably wouldn't be here with you now. The American Title competition truly helped to get me published after 13 years of trying.

So why did it take so long to publish? Who knows. Understanding the world of publishing is as complicated as trying to determine what number will show up on a roulette wheel. My stories weren't bad--I've finalled in the Golden Heart three times and won twice--maybe they were just misunderstood. But voters in the American Title contest understood my characters and helped me win the ultimate prize of a publishing contract. The Warrior Trainer, my debut novel, is just weeks away from hitting the shelves--seven weeks from now.

I'll be counting down the weeks and sharing what it takes to prepare for the launch of my first book on my website at gerrirussell.net. Stop on by, and while you are there, register for the "Spa Day Giveaway." You might be the lucky winner of a complete spa day package at a spa near you.

All my best,

Gerri