One year ago today, I was absolutely beside myself with joy. No it wasn’t quite like the day I was married, or the days my children were born, but it was darn close. Highland Solution, my debut novel, was released. I had achieved a dream that I had nurtured from childhood. It was absolutely thrilling but I had no idea what lay ahead.
A year later, I am much wiser perhaps even a bit jaded but still as giddy about being a published author as I was then. Since that time, among other things I have:
-published a second novel
-released audio versions of both novels
-parted ways with my publisher
-had new cover art created
-nearly finished my third novel
-joined a group of authors touched by magic (The Guardians of Cridhe)
-completed a novella that will be part of The Scrolls of Cridhe, Volume 1, Highland Winds.
And I have done all of this while managing another career.
Perhaps more important than these things, I have made some absolutely, incredible friends. I am not sure how I lived my life this long, without these people in it.
H.D. Smith (author of the absolutely amazing urban fantasy, Dark Hope), meeting you was the very best part of working with my former publisher. That alone made all of the stress worth it. You are brilliant, practical, driven and funny. I wish you lived a little closer, but I love having a reason to drive to Orlando.
Sue-Ellen Welfonder (USA Today bestselling author and sister Guardian), you have called me an angel but I know Highland Solution would not have been so well received had you not taken be under your impressive wings and helped launch it. The bond we have was immediate and strong. It feels as if you have always been a part of my life and I love you.
Kate Robbins (best selling author and sister Guardian), well missus, how the hell did we end up here? I felt compelled to send a message another new author who might be smarting, as I did, over a few ugly reviews. I’m not sure why I did. I have never done anything like that before. I can only believe it was the magic already beginning to sparkle.
Suzan Tisdale (bestselling author and sister Guardian), I still have trouble believing THE Suzan Tisdale is my friend, my sister and my partner in crime. Perhaps it is a good thing that we have only just found each other. If we had met thirty years ago, we might have wrought havoc. Now we know where to hide the bodies.
Tarah Scott (bestselling author and the master mind behind The Guardians of Cridhe), you asked me if I wanted to do a bundle. Getting my head around the fact that you asked me isn’t easy. Experiencing the magic that started swirling around us once you did is breathtaking. Thank you for believing in me and letting me be your co-conspirator in this. Great things await.
Lily Baldwin (bestselling author and sister Guardian), I am convinced that you, my precious, are the little sister I used to pray for. God finally brought you to me, just not in the usual fashion. You are sugar cookies, armfuls of wild flowers and hot chocolate all rolled into one lovely and talented package. To paraphrase Darth Vader, the magic is strong with this one.
Kathryn Lynn Davis (NYT bestselling author and sister Guardian). I firmly believe, we have passed this way before. Perhaps we all have, but I feel it very deeply with you. You are a truly gifted author and it is an honor to call you friend.
Thank you ladies for your help, support, shoulders to weep on, battle cries, confidence and adventurous spirits. Here’s to many years of friendship to come!
Ceci Giltenan, Author 
Happy Anniversary darling Ceci, hope you many, many more ❤
Than you Ann. I should have also mentioned the incredible readers I have had the opportunity to meet, if only virtually!!
Happy Anniversay Ceci and many more!
Thank you Dawn! Again, readers have been a huge part of making this last year amazing.
Thank you, Ceci. The feelings are mutual. Our extraordinary friendship makes a difference in my life every day. And your books give me great joy. We are both sisters and sister Guardians. You amaze me.
❤ Love you!
Ceci, you are wonderful and I couldn’t be happier for you.
Than you Fern! ❤ ❤ ❤
Well, gee, now I am dashing at a very different kind of tears. It was a great, great joy to celebrate your debut with you last year. And as I do not believe in coincidence, it was also the opening of a door I am so glad we both stepped through. Love you so much! And you are an angel. Not a doubt in my mind. XXXOOXXX
You both are, Sue-Ellen!
Did you know that tears from emotion contain more stress hormones than tears from an irritate (such as onions) and by simply having a good cry, you can relieve stress?
Useless facts, another service I offer. ❤ ❤ ❤ Love you!
Happy Anniversary!!! Keep on writing ’em and I’ll keep on reading ’em!
Thank you my friend! ❤
So privileged to meet (online, and possibly in person in a few weeks) and get to know you during this important year!
I am looking forward to the Baltimore Book Fest. I will be in the Authors’ tent there both Saturday and Sunday as it turns out! I do hope to meet you then!
Happy anniversary, my beloved sister. You truly are a phenomenal woman. Thank you for loving, teaching, and inspiring me each and everyday. Your talent, genius, strength, and kindness redefine what’s possible. You are a dream maker and a visionary. My world is bigger and more joyful than ever before because of you and our dear guardians. I am grateful for the technology that allows for the immediacy of distant friendships. I only wish i could give you all the hugs i’d like 🙂 I love you so much! Xoxo
Sometimes there are no words. That is when I use hearts. ❤ ❤ ❤
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, it was a pleasure to meet you on facebook parties and hope to continue reading a lot more books from , i loved your books so much , keep on writing and we will continue to enjoy your books , thanks for such awesome reads
Happy Anniversary, Ceci! Your words speak deeply and there is nothing in this world like a soul sister like you have with those women. 🙂