Becoming an author is not anything I ever thought I'd do or even enjoy. Now I am one, I guess. My book, Painting Pinehurst No. 2 - An Artist's Journey, will be out this summer. The editor said, "It was a lovely read." I'll take that as a positive.

          Authorship was born out of my habit of documenting my artistic activities. So, a book seemed a natural extension of my eight-plus months of painting all the holes of Pinehurst No. 2. I had no idea how to publish a book other than through self-publishing web sites. None seemed to match my vision. I knew that I'd have to explore the publishing world and learn how to present my concept.

          The journey started two years ago at my local community college library. I brought home a very outdated tome and began to dissect it cover to cover. One whole chapter explained the submission process itself. I wrote and fine-tuned for days and days. Nothing like good editing! Where to send it?

          Wow! There are a lot of publishers, most in New York City. Chapter after chapter to filter through. Finding the right niche was not enough. Days turned into weeks. I went to websites. Before I could even submit I received mostly "negative replies"! No unsolicited submissions accepted. Only submissions from agents accepted. Not accepting new submission at this time.  But, in the end, with hope, I sent proposals into the black hole of the world of books. Some said in the guidelines to not expect a reply for six months. Others, don't call us, we'll call you. Sometimes a quick courtesy auto-reply. So, from all ... nothing.

          My own bookshelves provided leads. I went to the websites of those who, in the past, had published art or golf-related coffee table books. Some were no longer in business. I went to a bookstore and to Pinehurst Resort to copy down the names of book publishers. I sent more proposals. Alas, a nibble came from a publisher in Chicago! They liked the concept and would discuss it at their editorial meeting. I provided the additional information requested. Not long after, a "no", but a lead directing me to another publisher. From them, "We only publish books of a minimum of 75,000 words". There was no way I could stretch my 10,000-plus words to 7.5 times that!

          A search of the Library of Congress presented a few more, unexplored options. A contributor to the Golf Channel had published several books. On a whim, I went to his web site, sent a message, and from him I had yet another viable lead for a publisher. In fact, it was one that I had found by browsing the bookstores. After more than seven months, hope!

          And now after a few months of working with Legendary Publishing & Media Group, I'm nearing the printing phase and preparing my living room to become a temporary book warehouse! Continue to follow my journey to authorship in the next blog, "From Artist to Author: Part II",  where I'll talk about what it was like writing the book itself. The truck hasn't arrived yet.