I know. I know. Writing’s not as much fun as Jiu-Jitsu, but this is important, not to mention half my blog’s name.

My mom is friends with a librarian in charge of ordering new books, so she sent her a copy of mine for consideration. I believe the woman has been a librarian for decades. Therefore, her feedback, which was great to “uh-oh”, is valuable.

Here’s what she said, the great part:

Wish I Was Here is fantastic! I loved the story and pacing and characters! Love Ilsa’s style! An absolutely thrilling, suspenseful, engaging novel!

I read it in two nights. Loved every vowel, every syllable. My only complaint is it kept me up past my bedtime!

We cannot let this title go unnoticed. Two thumbs up, five stars, and fireworks! I’ve not been this excited about a teen book for quite some time!

Not bad, right? Now the uh-oh part:

Although, apologies for stating things bluntly, but the cover art could use some help because we know readers do judge a book by the cover. As exciting as the story is, you wouldn’t know it by the static cover. I want to see some sort of crime scene, some shadows, some hints of passion, some evidence of terror or mystery or confusion. Something dynamic. 

You know I went several rounds with the cover designer to get those faces right, so naturally I was distressed to read this from a seasoned pro. Live and learn, I guess. I’ll do better for the next one. So far I’m thinking the girl keeping watch nervously while the blonde breaks into a car, plus the symbol of a certain government agency somewhere. Thoughts?

But I fear having shot myself in the foot for the kickoff of my trilogy. If people turn their nose up at the first one… And on Netgalley, 21 people thumbs downed my cover.

Sigh.

Fortunately, I have wonderful blog buddies who aren’t afraid to put my cover on their blogs.

I want to give a shout-out to:

Yvette, who created a mini interview with me and had encouraged her readers to preorder.

Brian, who mused about how advantageous it would be to turn invisible when an awkward situation or mischief warranted it, and

Beth, who gave me the best start to my book’s birthday by posting about it and being the first to leave an Amazon review!

I’m very grateful to all three of these bloggers. And I haven’t forgotten that Jacqui featured my book first, and Vicki and Wynne hosted me on their podcast!

So much kindness in this community of writers we’ve built via WordPress!

Vicki pointed out recently that I had other good news to share…

Remember how I was busting my hump to turn in the sequel, Wish You Were Here, also, coincidentally, the title of my all-time favorite song, the Pink Floyd version? The publisher had recommended I turn it in while the first book was in presale.

I accomplished that in September and was told I’d get a response in 2-3 months. That time frame passed with no word. I inquired and was told they’d have to see how well book 1 did before accepting book 2. Fair, I guess.

Then this month, getting antsy, I asked by what metric they would decide the first book had done well enough. I was hoping for some numbers, including my number of sales, but instead I got:

Many of the Amazon reviews say they can’t wait for book 2. I’m hoping that contract comes soon! Books are published in the order contracts are turned in. I’d hate for a 2027 release date, but that’s likely what I’m looking at. Maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised. I guess we’ll see!

Many thanks to those of you who have purchased my book. I very much appreciate you!

You still get it $2 cheaper at Black Rose Writing and an additional 20% off until January 26 with code SEASON20 at checkout.

At least I received good feedback for this book trailer someone made for me:

View this post on Instagram

What did you guys think of it?

And, okay, fine. Here’s a bit of Jiu-Jitsu for you. 😉

I must shamefully admit I was a little surprised/disappointed by Pirate’s nonchalant response to my return. He had been the most enthusiastic of my triumph over adversity the last time. So, before the start of class 3, I plunked near him on the bench and said, “Is this getting old? Me leaving, coming back, leaving, coming back? Like, make up your mind, already, Ilsa.”

“No, I just figured you were taking a break because your foot hurt.”

“Actually, I broke my foot.”

“Well that would hurt.”

“It did, but after recovering, it took a while to get back here.”

“I don’t know you well, but you don’t seem like a quitter.”

“I’m not a quitter. Thank you.”

Then I saw Humble One and started the conversation similarly.

“I thought you were doing stuff with your book,” he said. (We follow each other on Instagram.)

I explained.

“Oh!” he said.

Later, on the mat with HRH, I very maturely complained that people didn’t know I had broken my foot. “Didn’t anyone ask where I had disappeared to?” I whined.

Did no one CARE?! (Like I said, supes mature. (That’s not a typo. I’m trying to sound like a youngster.))

She seemed to remember the women had asked. Natch. Women be good in the caring department. “And I think Thoughtful One (still living up to his name!) and Lawyer.”

Awww. (Wouldn’t it have been funny if she had used their blog names?)

But also, they are my homeboys from Ilsa’s Jiu-Jitsu Journey, Part 1. Wowsa. I just realized this makes Ilsa’s Jiu-Jitsu Journey, Part 3. Geez Louise. Third time’s the charm? I sure hope there doesn’t need to be a fourth.

Last Q: George Howell’s Boston-area chain The Coffee Connection invented and trademarked the frappuccino.

New Q: One point each for the 12 highest-grossing movies of 1985.