I woke up this morning, poised and ready… it’s release day! and all that this implies. The story that I worked on, By Another Name, one of three Easter Lilies Contest Winners releases this morning at White Rose Publishing.

It’s an e-read, and most of you are familiar with that term. An e-read. But what does that mean? People ask what I do for a living. I’m an author, I reply. Oh, where can I buy your books? Online, I say. And happily hand over a bookmark I had designed, with all the information, a blurb, etc.

Will they go order it? I have no idea. Will they register, and sign up, and download the thing? Who knows. Therein lies the bit of release day jitters that is cycling in my belly.

It’s a bit like announcing we were having a baby – when we were in the process of adopting. I wanted to shout it to the moon – we’re having a baby! finally! after EVERYTHING that we went through to get through to this point, the birth mom was 34 weeks pregnant, and the baby was almost here! but – I wasn’t SHOWING. I had no baby-bump. It was ephemeral. There was no proof.

THEN, imagine the eyebrows that raised when I took my newborn out days after bringing her home, wearing my jeans and t-shirt. Um. YOU just had a baby? Jaws would drop. So, stricken with guilt, I felt a sudden need to explain to EVERYONE that we’d adopted. Like I was apologizing for not having swollen ankles, or having a painful labor and delivery.

NOW, five years plus later – I know better. Those of my friends who know me, know that the girls are adopted. And anyone else, I really don’t think about it anymore. If it comes out in conversation, that’s fine. And, I’ll tell them all they want to know. The point is, I don’t need any proof that I’m their mama. They know it. I know it. And that is all that matters.

Perhaps in a few months, a year, I’ll feel the same way about my e-books. I know they’re there. You all will have to give me more information on that one! and I’d really like to know your thoughts…what’s the best way to promote something that is completely “paperless?”

PLUS, I’m still anxiously awaiting the “birth” of All or Nothing – May 29, 2009!! But that doesn’t make the release of “By Another Name” mean any less.

So, with that said – here’s the blurb on By Another Name:

What happens when a reformed high school bully falls for the girl he tormented seven years earlier? When Kade Sinclair crashes into the girl of his dreams, she quickly wrecks his heart. Not one to take no for an answer, he pulls out all the stops to win her over. What he learns changes his life forever.

Rosalee Timmons is coming home. A single mother, new business owner, and the object of the most popular guy in town’s attention–starting over will be the biggest hurdle of her life. She may be hiding behind a new name, but that doesn’t heal the old scars on her wounded heart.

When Kade realizes that confident, aloof Lee is actually little Rosalee Timmons all grown up, it seems he hasn’t a snowball’s chance. But when opportunity knocks, he finds a way back into her life. Will Lee accept an apology seven years in the making, or will Kade give up before she finally gives in?

Enter my Release Day Contest by visiting & commenting at www.ashleyludwig.com before Monday Night!

Thank you, all of my Mama Writer friends, for your enduring support! and Happy Easter!!!!!