: About Me

Name: Lisa Westmoreland-Doherty
Occupation: Teacher and Writer

Official Publications: Louisville Architectural Tours: 19th Century Gems will be released in November, 2008.  Haunted Kentucky is due out next spring and Haunted Lexington is due out next fall.
When I am not teaching middle school in one the the most challenging, gang-ridden districts in Louisville, Kentucky, I write for Schiffer Books in Atglen, Pa. Many people ask me, "How did you do it?" I always reply, "I listened to the signals and followed through." So, here is the story of how I published my first book.
I was in a local bookstore franchise, thumbing through their markdown books. I came across a book whose title was "Publishing Your Manuscript." It was only a dollar, so I picked it up and promptly forgot about it, as I was ordering books for my daughter at that moment.  When I returned home, I set the book down and have not seen it to this day.  However, when I went back to pick up my order the next day, I stood thumbing through another book when all of a sudden, a book mark fell out of it and landed at my feet.  The book mark asked me in bold letters, "SO ARE YOU READY TO PUBLISH YET?"  I felt a jolt inside me and realized that perhaps someone was sending me a cosmic message and that it was high time I responded.  There was an email address on the marker and I emailed the editor listed.  I shot her an idea for a book and that was promptly refused. But, I had an editor on the line and was not going to give up.  I emailed another idea, which was refused.  I emailed another idea. Refused.  I emailed another idea...and they asked to see my work.  Then they asked for an outline.  Then they asked for a sample chapter.  Then they asked for sample pictures. THEN...they sent me a contract.  Then, they sent me two more contracts and I have been writing ever since.  The moral to this story is to NEVER give up.  I am very proud of my books, even though they are not what I would call the "Great American Novel."  They are, however, a stepping stone.  When I write the "Great American Best-Seller" I now have thre published works under my belt and will be able to present the next publisher with a list of works that have made some money!
All of my career goals and aspirations are secondary to my primary job of raising my two children, Jimmy and Sarah and being a loving and supportive wife to my husband of almost ten years, Jim.  Would I consider my life a success? Even with all the of the struggles and heartches through the younger years of my life I have to say that if I died tomorrow, my life has been a success because I have touched the lives of others in a positive way.

Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Theme parks: Holiday World, Indiana

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Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana is the best combination of two things that kids of all ages love best, Christmas and a theme park! Home to one of the best kept secrets of the mid-west, Holiday World is ranked nationwide as the second best water park. Thrilling rides, four different water parks and free drink refills all day long are just a few of the attractions this park has to offer. Before becoming Holiday World, the park used to be called "Santa Claus World" and offered a really neat Christmas theme. We used to believe that was where Santa hung out during his vacation and he woul...

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