I spent The Mulligan's release on Feb. 6th at Disney with my grandchildren checking my phone and Facebook between rides. Anticipation ran through my veins as I waited for one reader to tell me she had purchased my book and loved it.
I hadn't received my books yet so when they arrived a few days later, opening the box felt very anti-climatic. Thankfully, I was surrounded by my daughter and family so her excitement bubbled into mine.
Next the articles I'd written went live. I hoped again someone might like my book. A few good friends emailed me they had read it and posted reviews on Amazon. A few more days passed. I placed a book in our community library. I also drew winners for my giveaway. I checked Amazon too many times and discovered they no longer carried the paperback version.
A little over a week later, I had garnered five reviews--some from strangers. One very good one from a stranger. A bit of my anxiety lessened.
In a frenzy to keep sales moving, I posted pictures from where my inspiration came from. I noted Amazon finally had a sample read on the website. I tweeted and posted. Prayed I wasn't annoying everyone.
I wished too I knew how many books I'd actually sold but Amazon wasn't telling me yet and my publisher information wasn't available. I prayed for 500 and then thought I was being greedy. I told myself I would settle for less--just let a few people love it.
And then Monday came.
It was time to pull out my current WIP and write again.
It felt like eating spinach after a dish of chocolate ice cream.
So this is what it's like to birth a book. It's out there in the world and all I can do is point to it and smile hoping someone will agree that my baby is beautiful.
Then I can go back to mopping my floors, packing my husband's lunch and finishing the next book to someday do it all over again.
8 comments:
It's a wild ride, isn't it? So many ups and downs, but it is fun. So excited for you. Wishing you all the best! :)
Love that adorable little guy you photoed, Terri!
It's fun keeping up with how things are going for you and your new book.
Awesome!!!!
It's such a whirl, isn't it?! I'm so happy for you, Terri.
I've been off blogging for a while, but now back I find you have published what looks like a wonderful. Congratulations! I'm off now to view it on Amazon. Cheers, Ann
Congratulations! I've purchased the book and am taking it on our warm trip in March!
It felt like eating spinach after a dish of chocolate ice cream. I just love this sentence. I so get it and I remember when my first book came out in 2009. Hard to believe it's been 5 years. It's a definite journey and like birthing a child. Excited for you Terri. Really excited.
Yes, life goes on! But publishing your first book is a life experience you now have that you didn't have before! Congratulations! Is it on Amazon.ca yet?
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