Things are rolling along nicely as the publication date for my book approaches. I’m still trying to figure out if I’m terrified or not. I’ve had a peek at the cover – very dramatic and eye catching. I’ll post it here and on my website when I have the final pdf. I’ve looked at the edited manuscript from the publisher and have spotted a few errors. I’ll return those and then I’ll get the galleys to send to reviewers. I’ve got my mailing lists in order, my launch pad – uh – location set and so much more. But here’s the crux of the inner turmoil of having a book come out all tied up in a two minute conversation.
“Your book is going to be published soon, right?” she asked.
“Yup, November first.”
“Are you excited?”
“I’m trying not to panic.”
“Really, why?” she asked with a puzzled look on her face.
The woman next to her piped up, “She’s afraid nobody will like it.”
I was shocked and relieved that she’d pinpointed my thoughts in that simple statement. Bingo!
This happened during at a farewell barbeque at church last Sunday and the two women are mother and daughter. I’ve known them for years. The mom is my age and her daughter went to school with my kids. Mom made her remark and chuckled at the look on my face.
“You got it,” I said. Took a vicious bite of my hot dog. Chuckled back.
And then I went on to reveal some criticisms I’d received from the reviewing editors. I didn’t want to discuss it too much and have them on the lookout for those failings in the book – just in case they buy it. But I did want to vent a little, too.
The women, along with several others at the table, took my part. They helped me understand that what I felt so chastised about wasn’t a big deal. Let it go. It’ll be fine. I love these people. Every writer should have people like these in their corner.
So I’m trying to focus on the good things that were also said by those same editors. I know not everyone, maybe most people, will read it with such a critical eye. The editors did their job and did it well. Gosh, I’m not perfect – but didn’t I know that?
Anyway, I’m going to be a busy little bee buzzing my baby for the next several weeks. I’m so going to learn from this experience. My second book, already written, will undergo some tough scrutiny and re-vamping, too. I’ve decided I’d rather have it said that my first book was a fun, entertaining read but the second surpassed it.
Read about Minnie Markwood, my protagonist, here
Image: Free Digital Photos
