I’ve been waiting for this day with as much anticipation as a lot of you have, which might seem kind of odd. After all, I’ve read the book. More than read it. I wrote it.
You know that anticipation you feel when you’ve bought…or even better, made…what you hope is the perfect gift for someone very, very special? You’ve spent hours thinking about this gift, searching for it or working on it, wrapping it up prettily. And now you’re on pins and needles, waiting for them to open it, hoping they like it as much as you think they will.
Release day for an author is just like that. It’s filled with anticipation, joy, and yes, a touch of nerves. Just a touch because, so far, the reviewers are loving Ecstasy Untamed. And I’m breathing so much easier.
The thing is, I never know if the book I’ve written is any good. Never. My mom doesn’t get this. “How can you not know?” But I can’t. Certainly not right after I’ve written it. I’m way too close. And think about it–I’m seeing scenes, hearing dialogue, feeling emotions. But I have to distill all that into words–words you take into your brain and transform into pictures and action and emotions. Did it work? Only you know.
Writing often feels like sculpting in the dark to me. That’s why I work with two critique partners, trusted writer friends who read everything I write, even before my editor sees it. They’re my first set of eyes. They see clearly where my sculpture needs a little more work or a little smoothing of rough edges. My editor is my second.
You’re my third, and the ones who really matter, because it’s for you that I write. So let me know if you enjoy the book. And if you do enjoy it, let others know, too, please? Word of mouth is everything when it comes to books.
Go feral!