A Holiday Book Launch ~ What Really Goes Through an Author’s Mind

For a début novelist, launching a book at the holiday season is a bit like birthing a baby on a roller coaster surrounded by sugar-plum fairies and candy canes…and wondering if anyone’s watching.

Think: elation meets sheer panic.

While an author’s first (published) book is a triumphant accomplishment, it’s also a season of utter exhaustion and terror. (Click-to-Tweet)

We’re excited for the world to finally meet our “first-born,” but we worry, too, will people think she’s beautiful?

Will they like her? Love her? See her with the same adoring eyes as I?

The questions that plague a new author aren’t so different from those of multi-published novelists except for the fact that other than family and our social media friends, we don’t yet have an established fan base.

We don’t yet have readers who will gladly climb the highest mountain and sail the deepest sea (*insert melodramatic eye-roll*) to lay hands on our shiny, brand new baby, despite her newness and maybe a dimple. Because being new isn’t bad, and dimples are cute, right?

It’s a poignant thought. One that kick-starts myriad emotions and induces wave after wave of roiling…nausea. (With a twist.) We like it! (Click-to-Tweet) 

We like that our baby’s finally arrived and ready to view.

We’re proud that our hard work’s come to fruition.

We pray that, maybe—just maybe—she’ll add joy to someone’s less than stellar day.

Still, we wonder if our book baby is worthy of the oohs and aahs that friends and family utter upon first glance—if their praise, after having glimpsed our heart beyond the pretty cover, is truly warranted.

Perhaps, they’re just being nice—saying all the right things one might to any new parent. After all, who’s going to rain on a new mom’s book parade?

Then again, there is the possibility that our baby merits the kudos and kindness.

If others (who aren’t close friends or family) offer words of adulation, maybe the buzz really is authentic. Maybe there is something to our little story of life, love, and second chances. Maybe in the midst of the newness and dimples, hope resonates.

Maybe our baby isn’t perfect, but perhaps, she’s not meant to be. Perhaps, she’s merely the conduit to point others toward the One who is.

May this thought ground me, not only as I launch a book, but as I focus on higher things, too.

 

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SHARING IS CARING

 

What launching a début novel at the holiday season is really like. One author’s perspective.

(Click-to-Tweet)

 

THOUGHTS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

 

Her Hope Discovered: A Behind-the-Scenes Peek

Get to know your new friends and neighbors in Ruby, Missouri—the little town in the Ozarks that’s never met a stranger.

 

How are you celebrating the holiday season?

How do you stay grounded when something exciting, yet scary, happens?

 

Original Image Credit: Aaron Burden / Unsplash

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Purchase options available (above) in the side bar->

E-book on sale January 1, 2019! 

 

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Watch for news and updates in my January newsletter. Lots of fun things ahead ~ Sign up today and join my newsletter family!

Until then, Merry CHRISTmas! ♥

Much Love and Many Blessings,