My debut novel (Going Through the Change) launched just two weeks ago. The few months leading up to it was a frenzy of activity, lining up promotional opportunities and planning my launch party. I was so busy! There was barely time to think and that was probably good, because there also wasn't time to drown myself in doubt. There was simply too much to do.
Now, that has slowed a little bit. And I find myself up here on the small mountain I just climbed, looking out at the horizon and feeling a bit of, "Well, now what?"
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I guess I expected to feel more like I had finished something. Maybe I should have a planned some kind of graduation ceremony for myself. On book launch day (a Thursday), I wasn't celebrating: I took my little girl to the dentist and worked on last minute party shopping. But adult life is like that: the milestones just happen on a random day and you still have to do the dishes. (I celebrated on Saturday with a wonderful book launch party at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill).
And now, it's already about the next steps: finding new promotional opportunities, going to book fairs and cons, finding an agent to help me sell the heck out of all the rights we can, writing the next book, incorporating as an author, learning the business of how the business of all this works. Whew!
Still, I am living my dream. (My dreams require a lot of elbow grease, apparently.)
How do you celebrate the milestones of your writing life? And once you've gotten there, now what?
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I understand that feeling, Samantha. I liken it to the feeling I had the day after I graduated from college and the day after I brought my first child home. There was so much excitement leading up to the event, and then, not quite so much. What happened to all the fanfare and activity. The good news (just like with a new baby) there are more milestones to look forward to. The book will gain accolades, you will go to those cons, you will start getting fan mail from total strangers that loved your book, people will start seeking you out, and on and on. Take a deep breath and enjoy the afterglow for a while.
ReplyDeleteYou're right! A lot of milestones have felt like that now that I think about it. Good advice!
DeleteStart writing again. Your audience will expect another book from you (or two) delight them when there is one.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I still write every day and have almost finished the sequel. I'm hoping to send it to the publisher at the end of May.
DeleteOh, I sooo feel you there. I had almost the same reaction when I published my first book. It was almost anti-climatic in a way.
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear things are going well!
Anti-climatic is a good description.
DeleteIt would help if I reached a milestone or two first.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the release.
God, Entertainment, & Annoying Things
LOL. Thanks! There's a reason they call them milestones, you know: miles to go.
DeleteCongrats on the release of your book! I am reading it (well, not right now, as I am writing to you) and love the premise. I can't wait to see where it goes!
ReplyDeleteToday I finished another draft, so novel #2 is inching closer to completion. I celebrated by spending some time in the sunshine NOT working. I write better when I'm refreshed anyway. Yes, something always has to be done, but I always suggest taking a time out, even a short one, to acknowledge this success.
That's good advice, Nadine! I do forget to take time off and reward myself that way.
DeleteCongrats on your book release! I could relate to what you said. When I sold my first magazine article, I was juggling opening the acceptance with a very messy toddler. I guess regular life keeps us humble.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have great plans, and I hope you're get to have that graduation party!
Thanks Jenni! It could be fun. We'll get caps and gowns and everything. :-)
DeleteYes, take a little time to savior your success, then on with the next one, plus keep promoting and marketing, so double the work. But don't we love it? Don't we?
ReplyDeleteThat's been one of the struggles already. Now, I really need social media outreach time AND writing time.
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