Sunday, June 30, 2013

Just Another Party!

My book launch party on June 14th went so well that I decided to do another one! The opportunity came for me to visit my hometown of Henderson, Nevada over the fourth of July weekend. And it has been too long since I have ventured down south. I can't remember the last time I visited Henderson. All I know is that it was a few kids ago (sometimes the amount of children is the only was I can decipher time periods nowadays). 

I am really excited to get back and catch up with old friends and see people who have been an example to me growing up. And what better way to get together than to throw a book party! I am still trying to get over the nervousness and the more than slight awkwardness that I feel when I throw myself a party, but I will survive.


During my first Launch Party I was overwhelmed by the amount of people who came out to show their support. There were more people than I had expected, which was a pleasant surprise. And now that a handful of those people have finished my book, I am getting to hear their thoughts on Going Home, and it is surreal. I am grateful for those people's comments and feedback. It makes all the work this past year worthwhile.


I believe that this second party will be just as great as the first!







Wednesday, June 12, 2013

It's Almost Time!

My Book Launch Party is almost here. I don't have a lot of time until Friday, and I am super stressed. I think I have cried more these last few days than I have in a long time. I finally have all of my formats done and uploaded onto their sites. I am still waiting for my print version through Amazon to approve my cover page changes. My title was just 1/16 of an inch off! But it was too noticeable.

Once I finally got everything changed and ready, I was hit with the worst news yet. My books won't be shipped to me in enough time for my launch party. I will be receiving them some time next week. So I will be having a launch party without any books! I feel very incompetent and more that a little embarrassed right now. Even though most of the problem was completely out of my control, it still doesn't make me feel any better.

I feel bad for the people who do still come to my book-less party, because they are most likely coming out of pity. At least I will have some cookies to give them for their trouble.

I would change my party for another day, one where I can actually have my books, but June 14th is important. It is a very significant date in my novel and in my life actually. This Friday will be the sixth year anniversary of my baby boy's death. This book and this party is for him, so I feel like I can't change it. So we are carrying on, even if the situation is less than ideal. Here's to hoping everything works out!

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

The Craziness Is Almost Over!

Late last night I sent my manuscript off to my formatter. I can't believe that I am that much closer to actually holding a physical copy of my book. I will be getting Going Home formatted to the Kindle, Smashwords, and Createspace.

I swear that I have read more blogs, and information sites involving publishing your own novel than anyone on the planet! I am grateful for all of those smart people out there who are willing to share their vast knowledge to those who know little about publishing on their own. I hope that after this process, I will be able to help someone else fulfill their dream of writing and publishing their own book. It was extremely hard, but very worth it. And my journey is far from over!

I am now currently trying to get ready for my book launch party, which I am planning on having on June 14th. That date holds a certain significance in my novel, and in my life. The idea of throwing a party where people come to buy my book and talk to me kind of freaks me out! I like to think of myself as more of a reserved person, but it has to be done, I guess.

Hopefully, after the end of next week, things will start to slow down and the stress will ease slightly, so I can enjoy my summer. By then I will have my novel available in multiple places, and I will just have to wait and see if people like it. I get a little nervous every time I think of someone besides family reading my book, but I know I need to get over that, or at least pretend that I am not self-conscious.

Then after all the work is done ... I'll start writing my next novel. So much for a stress free summer. But I wouldn't have it any other way!