Miracle in a Dry Season officially launches four weeks from tomorrow. When I first got the release date all those months ago, I imagined a sort of mass “unveiling” on Tuesday, August 5. Turns out that’s not quite how it works.
I already have a copy of my novel since the printing was moved up so we’d have copies to hand out at the International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta last month. I’ve not only held my book, but have signed and given away 240 copies. Copies people could very well be reading even now.
And, of course, the e-version releases July 29. And even the print copies releasing August 5 may be mailed a little early. So, Release Day is less of an official holiday than I had envisioned.
Which, I think, is just fine. I like to make a big deal of things. Sometimes to the point that the deal is bigger than the thing. And sometimes I end up disappointed because my big deal isn’t all that big to everyone else. God knows this about me.
So a release that’s kind of spread out, happening a bit here and a bit there, takes the pressure off. I can be excited about my novel entering the world from now until, well, I get tired of being excited about it. I can be excited handing out books in Atlanta and then take a break. I can be excited when my parents get the copies I sent them and then relax. I can be excited when my friends and family come to my launch party on August 3 and then just get on with life. I can be excited every time a new reader finds my book and lets me know something inside spoke to her heart.
I thought I wanted a BIG DAY when the book would be unveiled. But I like this better. It’s like getting little treats one after another rather than a single feast. And if one treat isn’t quite what I hoped? Hang on a minute, the next one could be utterly delicious.
Twas a “big day” for me to receive my copy signed by my talented daughter and a very happy/sad day when I finished the last page. Happy because it was so good and sad because I have to wait for a whole year for the next book! I imagine the day I see it on the shelf in a book store and someone else taking it to the front to purchase it will be a pretty exciting day. Will I whisper (or shout) “Hey! My daughter wrote that book and you’re gonna LOVE it”?
And remember, one of your many jobs as my mom is to “front” my book when you see it at the bookstore. That means you take it off the shelf and turn it cover out so everyone can see those pretty peaches! ; )
I am so glad that my fellow book lovers will be able to get their hands on your book. Miracle in a Dry Season is a wonderful story, and like your mom, I can’t wait for the next one, I won this book as a giveaway and I’m so glad I did. It has made me a true fan of yours and it will be my pleasure to “promote” your work. After reading Miracle….they won’t help but become a fan too!
Blessings to you Sarah!
Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed the book–that’s what makes this writing business worthwhile!