In just over six months my novel will be on store shelves. People will read it (I hope) and they’ll have opinions about it. I’ve known for a while that this was the plan. But in the past week it’s begun to feel very much REAL.
The Baker Publishing Group catalog for New Releases May-August 2014 arrived in my mailbox last week. And there, on page 47 between Elizabeth Camden and Lauraine Snelling (you know REAL authors), is my novel. There’s the cover, back cover copy, vital information (like price and number of pages), and a bio that’s about ME. Oh, and an 800 number so stores can order copies.
Then, a few days later, I discovered that my novel is on GoodReads. And get this. People have marked it as to-read! TEN of them including Joanne Bischoff (the other author who writes Appalachian Romance). Other than Joanne I don’t even know these people. Larissa, Mackenzie, Katie, Brooke, A.F., Kristy, Becca, Virginia, and Mybucklingbookshelf are interested in reading my book. And they aren’t even related to me!
How cool is that!?! And how intimidating. I can’t wait to hear what readers think. I can’t wait for the message of forgiveness I hope I managed to convey begins to reach people. And at the same time I suddenly wish I could start all over and make it perfect. Because it’s SO not perfect. And I want it to be perfect before I give it over to the wide world.
Back in college we studied something called reader response criticism that basically says everyone’s interpretation of what they read is valid because each person brings his or her own history, feelings, emotions, and personality to reading. I like that.
I think it’s almost time to let go of what I want the book to say and let it speak for itself. Because ultimately it’s not about what I try to communicate, but what God uses my words to say to readers. And that, my friends, is both wonderful and terrifying.
Meet Sarah
… and they’re not even related to you!
Cause you HAVE to read my books. These folks? Totally by choice.
Make that 11. 🙂 Don’t think we are related but I think we are practically neighbors. I do love to read Appalachian stories since the Blue Ridge Mountains is my home. I look forward to reading your debut. Congrats!
It’ll be a dozen before we know it! So glad to connect with another fan of Appalachia–it’s the best place on earth!
Oh my goodness…I am terrified as well! Mine comes out in October (nonfiction, Beacon Hill Press), and I am already worried about Amazon reviews. The book is like my heart on a page being displayed for all to see! I am working on developing thicker skin before October..haha! And I did sign up for Writers Bootcamp at the Cove again this year. You’re going, right? Can’t wait to see you!!
Yay! Can’t wait to see you at Bootcamp. We may have to play hooky at some point and go wallow in our angst somewhere!
Yes, I can see how it would be both wonderful and terrifying. The whole process of writing, getting an agent, getting a publisher, all of it, seems to me to be both of those. Congratulations again!
Kind of like life, right?
That cover is just so beautiful. I can’t wait to read your work. How exciting!
I’m a little bit in love with that cover, myself!
I am SO looking forward to this book!!!
I’ll be singing from the rooftops when it comes out.
My Canadian PR team . . .
You bet, Sarah!!
I am super excited for your new book, dear Sarah! Woo Hoo! I’m so glad we “pre-celebrated” years ago at She Speaks, but it’s time to celebrate once again! I’ll get the confetti ready! Can’t wait to get my copy! 🙂
Sparkly red confetti with little hearts!
Woo-hoo! That must feel so amazing! I am still working on the rough draft of my first book, but so hoping I will get to this fun stage also. Bravo! Enjoy it all! Susie
It does feel amazing. Kind of like the top of the roller coaster hill!