Last night as I was laying in bed not sleeping, a thought occurred to me on how to change Dying Embers. You know, that book I've been talking about because it's releasing like TOMORROW?
Of course, the thought also occurred to me on how I should've better designed the postcards I ordered yesterday to market Dying Embers. Yeah, those are a done deal.
And perhaps maybe last year I should've made myself known to the local bookstore owners, so that when I was ready to have a new book coming out I could pop down there and say 'hey guys, my book's finally ready'.
And obviously I should've kept in contact with all those people I've known over the years who would be tickled to find out I'm publishing a novel.
Needless to say, the night before the night before release day is not the time to be thinking of these things. And needless to say, I didn't get much sleep last night. The endless gerbil wheel of what-ifs and shouldawouldacouldas.
The only thing that helped was a simple thought: It's Too Late Now.
There are a lot of things I can do moving forward. First thing is to remind myself that Dying Embers is already the best book it can be. Sure, I could've done one more pass through reading (and I angsted over that for a good ten minutes at least) but I know I wouldn't have found anything else to polish.
Yes, I probably could've designed those postcards better, but I only ordered 50, they weren't expensive (like .26 each after shipping and taxes), and they'll suit my immediate purpose - to have something I can mail to friends and acquaintances so they have something they can hold in their hands. Next time, I'll leave more white space for a more personal message.
I didn't really have the money to hang out at the local bookstore, and it would've just been weird to wander around their store once a week or whatever, not buying anything so I could make sure they knew my name when the time came. (Quite honestly, I've stayed away from the bookstore because I've been on a tight book budget, and I know I would've blown quadruple that every freakin' time I stepped through the door. I know me.)
Yeah, all those people. My former customers, my ex co-workers, forgotten friends... They haven't really stumbled over themselves to stay in contact with me either. They're busy people, I'm a busy person. We all get that. I do know that some of my customers still ask about me from time to time, so hopefully when they ask, the answer will be 'she's published a novel'. As for old friends, I still have a few awesome friends from my time in FL, and we keep in touch via FB, so I'm not totally bereft.
I guess my point is... yeah, I had a point before I started this... is that this is pre-release jitters held up under a magnifying glass for all of you to see. I assume I'm not the only writer who does this - chime in published friends - and it's natural. Yeah, I'm going to worry over every word in that book because it's out there in the world and I can't change it now without totally upsetting the apple-cart and spilling Granny Smiths all over the street.
This is me. This is the process. And I'm trying to be as honest as I can about all this without scaring the hell out of potential readers.
Any questions?
BTW, the postcards are due to arrive 2/25 and I have a shortlist of people who'll be seeing one in the mail shortly thereafter. If you're interested in receiving a lovely 4x6" postcard, signed by me, let me know. They're basically the cover of the book on one side with the blurb on half of the other and space for an address on the other half of the other side.
Ack, now I have to work on my signature - which for checks and things is totally illegible and utilizes my full first name. Basically something like this: B~~~ S~~d~~~~~. 10 years ago, it was readable. Honest.
I find the BEST way to get over what you're feeling is to be writing another book. It certainly takes your mind off the old one.
ReplyDeleteBut it's funny, too, because my editor knows I'm the same way. When we were almost through with the edits, she'd send it to me and tell me not to fiddle with it anymore, just fix the mistakes (or look for typos). It's easier to fiddle with it when you're self-publishing, though. You don't have a publisher's deadline breathing down your neck. But resist. The book will NEVER be done in your eyes, so just let it go.
As for your signature... I pretty much sign my books with just my first name. Unfortunately, that doesn't work when someone wants me to sign their book bag (that happens at conventions). I'm still working on signing my last name so that it doesn't look like my official signature. Not so easy! Now, if I had gone with my maiden name, I wouldn't have a problem at all. Funny how that is, huh?
For some reason, Blogger isn't emailing all comments like they should, so I just noticed yours for approval Stacy.
DeleteYeah, I should be working on the next book. The edits have been ready since like December, but my head's been too cluttered with this book. And I did resist. When I finished that last edit pass over the weekend, I promised myself NO MORE.
Yeah, I'll be going with B.E. Sanderson for the author signature, I just want to make the Sanderson part legible. LOL Oh man, I didn't even think about doing that to make it so it's not my legal signature, but that's so whacked out, I don't think I'd use it anyway.
Every. Dang. Book. I think this makes you a "real" writer now. LOLOL (And yes, you were a real writer before!) Welcome to the Kool-Aid, B.E. It comes in so many flavors. Congrats again on the milestone. I can't wait to read my final copy of it.
ReplyDeleteGood to know I'm normal. (Or as normal as we writers ever are, Silver.) Dang, and I've been so good about staying away from all the other Kool-Aids. Thanks! I can't wait for you to be able to read it. =o)
DeleteMy new favorite saying is: Don't look back. Once it's out there it's done.
ReplyDeleteOf course, you can officially revise it in a few years, if something bugs you enough. I recently put out the second edition of Elephant's Breath and London Smoke. I figure if Tolkien can do it, so can we. ;-)
Hmm. Signatures. I guess I'll just sign my fiction with D.J. No one (except friends) has asked me to autograph my nonfiction.
Woulda, coulda, shoulda. In ten years, you'll have realized all your worrying was for naught.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the moment. You only get one first book debut in a lifetime. :)