Wow.
That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think of how much incredible support I’ve received from my family and friends with the release of my debut novel, Deception of a Highlander.
Writing a book that’s not set for publication is one thing, not just a romance novel, but any genre or poem or song. It’s uninhibited, an unfiltered deep part of you no one ever has privy to.
It’s an outpouring of reactions to experiences, an expression of fears and joys and sorrows, a compendium of the greater things you dream you could possibly be.
Which is fine because it’s curled around your heart and close to home. It’s guarded.
Then, joy of all joys – someone deems it worthy of publication.
But joy quickly gives way to trepidation and uncertainty as all the motions for publication fall into place and then it’s released.
Your heart. Your soul. Your dreams.
All bared for people to experience and judge.
I’ve developed a very thick skin in this industry, but I still felt as though I was jumping without a parachute and hoping I didn’t crush into the ground below.
What if everyone hates it? What if people think it’s foolish or awful?
I can take a deep breath and remind myself living through such a thing would only widen my ‘courage circle’, but deep down, I want my book to be well-received and liked.
And it was – by the love of so many incredible friends and family.
I had a release party in Africa I attended over the phone, where I judged a romance cover contest and read an excerpt from Possession of a Highlander.
I’ve seen pictures of my book from Japan and England and Canada and Alaska and one even on its way to Hawaii!
I’ve had incredible reviews posted not only by friends and family, but also by people who have never met me before – all of them so wonderful, I get a little choked up when I read them.
Confession: maybe it’s the mom-ness in me (cuz I swear those hormones never re-adjust) but I’m getting all weepy just thinking about how many people came out to support me – former classmates, co-workers, friends, fellow writers, family, what feels like every person I care about. 🙂
I even made #8 on the Kindle Best Seller’s list for Scottish Historical Romance – which was shocking to me. I could barely sleep that night thinking of how grateful I was to have such support from those I love.
So, I want to take this post to say thank you – to every person who read a blog post/author interview, or bought my book, or left a review, or attended my FB party, or read my book, or told a friend, or did a giveaway for me, or even just sent their positive vibes my way: thank you, thank you, thank you a million times over for absolutely everything you’ve all done to make this first book release, the unveiling of my soul, such a positive experience.
I truly am so fortunate to have you all in my life.
