Well, it’s hard to believe that the time has finally come and gone, but this last week, I sent Perfectly Undone off into the world. On the day of the release of my debut novel, I realized that it had been almost 7 years to the day that I first started writing this story with no inclination of where it might one day end up. I certainly never expected that it would one day be featured in Redbook or chosen as a Today Show Fall Book Pick. It’s been a whirlwind beyond my wildest imagination.
On the day of release, my big plan was to check out my actual book on actual shelves! I met up with a couple of friends to visit the local bookstores and, with my fingers crossed, Walmart. I’d known it was a possibility that it could be on Walmart shelves but with these things, nothing is final until it’s final. I checked one Walmart that didn’t have it, but when I tried the second one, I squealed when I saw it sitting there, thrillingly close to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban!
A couple of days later, I had my very first book signing, something I had fantasized about for years! It was a surreal moment, driving to the event. I felt calm and anxious in equal amounts, my feelings only somewhat dampened by the fact that my poor husband was sick as a dog but accompanied me anyway. This was his night too, after all the years of supporting me–holding me as I cried when it felt like nothing was happening, celebrating me with every new milestone.
Almost everyone who has been a part of my journey since I moved to Colorado showed up and it was a humbling moment, I tell you. The thing about writing and publishing a book is that it happens in so many small, seemingly unnoticeable steps, and then one day, you stand back, and there’s this amazing thing you’ve created that’s taken on a life of its own. The same can be said for community, and it filled me with so much joy to be surrounded by all the people I loved.
I rounded out the week by teaching at and participating in an author showcase that was an absolute blast. And as if that wasn’t enough, I came home to flowers from my 7-year-pld and 5-year-old daughters that they picked out themselves. Mommy tears!
The most exciting week of my career couldn’t have been any better. And now, I settle into this new phase, and get back to work. That second book isn’t going to write itself! Next stop: Tempe, Arizona!
If you’d like to come to my next signing, check out the details on my Appearances page. To stay up-to-date on future events, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter!
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