The excitement that you feel when you get your ARCs can't be compared to the moment that you see the real deal. The final product. The book that you spent years working on. That is the moment that it hits you. "I am a published author. I have a book that a person can walk into a store and buy. People are going to read my book." And after you regain consciousness from fainting in fright, you pick up the first of your books and you open it with slightly trembling fingers and you immediately turn to the dedication page and the acknowledgements. You run your finger over the glossy cover and flip through the chapters. Some tears might be shed. Some piggy like squealing might be heard. And you say:
"My book! My book!"
That was the tweet I sent out with a copy of the picture shown above. I couldn't really do anything more. It's been a crazy time lately and I've hardly had a moment to myself, but this stopped me dead in my tracks. This made me sit and think about all I've gone through to realize a life long dream. I know that there are so many other things an author has to worry about - bad reviews, sales, returns, recoupment, next books, etc. But I'm not going to think about any of those things right now. I'm going to savor this moment. I'm going to cherish this moment. No matter what comes, no matter what happens, no one can take away this precious moment. The moment that I first laid eyes on my book and felt my heart swell with pride and happiness.
The moment I became a published author.
YAY Ellen! I saw this yesterday on FB and I squealed like a silly person! They are so pretty! You're one step closer, and I think it's safe to say that we're all really proud of you! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd a very beautiful book it is! Congrats on seeing your dream through, in all its shiny, hard-cover glory!
ReplyDeleteDon't you wish you could go back in time, tap yourself on the shoulder all those days you sat down and wrote even when you were feeling discouraged, and say: "Hang in there. It'll all be worth it!"
OMG ELLEN!!!!! This is so exciting. How did I miss that tweet the other night? Look at those gorgeous hardcovers. With your name on them!!! Can't wait to head to the bookstore come January and claim a copy for myself. Congrats, lady. <3
ReplyDeleteA great new year's present. So looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteSo exciting, Ellen! It's one thing that can never be taken away or diminished. You are a published author! With one hell of a book if I do say so myself. :) SO happy for you! :)
ReplyDeleteSo very cool! I cannot wait to hold my own copy of PROPHECY.
ReplyDeleteAw! This actually made me tear up a little! It's so beautiful, Ellen. I can't wait to have my very own copy I can keep forever.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you, Ellen! It's an amazing moment :)
ReplyDeleteEllen!!! This is so exciting. Congratulations!! I know a published author. I feel so cool. :) I've been using your delivery to calculate when my box will show up and I have about 5 weeks. That's crazy. I'm getting excited just thinking about it, I can't imagine how excited you were when it actually happened.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!! Cannot wait to get my hands on a copy!!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you Ellen. So gosh darn happy.
ReplyDeleteThis is so wonderful, Ellen. <3 <3
ReplyDeleteEllen, congratulations!! So happy for you--they're beautiful! ^_^
ReplyDeleteSo every excited for you Ellen! The cover is gorgeous and your book is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone!! I'm feeling pretty blessed and grateful for all I have and for what is to come!! And I'm so grateful to have so many friends and supporters!!
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