No, not that first time. Today is a monumental day for me in two ways. One, my daughter who is the only girl in my brood, starts High School. She is incredibly excited. I am torn between apprehension of how much the future will beat up my wonderful, optimistic, angel (smile) and equal excitement for all the great things ahead in her life.
And second, one of my manuscripts, Numbers Never Lie, debuts today. This is not my first manuscript but it is the first one that has caught the eye of a publisher. Therefore, I have similar emotions simmering about it. I am apprehensive that readers will not share the same affection for my characters that I had while writing it. Perhaps some of the subject matter will offend a few (there’s an interracial relationship, some offensive language, and a death or two (after all it’s a suspense novel). On the other hand, the situations are pretty realistic and I love the way my hero is torn between his career and values vs. his desire for the heroine. His need to keep business and pleasure separate has him tied up in knots. Her loss of family in early years has made her afraid to invest in anyone else. Especially when that someone seems to have ties to danger that follows her. How they manage to stay alive and build a relationship is heartwarming. I hope readers will see that.
Regardless of my fears, I have to let go – send my “children” off into the word, and let the chips fall where they may. For my daughter, I am excited for the possibilities ahead and I pray she will enjoy all the greatest adventures and success. For my book, which will quickly be followed by two more in November, and February, this is a wonderful beginning. I can only hope that people will enjoy it and it will find a substantial readership. So, in a way, it is another first for me. A first step from writing to authorship.
Today is a day of firsts.
Do you have a first to share? I’d love to hear about it.
To Buy At Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Numbers-Never-Lie-ebook/dp/B008PW30GG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346067881&sr=8-1&keywords=Numbers+Never+Lie
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/numbers-never-lie-shelley-k-wall/1112418279?ean=9781440551437
I love how you compare the letting go of your daughter to the letting go of your book. They are so similar. We don’t know what the future will bring for either our books or our children, but we hope for the best. At the very least, we, (our children, our writing, and we, as authors), will grow from the experience and come out better people on the other side. It is a time ripe with fears and hopes–here’s wishing you all the best!
Congrats, Shelley! I hope you have a million sales, and that your daughter has the best four years of her life!
You’re right. Letting your actual “baby” or your paper/electronic one go is difficult. But it’s also a sign of how hard you worked to make it happen and how much you’ve accomplished to get both to this point. So enjoy it.
Congratulations, Shelley. Your life will never be the same. High school girls, well, you remember… !! Proud mom and proud author go well together. Here’s to success for you and yours, always!
Congratulations Shelley!!! On your debut release and for your daughter’s next chapter in life. May your days be filled with many sales. I love the premise of this book, can’t wait to read it!!!
Thanks so much to all of you for your well wishes! Hugs back.