Sign on the LINES--

​Well, the book is published.  I think of that as a personal milestone, but the public part of this experience is just beginning, and I’m trying to take it all in stride.  I have to admit that I’ve been uneasy when asked to sign a copy.  Seriously, Mom?  Those who are asking for signatures are people I’ve known for years, and in my mother’s case, my entire life!  I never imagined that I’d feel uneasy, but I do.   

I have to keep reminding myself of an article I read about the transition from personal writing to public sharing.  The author said something along the lines that no matter the praise or criticism we receive, a writer should take pride in the accomplishment of writing a book, that it’s okay to be proud, even if we acknowledge that next time we might do things differently or that we hope to get better at the craft.  In making the decision to let go and publish a book-length work, we need to accept the fact that people are going to read it, and good or bad... YOU WROTE A BOOK!

It’s easier with strangers. I randomly picked a G-Lines subscriber winner, so Traci Walker was notified, and I chuckled when I saw her tweet her joy.  She’s tweeting about LINES—? I signed her copy, packaged it, and went to the post office.  Did I just send out a giveaway novel?  Ha!  I wrote a book!  The anxiety subsided for a moment and was replaced with a hint of excitement.  Embrace this like you’ve embraced every step of the writing journey, Geralyn.  

So, now what?

• I might have a release party at the end of January.  I know I’ll feel supported because, if it happens, it will take place at my favorite coffee house, The Friendly Coffee Lounge.
• Then there’s a local book store, The Looking Glass, where I might have a book signing. I’ll need to get over this signing issue before then!
• My local library is sponsoring LINES-- for the Soon to be Famous Illinois Author Project.  When the application is complete, the ebook version will go live.
• I’m working with a talented group from the Writer’s Digest community in creating an anthology of stories, essays, and  poems.
• G-Lines will be my hobby throughout the school year.

And as for the “novel-in-progress” that I’ve been talking about for a decade?  Next summer I’ll get back to using that phrase because I think Livia’s family has another story to tell!  Yikes!
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