Yesterday, Brendan tiptoed into our bedroom(home of my office) with the grin of a Cheshire cat.
“Darling, guess what?”
He held a small package in his hand.
“It’s here?”
He nodded and held it out as if on a silver platter for me to open. My book proof had come. I pulled the tab and slid it out. My book. The culmination of a thousand starts and stops, tears, rewrites and re directions sat in my hands, my name on the cover. I like the cover.
I confess, I don’t know how other authors feel when they see their books in print for the first time. I’ve never thought to ask. There is something surreal about it, and I don’t think it’s fully sunk in. Writing is hard work. It takes practice and patience and gumption. It requires determination and fortitude. All of these thoughts have rattled around in my head since yesterday. And the work isn’t done. The final proofing will now begin.
But, the contemplation of process and pain, and questions of “am I good enough?” drift away as on a gentle breeze. None of those seem to matter now.
I mean, I absolutely hope my book will encourage someone, or bless them, make them laugh or sigh with hopeful longing. But the project has added so much to my life as a writer and as a person that I am content, I think. Whether anyone reads it, or likes it is now simply icing on the cake.
I’ve written a book. I’ve held it in my hands. That is no small thing, and I feel…satisfied.
For you authors, how did you feel when you first held (or saw the Kindle) of your first book? For those of you still in process, can you speculate?For anyone interested, there are still a few FREE copies to be had. AND there is still a week left to pre-order for 20% off the retail price. Click here to fill out the form requesting either or to volunteer to review it on your blog.
Laura Bennet - Author 
I can’t “like” this blog post because I’m not on WordPress. Nevertheless, I do like it!! How awesome! I’m excited for you. 🙂 Congratulations.
LikeLike
Thank you for reading, for liking and for helping me be a writer!! Love you!
LikeLike
Laura, I forget to mention last post that your cover looks awesome. You should be excited and proud to see your words in a book. I can’t wait to read it. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks! I’m glad someone else likes it. I thought I might be biased 🙂
LikeLike
How exciting and the story doesn’t end! I think (and hope) that this will open new avenues for you–thrills and adventures you have yet to experience–but I really hope many someones will read your book (your new baby 😉 ) and connect to your story. Congratulations!
LikeLike
Thank you! Yes, the story continues. I hope so too 🙂
LikeLike
Wonderful Laura! Congratulations!
LikeLike
Thanks, Jenni! Proofing is no picnic. Always learning about the writing world the hard way 🙂 I’m sure you know!
LikeLike
Wow. This was inspirational for me to read as a new writer. You pegged down exactly how I’m feeling and I can only hope to have that moment you describe here one day. Congrats to you! Hope all goes well with the selling end of your book!
LikeLike
Thank you, Megan! I’m so glad it was helpful. The writing world is a bit overwhelming to navigate. One step at a time. I’m still learning by trial, error and getting help from others 🙂
LikeLike