Insanity.
That would be the best word to describe what it’s like preparing for the release of my debut novel.
Sure, I’m also in the throes of planning a large fundraising event for our adoption, which is a whole other box of crazy. But still….
Insanity.
Completely fun, substantially stressful insanity.
Filled with highs….
- Encouraging emails from readers
- Hearing that Wildflowers will be sold in select Sam’s Clubs
- Working with some really great women on an online launch party of epic proportions
- Sharing an incredibly exciting time with such a supportive group of friends and family
- Emailing and chatting with my amazing marketing director, Amy Haddock
A few lows….
- Panicking about spoilers. I’m pretty much over this now, but it did induce hyperventilation at first.
- Getting my first bad review. I thought I had thicker skin. But nope, I don’t. Being a people-pleaser and an author is not a good combination. I’ve never been too good at shaking things off. Especially words.
- Total insecurity over book two. You’d think the positive reviews would boost my confidence, right? They do. I appreciate every single one. But they also totally wig me out. Because what if I let everybody down with my next book?
And mostly, the daily grind…
- Finishing book 2 so I could send it off to my fabulous editor
- Writing blog posts and interviews and guest posts
- Mailing out ARCs
- Staying on top of emails and welcome pack sign ups (I love sending these out! You can sign up by scrolling down and looking left.)
- Driving around to local bookstores and churches to hand out bookmarks and postcards
- Preparing for a launch party at Books-A-Million
- Spreading the word about book signings in Minneapolis
- Brainstorming and trying new things, like the Wildflowers from Winter blog hop
The other day, I was chatting online with Erica Vetsch about the craziness and she said:
All the details are like getting nibbled by ducks.
I had to laugh because it’s very true. I think I’m on top of everything and then all of sudden, it’s like, “Ow! Shoot, okay, I have to do that…” And then, “Ow! Shoot, okay, there’s that over there.” And then, “Ow! Dang it, I can’t forget about that.”
It’s funny. I’m living my dream, you know? For so long, I’ve wanted to get a book published.
Now that it’s happening, I have to remind myself to take a deep breath and soak it in.
The whole thing reminds me of this quote from Felicity (any old-school Felicity fans out there?).
She and Ruby are talking about this boy Felicity followed to New York City. His name’s Ben and he ends up falling in love with her.
Ruby says, “How many girls get to date their fantasy?”
And Felicity says, “Fantasies are beautiful and shallow. The actual relationship is a whole different thing.”
Me thinks those are some wise words.
Fantasy and reality are never the same.
Reality is deeper and better, but also….more real.
With rough spots and low spots and inglorious spots interspersed with awesome spots and happy spots and a whole lot of this-is-hard-work spots.
It’s a crazy, sometimes overwhelming ride.
One that requires a large quantity of grace (I’m pretty good at extending grace toward others, not the best at extending it toward myself) and a large quantity of organization.
A ride I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Let’s Talk: Give me an inside look at your life right now. What are some highs? What are some lows? What is your daily grind?
I’m thrilled for you, Katie! Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts about this process in the midst of all the craziness. Blessings!
Katie, it’s been awhile since I stopped over here but I followed the link you left at Rachelle’s blog. I really appreciate what you have to say- and I especially appreciate the Felicity quote. 🙂
I’m starting to write the query for my first novel. It’s been a slow process and part of this is realizing this may be the last time I get to set my schedule. So I’m not putting pressure on myself quite yet. It can be hard to remember to enjoy the moment while we’re in the middle of it but I hope you can bask in this huge accomplishment for at least a little while.
I just discovered your blog and I love it! You have a new follower. 🙂 I am just starting my journey to becoming a writer, so I loved reading your blog today. It sounds so exciting… in a crazy I love it kind of way!!
Oh my goodness, I can relate to this SO much. And it sounds like you’re even busier than me!!!
My craziness has been family stuff plus writing stuff. I haven’t had any bad reviews really, except one that was in a different language, lol, and 3 stars is still not bad, but I know they’re coming. And if they don’t…well, like you I’m totally freaked that people will hate my next work or be disappointed. *sigh* Overall though, just like you said, it’s a wonderful kind of insanity!
High. A cleaner!
I realize this is completely random but it’s true. I’ve recently returned to work full-time, my husband is in Ministry and we have a seven month old speed crawling ninja.
It would be fair to say my husband has on occasion struggled to find clean clothes to wear to work while the pile of dirty laundry resembles Mount Everest.
When I semi-finaled in Genesis I freaked out. How do I work and be a Pastor’s wife and a Mum and write and have a bathroom not growing mushrooms?!
Today we’ve found someone to come around once a fortnight for a couple of hours and deal to the mushrooms. I’m so happy I could cry.
you’re not going to believe this. well, maybe you will. Felicity happens to be one of my all-time fav series. in fact, i’m rewatching it right now…just started CD 1 of season 3. i just relate so well to her.
anyway….thanks for sharing an inside look into your craziness. also glad you shared erica’s quote, b/c i had no idea what the duck was pictured for. 🙂
Wow! Love hearing that Wildflowers from Winter will be in Sam’s Club. Am looking forward to the blog tour and the “launch party of epic proportions.” =)
Katie, absolutely. I love the way you put it. It is very, very real to publish–in all the good and bad ways. You have done a fantastic job thus far, and I look forward to seeing your debut touch many people. And yes, giving oneself grace is a big challenge in this profession, but it’s crucial because others will not always give us grace, so we must create the space for it in our own lives. Someone was just talking to me about that the other day, as I had a mini meltdown about whether I could do everything that I wanted and still make my deadline for my third novel. Grace is a big part of this journey, because we will never, ever, create the perfection that we dream. And that’s OK.
Trying to write my second novel with an uncooperative heroine, while not obsessing about my FIRST novel being in the hands of the agent I want more than anything. All while preparing for a conference in three weeks. And that’s just writing. Then there’s job uncertainty, hubs’s chronic illness and inability to get his medications sorted out (and paid for), trying to figure out OUR adoption timeline, and what the heck is going on with the Salvatore brothers?!?! Stresssss!!! Also maybe how to rest in Jesus in the midst of all that.
Oh yeah….so hard not obsessing. Good luck with that. 😉 But hold up….did I know you were adopting?? I feel like I’m being incredibly flighty right now. I feel like I should have known about Joanne and I feel like I should have known about you (probably did know at one point, but it slipped out of my slippery brain). Tell me more!!
Eeeeek! I didn’t know that your book with be sold in select Sam’s Clubs! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’m so excited for you! I’m learning so much from your crazy, wonderful publishing ride. Keep these wonderful posts coming. I’m cheering you on!!
Thanks for getting excited with me! Yeah…when my editor sent me that email, I was pretty stoked and a little shocked.
Thanks for being such a great cheerleader, Donna!
Inside look eh… Last two weekends opening night for two three kids in two plays, one over night field trip I chaperoned in between and that’s the short story… Now I must dig into my current proposal, write promised blog posts, keep up on social media and think about the continued marketing of my released book all while planning for summer activities. One high, is that the insanity stopped after my book launch but the ducks now quack in my ear saying, “shouldn’t you be doing something more?”
So the ducks don’t stop?? Uh-oh….
Enjoy the ride, Katie! – so thrilled for you!
Thanks Loree!
Katie, I love how you openly share the highs and lows like this. There are challenges at each stage of the writing life, aren’t there?
As for my daily grind, I’m typing this comment with one hand because my other one is busy holding my snuggly daughter. That pretty much sums up my life these days. 🙂
Aw! Cuddles with your little girl. Nothing better than that.
Katie, you are on track to being a huge influence and motivator of woman. Your blog posts and sweet and genuine interactions reveal an excitement about life in general and a bubbly joy in your journey that you happily share with us. I can hardly wait to read Wildflowers in Winter!
Highs? 3 Amazing boys who keep us laughing and on our toes. Finishing my MS and knowing did my best. Knowing I’m a solid friend to those around me.
Lows? Well, my own Katie’s life choices. Physical health that is not so hot. Confidence that I’ll find an agent and get published.
Ducks are good at honking at us and keeping us hopping. But they’re also excellent team players. The one in the front of the V formation is given honks of encouragement (scientific research here) until another duck flies up and takes the place of the weary leader.
Ducks are good for everyone.
Aw, thanks Jennifer! You, my dear, are the queen at making me smile and laugh. Love your sense of humor and your general goofiness. It’s a breath of fresh air.
So sorry about your lows. Not easy at all.
I like ducks. In fact, ducks are mentioned in my debut!
You’re welcome! As long as the air is fresh, I’m good.
The lows can be brutal, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for everything. My daughter will clue in one day, my back will stop hurting…And I’m thinking of joining the next Survivor cast. It’s called Survivor-Query Island. You won’t believe the Immunity challenges!
But you see that list? Your highs are way longer than the lows!
Wish there was something I could do to help. Long distance relationships are so often the pits.
The Deb’s haven’t forgotten my offer have you? I want to do something for you ladies! 😀
So true! Way longer! I love the way you look at things, Casey.
We haven’t forgotten. At least I haven’t! Perhaps an announcement of some sort? Maybe a sneak peek for what’s to come on the 15th?
I just saw the 15th announcement, wow, quite the event! I don’t want to take from that at all…so maybe something would be better a bit later. Just something I can throw for you gals, since I’m just so stinkin’ excited. ;D
I never watched Felicity. 🙁
Nothing like being nibbled to death by ducks, is there?
You’re doing great. No nibbling has overtaken you but such as is common to authors. 😀
It’s a good one. A very quotable show. Love chatting with you, Erica!
I’m so excited for you!
Katie, I loved Felicity! No surprise there, eh?
And it is a solid quote. Green grass, man. Did I just sound like a hippie or what?
Loved talking with you today. You’re on solid ground. You have the MOST HIGH GOD calling you forth, prompting you in this whole writing gig. And I’m having a blast watching it play out b/c you are bringing Him glory!
~ Wendy
I didn’t know you loved Felicity. Yet another thing we have in common. Thanks for the encouragement this morning, Wendy.
Oy, Katie… albeit part of the process, bad reviews are no fun. I love that you mention Amy as being one of the highs. I’ve been working with her for the past few months and she is amazing. You’re getting down to the wire, now. Congratulations! Enjoy every moment 🙂
Joanne….I think I win the flighty award! I didn’t realize until just now (or perhaps I knew at one point but forgot??) that you are a Waterbrook/Multnomah author! How exciting that your book is coming out this October! Will you be at the ACFW conference?
Amy is AH-MA-ZING. I heart her.
I haven’t had the pleasure of reading Wildflowers from Winter, but your blog posts and your writing style are beautiful, and even without reading your book, I have a distinct sense of your voice as an author. I know your second book will be just as amazing as your first.
Highs right now, discovering this amazing writing community online! I’ve only been blogging seriously since February, but I’ve already found so many beautiful, faith filled writers that I’m thanking God for every day! I had no idea this community existed.
Lows, I’ve been waiting patiently for eight years to start writing, but I find I am still not in a place where I can do it well or effectively. I have four kiddos, 7, 5, 2 & 2 (the last two are ACTIVE twin boys) and I battled keeping my life balanced and productive. It’s a struggle, but I know it’s worth it and it’s something I’m called to do.
As I read your post, though, I’m thinking God knows what’s best. I can’t imagine doing all the things you’re doing for your debut right now with my children in the back seat of the mini-van! My time will come, but it will be in His time. Good luck with everything! I live 100 miles northwest of Minneapolis – I’ll check out the link above and see what the dates are for your book signing!!
Gabrielle – thank you so much for the kind words about my writing style. Super uplifting!
And wow, girl! You are one busy mama. Twin boys!! My head is spinning a little. So much work, but I’m sure it has plenty of wonderful moments too. Twin boys is double the energy/destruction but also double the fun/laughs.
You’er so right – it’s all in God’s timing.
I would love to see you on the 18th/19th if you’re around!
I love this. I love the realistic look at what a dream coming true can feel like…I hope in the midst of all the crazy busyness, you get plenty of time to soak it in!
High: I get to go to South Carolina this week and hang out with some of my favorite ladies.
Low: I have a ridiculous amount of work to get done before then…and a little niggle of dread in my stomach that it’s going to mean several late nights at work…eek!
No fun about the late night – but way fun about having time with friends!
Katie,
One thing I know for sure …”it’s all true all at the same time.” that may even be the subtitle of Tawanda Bee’s diaries (I write under that name to protect the innocent :))
anyway, I cannot selectively feel. If I am going to live open hearted, then I get all of it…great joy and excitement AND fear and sadness and hurt feelings over a less than stellar review. When those things happen, I say to God, “thank you for showing me I am living with gusto!” it helps me remember he is with me in those moments too.
I LOVE this attitude Deborah. Seriously seriously love. As I love your pen name.
Great post, Katie! Loved the duck analogy. Made me smile. 😀
Low right now: A beta reader gave me some pretty harsh feedback. Some good advice. But if I take it all, I’d pretty much be writing a different book. So…trying to wade through all my feedback and choose what I can do, what I can’t do, etc.
High right now: I’ve realized how much support I already have in the writing community. I have people I can email when I get discouragement like the low I mentioned above. And that, to me, is amazing, considering I just started really diving into this community last October. Already I’ve formed friendships that I know will last. Isn’t that nuts?
God is good. In everything. Every moment. Even when I’m low. 🙂
Good luck with the craziness!
You’re so right, Lindsay! In fact, sometimes I feel Him more strongly in my lows.
So sorry you got the harsh feedback. That is no fun at all. I wish you much wisdom and discernment as you figure out what’s best for your career. 🙂
Right now — I’m a duck!
😉
I think it’s AWESOME that your second book is already close to being finished when your first comes out! That’s such an accomplishment!
And I think you’ve done a great job w/publicity, so just keep doing what you’re doing.
If you think about it, when you’re getting your chapters critiqued or edited, pre-publication, different people will like and dislike different things. It’s sort of like that w/those bad reviews, I would think. Some people may love something and others may not find it up their alley. But sounds like the OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of readers love your book! AND you can know you’ve reached people w/your story for Christ. And that’s the best fulfillment any writer could ask for.
I love your enthusiasm, Heather! Thanks so much for the encouragement. Last night my husband said, “You weren’t planning on pleasing the world, were you?” He said it in a very gentle way. But his point was well-received.
In Sam’s Club?! That’s awesome! What an accomplishment for a CBA debut! Very excited for you…for all of this…
Isn’t it funny that we never reach the ‘happily ever after’ that we write about in books and movies? If our stories ended with the signing of a book contract, or the wedding, or the delivery of the baby, it’s such a nice closing point for the music to come up. But, thankfully, we always have another chapter–and more opportunities for happy endings.
I was super excited when my editor emailed me that bit of news. Thanks for being excited with me, Kathy!
You’re so right….there are many happy moments in our lives, where the story could end. But we keep pressing onward and wait for THE ultimate happy ending. When Christ returns.
Love the Felicity reference 🙂 So excited about your debut, and it looks like you’ve done an excellent job promoting it! My daily grind looks like day-job, family, write, repeat.
I was a HUGE Felicity fan back in the day. Loved her and Ben.
Thanks for the kind words, Julie. To be 100% honest, I don’t know what I’m doing half the time.
Aw, that duck is smoochie-cute! Katie, you are doing a fabulous job promoting humbly just by keeping it all real. Am I too late to sign up for a welcome packet? Is it only for your brand-new blog followers?
Love this: “With rough spots and low spots and inglorious spots interspersed with awesome spots and happy spots and a whole lot of this-is-hard-work spots.” Basically, anything worth it in life fits into this description!
Not at all, Barb!! Sign up, chica. I’d love to send you a welcome packet in the mail! It’s seriously one of my favorite things to do. It feels like I’m making a more personal connection with people.
LOL…I could not figure out the duck until the last part of your post! Brilliant!
I agree with Jessica. You are so professional in the way you have promoted your book and I think you are doing an awesome job. I started your book this weekend and I am just soooo impressed. It certainly doesn’t read like a debut novel…it is awesomeness!
My high: I spent the weekend plotting and working on characterization for a new story and in church yesterday, God confirmed my theme!!!! Way cool.
I got such a kick out of the picture! I found it on istock for 1 credit and I immediately fell in love. I want that duck.
That is the COOLEST when God confirms things like that, isn’t it? So glad you’re enjoying Wildflowers.
Katie, you’re doing such a fabulous job with promoting your book and not making it “me, me, me!” I’m so impressed! I want to hear more about this launch party at Books A Million. Launch parties always fascinate me.
My biggest low: I’m going to have to literally rewrite a book from scratch.
High: I’m going to write a book from scratch. LOL
I hated it when Felicity cut all her hair off. What was she thinking?
I will definitely write a post about the launch party. It’s on Saturday, May 12th from 1-3. I’m hoping to mingle and sign books. Some friends are going to help me make truffles. 🙂
Oh – and by the way! Thanks for the kind words about how I’m promoting my book. I’m so glad it’s not coming across like “me, me, me!”
And I’m commiserating with you on the total rewrite. I’ve done it before. It is one of the most nerve-wracking, hair-pulling things you will ever have to do. But once you’re finished? You’ll feel like you’ve just climbed Mt. Everest!
Yeesh! Do you like how I keep replying to you?? I had to comment on the Felicity chopping off her hair…..I hated it too!! But then the short hair sort of grew on me. But I liked when it grew long again.
Where in Miineapolis? When in Minneapolis? Would love to come!
Hey Laura! I would LOVE to see you there.
Here are the details for the first one: http://www.facebook.com/events/340289036017120/
Here are the details second one:
http://www.facebook.com/events/120262361437502/