’Twas the Night Before your Book Release ...

So … technically my sophomore novel, FROM WINTER’S ASHES, releases on Tuesday, not tomorrow, (thus I’m admitting the title of this post is inaccurate as well as cheesy) but the anticipation is as strong as a restless child counting down the minutes on Christmas Eve, save one BIG difference!

FEAR.

Whether you’ve experienced your own RELEASE Day or you’re simply dreaming of the day, this is a GOOD day. I’m not trying to diminish that. It’s a dream come true in many ways! Like the long awaited birth of a child, you’ve suffered and rejoiced over the changes and the labor pains. You’ve agonized long into many sleepless nights preparing for that beautiful, glorious day when you get to hold your book baby in your hands for the first time. But like any new parent, joy is not often the only emotion you’ll experience. Because while you’ve prepared for this momentous occasion, the work is really just beginning! And the worries? Well, they’re as innate as your desire to shield your baby from bumps and booboos, hurts and heartaches, big and small.

And so, on the (almost) eve of my second “delivery” I’ve got a million things to do. I’m equally excited and nervous about the possibilities. The anticipation is agonizing. I CAN NOT WAIT! And yet, there’s an element of self-doubt that plagues most writers. From first-timers to veterans, sharing your heart on paper is an oddly vulnerable thing. You really can’t predict how your baby will be received. It’s a great unknown. Like a present waiting beneath that tree, you can’t help but wonder what you’re going to get. If the Giver remembered what it was you wanted or if you might not be mature enough to receive that gift.

Well, that day is coming! Someday it will be you on the cusp of release day, teetering on the emotional edge of your highest hopes. And because my book is about winter and is releasing in June, and because I’m ridiculously giddy and possibly terrified, and all kinds of upside-down and inside-out at present, I thought I’d hit you with some of this silliness. Enjoy!

’Twas the night before your book release, and all through your home,

no one else is nervous, your anxiety’s your own.

Do you re-read the words again, find a typo you can’t fix?

Do you close your eyes and try to sleep, with a prayer and a wish?

Did you do enough promotion, or is it all white noise?

Just keep your chin up, hang on to that poise.

Your heart won’t stop racing, your palms are all slick,

Your nails are already down to the quick.

Will they like it? You wonder. Will anyone buy?

Your eyes will be glued to your rank till you cry.

When all of the sudden five stars pop right up!

Someone loves it. They think you’ve got the right stuff.

Oh joy! Oh happiness! Oh writer’s delight!

The bestseller list is already in sight!

But all books aren’t for everyone, and you hold your breath for the day,

Some scathing one star steals your joy right away.

You’ll rejoice and you’ll torture over every review,

wishing they didn’t matter as much as they do.

Your pride will get dinged, other times it’ll sing …

But your book is with readers, the most important thing!

Will anyone find it, will you get lost in the horde,

Only time will tell, meanwhile, you write some more. 

Talk to me... Have you had a release day of your own? Any book release traditions you have or might implement someday? I pretty much drink lots of coffee and stare at my computer all day. Pretty exciting stuff! I'm thinking this time should include cake. Everything is better with cake. :)

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Amy Leigh Simpson writes romantic mysteries with honesty and humor, sweetness and spice, and gritty reality covered by grace. When she’s not stealing moments at naptime to squeeze out a few more adventures in storyland, she’s chasing around two tow-headed miscreants (Ahem)—boys, playing dress up with one sweet princess baby, and being the very blessed wife to the coolest, most swoon-worthy man alive. Amy is a Midwestern-girl, a singer, blogger, runner, coffee-addict, and foodie. Her Sports Medicine degree is wasted patching up daily boo boo’s, but whatever is left usually finds its way onto the page with fluttering hearts, blood and guts, and scars that lead to happily ever after.

Her debut romantic mystery novel WHEN FALL FADES is available now for $4.99! And this coming TUESDAY don't forget to check out the release day *SALE* on book two in the Girl Next Door Series FROM WINTER'S ASHES!