My book in print – What I have learned

A student all over again

A while back I mentioned that Dempsey’s Grill was going to be in print. I was not going to mention it again. I already talked about it once so why do it twice? 

But then the box arrived. Along with the emotional roller coaster.

I’ve heard so many people talk about all the things that run through their head when this happens. My good friend Renee April posted an emotional video on the day she opened a box full of her books. 

It was so touching and so real and I knew I would be feeling the same. 

 

In my hands

When I laid my book in my hand I immediately thought of the rough draft and the mess I made.  I thought of the the good days and the bad. Mostly the bad. Trust me, there was a lot. But nothing bothered me. I knew I’d figure this out. 

For those who have been through this I’m sure you’ll agree, if you believe in your story that’s all that really matters. I believed in this story even when the rejections came. 

Trust me there was a lot of them. 

I loved the idea and the characters who brought it to life. Not once did I feel it was too much.

 

My most important lesson

I’m the kind of person who will concentrate on my weaknesses when something good comes my way. I like to take a step back and remind myself I still have a lot to learn. The weakness in this particular situation is marketing.

I’m not the type of set up shop in a bookstore and hope for the best. To be honest it’s overwhelming with all things selling. There is so much to learn that I’m constantly feeling that I am not doing enough or I’m doing something wrong.

I see Dempsey’s Grill as my own person learning tool. This experience will teach me a lot of things. I know when the next book comes out I will be better prepared. I’ll actually have a plan instead of winging it as I go. 

 

Learn as I go

But I don’t mind this winging thing. We have all to learn and we all have to make mistakes, don’t we. Keep saying that, I remind myself. 

No matter what happens it is truly amazing holding your book in your hands. I won’t lie, it’s a scary feeling, but I’ll take it any day. For those of you who have been doing this for awhile, don’t be surprised if I come to you with questions. 

Trust me, I have a lot of them.

I’m at a place where writing a book is easy, but selling is hard. But I don’t mind. As long as it’s fun I’ll continue to learn as I go. 

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