scribbled revisions

It doesn’t seem real that I’m writing reflections on my first week in publishing. I’ve been entrenched in Eastbound Sailing for two years, dreaming of the day I’d release it to the world. When the day finally came, it wasn’t what I expected.

I had this romantic idea in my head that my work would be done once it was available for order. That everyone would jump at the chance to read it. That I’d only be required to compose a few tweets here and there.

Via Yankeebook.com

Instead, I realized last week that my work had just begun.

I went through my checklist of post-publishing projects and completed each task: Send out press releases, contact potential reviewers, coordinate signing events, etc. People we already talking about it, expressing excitement at the chance to finally read it.

By the end of the week, though, it hit me: I had released my story to the cyber world – a story I held close to my heart and away from the general public for two years – and was making myself vulnerable to anyone’s opinion. My dream had been realized [publishing], but so had my greatest fear [vulnerability].

I didn’t have time to process this transition due to immediately switching into promotion mode. Constantly checking my phone, email, Twitter and blog stats. I couldn’t tear myself away.

Thankfully, I was able to unplug from everything this weekend and reflect on all that had recently transpired. Yes, I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I have a lot of reasons to be thankful. I’m thankful for the people who helped make Eastbound Sailing a reality. To each person who played a part in this journey [you know who you are], I have this to say: Thank you. Thank you for giving me the honor of your time, attention, interest and support. More than anything, thank you for holding me accountable and pushing me past my fears.

Let the fun begin!