Helen Simonson's Blog: Is the first novel the hardest? - Posts Tagged "simonson"

I am trying to enjoy these weeks before my book publication date when, as I told a friend, I will be 'naked in bookstores.' That is how it feels to me. After so many years of trying to write and dreaming of publication, the reality feels just a little cold and exposed. I've promised myself that I won't hang around the book stacks, leaping out at people who pick up a copy. Nor will I obsessively read every last online review. I am an adult, I am exremely lucky and I will face my dreams with calm maturity (those friends who know me are probably rolling their eyes about now). I do know how lucky I am to have my book published at all, especially in these uncertain economic times, but I am as nervous as a kindergartener on the first day of school. Let the countdown to March 2nd begin! Helen S.

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand just made #14 on the NY Times Bestseller list. It is also #3 on Indiebound. So my small literary debut has become more popular than I could have imagined. Life has been so busy it doesn't leave much time for reading, so the books are stacking up by my bedside like rush hour traffic. Thanks to all who are reading my debut and buying copies for Mothers' Day!