Helen Simonson's Blog: Is the first novel the hardest?, page 2

Hard to keep up

It's hard to keep up with all the social media in my life and so usually I just don't! Since my last blog post I have: optioned Major Pettigrew movie rights, enjoyed my paperback on the NY Times Bestseller list for 27 weeks, negotiated to translate the Major into more than 16 languages, traveled to twenty plus US cities, won an award in the UK...I'm so glad it's now summer vacation. I am working on a second novel, acquired by Random House (thank you RH friends!)and am still doing speaking engagements and online book club Skypes for the Major. I feel very lucky to be living my dream as a published author. I plan to spend much of the summer reading - and hopefully I'll remember to update my Goodreads list. Have a wonderful summer of books everyone! HS

Paperback Launch Imminent

We're counting down to the November 30th launch of the US paperback version of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. I'll be reading at the Bethesda Library on November 30th to celebrate. From all the wonderful responses I've been getting to the book, I believe it will be snapped up as a Holiday gift for many types of family and friends. It's tough to find a book everyone can agree on - and I'm thrilled so many of you believe Major Pettigrew is suitable for people you hold dear.

Summer Freedom at last!

I'm home from five weeks of touring, my sons are done with SATs and finals this week, and the summer stretches ahead; offering the same promise of freedom it did when I was a child. Time to get to all the books accumulating on my nightstand! I'll be making a few appearances in the Hamptons and devoting much of August to writing novel number two. Pass me a lobster roll and some chilled pink wine! Happy summer everyone.

I'm going on tour!

With the unexpected speed and success of the Major's campaign to win fans and make people laugh...my fabulous publishers, Random House, are sending me out on tour to meet as many readers as possible; in bookstores from Boston to Berkeley! If you are in the neighborhood of any of these bookstores (see events) please do come on down. I'd love to meet the Major's supporters in person. Thank you.

Look for me on the NY Times Bestseller list this Sunday!

This Sunday I'm #14 and printed in the pages of the New York Times. My mother will be so proud. Also, I'm going on tour starting April 12. Stay tuned for a list of cities I'll be visiting. I can't wait for airport magazine stalls, regional junk food and little hotel shampoo bottles!

It's official, Major Pettigrew is a best seller!

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!

Reviews, Radio and, oh yes, PEOPLE magazine

So it was only a little picture of the book cover, but nothing says '15 minutes of fame' like a mention in People magazine. What fun! I was also the lucky recipient of a glowing review from the Washington Post and will be appearing on NPR. I was not expecting such a wonderful response to Major Pettigrew and so had not scheduled quite enough free time to do all the work involved. Much gratitude is due to my wonderful agent and editor, and all the people at Random House who are working like crazy, getting the word out about my novel. Plus you should see how hard they're working in Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, which all shared the same publication date. Most of all, I'm so thrilled with the comments from readers - some of you must have stayed up all night to get the book read so fast. Many, many thanks.

Still glowing from warm reviews in the NY Times and O Magazine

Janet Maslin of the NY Times gave Major Pettigrew such a glowing review (Monday Feb 22nd)that my email in-box is overflowing with congratulations. This came hard on the heels of a fabulous review (front page of the Reaading Room section) in O Magazine's March issue. I'm thrilled and very happy. Less than a week to publication day!

Naked in bookstores!

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.

Is Goodreads a college level course?

I had to concentrate really hard to find my way around this site. Imagine my horror when, having indicated that I owned copies of the books I was reviewing, I found I had unwittingly volunteered to swap them. I stumbled around for ever trying to change this horrible idea! This is a wonderful place and I look forward to being part of the conversation but I had better put this on my morning calendar and make sure I show up prepared for class! Regards, HS.