Enjoying the Ride to Publishing My First Novel

 

So, if all goes well, my debut novel Couple Friends will be available for purchase as an ebook Monday or Tuesday on Amazon, then Barnes & Noble and Smashwords in the coming days (they take longer to load).

For weeks (okay, months) I have been stressing out about this moment. What if everyone hates it? What if after reading it all my Kickstarter backers wish they hadn’t helped make this dream of mine come true? What if no one cares?

Then a few days ago, my wonderful friend Melissa put it all in perspective for me: “I can’t imagine how excited you must be to have your book almost out!!! Remember to try and enjoy every second of the process because you have worked hard for it!!! Can’t wait to get my copy!”

I felt like I’d been sucker-punched, and everything crystallized after reading this text. How had I forgotten this most important part and something I try to live my life by anyway–actually ENJOYING this crazy ride. I will never have a “first novel” again. I can “what if” myself to pieces and get nowhere. This baby is coming out whether I’m ready or not, so I might as well enjoy everything that comes with it: fear, happiness, joy, fear again…

No matter what happens, I am going to look back on this 18 month journey to publication and be proud and glad I went for it. I will never regret going after my dreams, even if I fall flat on my face. So for the next few days, I am going to document the highs and lows that come with this process for you but just as much for myself so I can look back at these posts and relive the memories of my very first novel debuting to the world (well, maybe only my friends and family, but I have to dream big, right?).

Thank you for being a part of my journey. What’s a risk that you’ve taken that turned out well or not-so-well? What did you learn?

Please share in the comments below. And if you have any questions about my book, writing journey, or just little ol’ me, ask away!