There’s No Turning Back Now

September 7, or “Sep Seven”, as my older daughter calls it, is a big day in my family. Her son, my heart-stealing grandson, was born on that day. As he made wishes over eleven candles, I gave final, final, final approval for “I Knew Men” to move on for printing. No further questions, edits, or corrections. There’s no turning back now.

Within the next 3-4 weeks I will be receiving 15 complimentary copies from an initial printed batch to inspect. This gives the opportunity to make sure there are no mechanical print deviations. Depending on the print shop schedule at Ingram, I could receive copies by September’s end. eBooks are also being prepared for Apple iBooks, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes & Noble Nook. They should be available near the same time.

NERVES & TOES OF STEEL

So much has happened since talking with Kaley at Covenant Books about submitting my novel, prior to signing on with Newman Springs. It’s been nearly one year since that conversation. I get emotional thinking about it. I imagine this must be true for other new authors — emotions ranging from excitement and elation to sleep deprivation-inducing fear. Because there is no turning back, the fear thing has a bigger dance floor than usual in my brain. As the tap dancing commences, I obsess over how “I Knew Men” will be received. I’m steeling myself for the reaction.

IS IT REAL OR IS IT FICTION?

Recently, I talked with someone about my novel. The comment was made that a first novel is usually autobiographical. “Not mine,” I countered. “This story was completely made up, just like the dream dramas my girlfriend and I used to share.” He asked, “so nothing from your own life happens in the story?”

Okay. I get it. How could I write a story and not include firsthand knowledge? Something had to provide a foundation for my imagination to have its novel-writing field day, right? There may even be parts that will have my parents questioning my upbringing.

There’s no turning back now.