Okay, I know I’m biased, but in going through my galley pages I’m really pleased with how In the After turned out. I loved it before Harper but now it has more depth, more suspense and more grip.
That being said, I’m a little sad that this is the last time
this book will be all mine. Of course I am beyond excited for my cover reveal,
ARCs and release next summer, but then In
the After will be everyone’s. Everyone brings something new to a novel,
reading it with fresh eyes and their own experiences.
I hope everyone will love my book as much as I do, but I
know that some people will not. I’m prepared for this, but at the same time,
nervous. It’s like I’m sending my child off to kindergarten and wondering how
she’ll do. J
I think this is the most introspective post I’ve ever
written. Whew! How do others feel about their work, in whatever stage of the
process?
Back Monday!
I can only imagine the various stages and emotions you must be experiencing. It's hard enough having my work critiqued by my crit partners, I can't imagine a whole world of people...but as long as you love your story and are proud of your work then it doesn't matter. People's tastes vary, some will love and others won't. But I'm sure the ones who love it will make it all worth it.
ReplyDeleteIt IS scary to send a book off to the reading public -- and to the professional reviewers. Yes, it's true that not everyone will love it or even like it. But you learn to accept that and let those comments roll off your back.
ReplyDeleteEvery single review (or email, or FB message, or Tweet) where someone says they were touched by your book, couldn't put it down, or couldn't stop thinking about your characters makes up for all the rest!
Good luck and can't wait to see your cover!
I think we all love our books. But I could be wrong. Recently, I saw on goodreads that the author rated his own book with four stars instead of five. It gave me pause to think...why would you do that? If you are going to rate your own book, you might as well go for five. It makes no logical sense at all. But maybe, he loved his book, but just didn't love it enough?
ReplyDeleteI know that makes no sense at all and that I'm probably rambling. But, I think that the biggest fan of your book should always be you. Otherwise, what reason do you have for writing it in the first place?
The most apprehensive I've been about my book was when I hired a developmental editor. I'd had a couple people read it, a few others critique it, but there was something about prepping myself to hear feedback from someone who makes their living providing feedback. It may end up being even more nerve-wracking for me than when I finally release it because the editor's purpose was to inspect it, to actively seek out every flaw it contained whereas a reader just wants to be entertained. Time will tell.
ReplyDeleteBut Michael is correct. You must love your book. If you don't love it then it's definitely not ready.
Demitria:
ReplyDeleteWe all feel the same about our books. They're our cute, sweet, little babies.
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
Aloha,
ReplyDeleteYour analagy 'bout the kids is spot on... how else will we know if we don't let them go.
(whoa! I'm a poet - I just didn't knew it :)
Good on you, too, for putting a little of yourself out there... we all (I do :) love to learn a little more about our fellow writers here in the Blogisfear :)
PS... *Congrats* on the book by the way.... very cool beans :)
PPS... Thanks for the follow and right back at ye :)
Good luck with your book launch. I hope it comes home with a stellar report card :) Enjoy your last few months of its childhood.
ReplyDeletecongratulations! you sound realistic and mature about the public's reaction. thats healthy! my knees would be knocking! looking forward to seeing your cover!
ReplyDeleteThe strangest thing for me about releasing the manuscript into the wild and having the galleys return is that I will never have the most up to date version on my own computer at home (unless I buy my own ebook, I suppose!)
ReplyDeleteIt's like sending the kids off to schol for the first time, isn't it?
ReplyDelete