The First Two Weeks

It’s been two weeks since my book’s publication day. Reviews have started to come in. Many of you have asked me questions about the story. Many more have asked how sales are going and my answer is—I have no idea. One weird thing I’ve learned about the publishing business is how difficult it is to get information out of…anyone. For instance, royalties are only paid out four times a year, my first such payment won’t arrive until the first week of July, and that will only be for two months of sales. Only then will I know how sales are going. 

It’s been fun hearing people ask me what I was thinking when I wrote this or that part of the story. “Did you do this intentionally? Why did this character react that way? My answers are usually something along the lines of “Don’t read too much into that” or “I’m not sure if that was intentional or not.” It’s hard because I wrote it 12 years ago. If you had asked me these types of questions back then I would have had much clearer answers. Writing fiction is strange. When you’re in the midst of the thing everything is fresh and alive. But years later it’s almost impossible to reintroduce yourself back into the story. It’s like every part of that universe, each character along with their thoughts are forever in suspended animation. 

Reviews are also strange. You would think that I would resent anything negative said about the book. Although I much prefer affirmation where reviews are concerned, it’s been surprising how I have processed the criticism. With very few exceptions I have felt that the negatives have been fair. I read something someone says about this or that and I think, “yeah, I can see that.” Of course, nobody has really panned it so maybe that will feel different. But when you read where someone really understood what you were trying to say and was moved by the story, it’s a great feeling. To make a connection with someone through the written word is a uniquely human interaction, to do so through fiction is magical.

Oh, and yes…I have plenty of copies for sale directly from the author!