True Colors arrives in paperback!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Hey everyone---
Welcome to 2010. Even as I write those words, it seems amazing to me, remarkable. A year worthy of sci fi movies and futuristic novels. To be honest, I have been putting off this blog because I kept thinking that I ought to have something important to say, something inspiring or fascinating or at least interesting. Well...I've been waiting and thinking and nothing has come to me.
At first, I thought it was because of the holidays. Then I blamed it on the aftermath of the holidays--you know what I mean: the cleaning, the packing, the driving, the un-decorating. But today I finally understood the root of my malaise: it's publication time. In the next eight weeks, more than two years of work will basically come home to roost. I know what you're saying to yourselves right now. She's freaked out by the publication of her book? How can that be? Isn't this exactly the day she's been looking forward to?
It's certainly the common understanding that we authors live to see our books on the shelves. You probably think that the day we see our work in a book store is pure magic. And it is. It absolutely is. But to be totally honest, when you've been writing for a long time--and this September will mark nineteen years of publication for me--you discover a lot of ups and downs in the career. Good reviews, bad reviews, good sales, bad sales, good covers, bad covers. It's like this giant pendulum that keeps swinging to and fro, taking you along for the ride.
I am not a neurotic person; neither am I pessimistic nor nervous. But every book turns me into Sybil for a day or two. I am certain one minute that the book I have slaved over will break all sales records and lodge firmly in readers' hearts...that the word of mouth will be overwhelming. That upswing of optimism can last for a few minutes, maybe even an hour, and then the pendulum will swing the other way. I imagine not just bad sales and bad word of mouth, but a career-ending backlash. I suddenly question every word I've written and every plot choice I've made. I stay away from the computer and the book stores.
As I said: Sybil. My family and friends love this time. :)
Fortunately, I have a short attention span. I spend a few hours careening through moods and then I'm done. I put aside the whole question of sales and I focus on what I really care about: writing. For years, that alone has saved me: the next book. And I'm sure it will be true this year as well, but you know what? There's something else out there that has kept me on an even keel this year--and it's you guys. I can't tell you how much it helps to hear from readers. For most of my career, I huddled in my own silent world--I didn't put my address out there for fan mail or try to communicate with people. I just sat at my little desk and wrote my words and piled them up and edited them into manuscripts. Now, though, through the firefly blog--and to a lesser but still important extent, Facebook--I get to actually hear from the people who read my books. And amazingly, a lot of you love them.
How cool is that? So, thanks for taking the time to let me know what you think about my work. I love hearing it--the good, the bad, the great. (Okay, okay, especially the great--but really, I'm good with all of it). As you read True Colors in trade paperback and next month, Winter Garden, I'll look forward to your reviews and posts and thoughts, and yes, your criticisms. All of it makes me a better, stronger writer.
Speaking of making me a better writer, I wanted to let you all know that mine is not the only publication day that I'm celebrating this month. As most of you know, I've been critique partners with Megan Chance for twenty-two years. Wow. Just saying that out loud is a shock to the system. We first met and began our journey as friends and writers when my son was three months old--and now he's a senior in college. Yikes. Basically, I have never written a word that she hasn't read--and probably edited. :) and vice versa. Anyway, her latest novel, Prima Donna, is out on book shelves this week. It's a gritty, erotic historical novel that will keep you riveted from beginning to end. Book clubs will love it. Check out her website at MeganChance.com. I'm trying to post a photo of the cover, but it isn't working. Grrrrr....
And then, of course, we can't forget Kim's book, Lake Magic, is out this month. :) Kim is out doing a bunch of fun stuff this week, but when she gets back, we'll get her to post a cover photo and a link to her brand, spanking new website. Go, Kim!
Last but not least are the house parties. Have you all checked out the site? Wow is all I can say. There actually ARE going to be 1001 Firefly Lane/friendship parties on Jan. 30th. I can't wait to hear all about them. How many of you are hostesses???
Let me know!
Aloha for now,
Kristin
ps: the photo is of my family skiing on the day after Christmas. What snow we had!
6 Comments:
Kristin,
Your blog made me laugh out loud! You are excited beyond belief, and yet nervous. Your anxiety is a sign for me that Winter Garden is going to be a great success!
Want to share a favorite Rumi poem.
“Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened.
Don’t open the door to the study
and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” --Rumi
Seems to me that writing is the beauty you love and is what you do! You have a God-given talent.
Now, breath! It's all out of your hands anyway! And, the House Parties will create a wonderful energy (imagine, over 12,000 women) and give your book a splendid send off! I'm getting excited about the release! Yes, Connie and I have connected.
Blessings,
Patricia
P.S. -- Love the photo, but it sure looks cold!
Kristin,
Wow, big month! I can't imagine the pressure, all I can say is that I'm nervous as heck for you! All though, with how many people who read your books I doubt that you will have any trouble with True Colors in Trade Paperback, or Winter Garden. I know that at least myself is foaming at the mouth waiting for the book. It's going on my birthday list, it's coming out the perfect time!! I don't have to wait too long after since my birthday is on February 20 (big 13!!). Well, keep updating us, we love to hear from you!!!
-Erin
Hey Kristin,
I really wish that I could come to your book signing in Atlanta, GA when you come in February. I don't know if I can afford to drive there, but that isn't as big of an issue as driving with my newly repaired knee. I had surgery the week before Christmas on my left knee to repair a torn meniscus on BOTH sides of my left knee, and part of the injury came from driving a really long distance (from NC to Tennessee) in a cramped up car, so I am a little bit concerned about driving 6 hours to Atlanta. I SO wish you were coming to Raleigh, Greensboro, or Charlotte. ANY of those cities, I would definitely figure out how to get there just to meet you. I have been a HUGE fan of your books for a couple of years now. At least you are getting to the south this time. Maybe next time, your publishers will get you to NC..unless of course you can arrange to come to Barnes and Noble in Raleigh, as well as coming to Atlanta? Would that be possible at all?
I will definitely be getting an unabridged copy of Winter Garden when it comes out. I have all the rest of them, so I just have to keep up with the collection. One of these days, I will send all of the covers to you to get you to personally sign them for me, but I don't have an address to do that with.. so I will have to figure out just how to go about doing that.
Lisa Scottoline does something really cool for her readers that you may want to do if you can. She has bookplates with a picture designed for each new year, and she signs them and sends them out by first class mail to all of her readers who ask for them. She usually has 2 or 3 to pick from, and then the readers can put the bookplate sticker on her books. That works well for her fans, and I have gotten a few of those to place inside of her books that I buy. She doesn't have a cool blog like you do, so maybe I will make that suggestion to her.. ;)
Like someone else suggested, calm down and breathe.. Surely you know in your heart that Winter Garden will fly off the shelves and sales will do very well for you.. The cover rocks, I am sure the book contents will rock as well. I have no doubt about that!
I will mosey over to Megan Chance's web site soon and see if she has a blog to get involved in. I love Lisa Kleypas as well. So many authors, not enough time in the day!
Take care,
Linda
I'm so excited for the new book!
I already bought Kim's book and visited her website. I plan on reading it as soon as it arrives. I'll have to check out the Meghan Chance book.
I went skiing after Christmas, and I don't think my body has quite recovered. No pics of me though. I took pictures of everyone else so no one had to see me in my skiing gear. I dress for warmth.
I finished Bel Canto before New Year's Eve and started Sarah's Key. I'm having difficulty because the book is SO SAD, but I do like it so far. I hope to read more today. I've been on a mainstream fiction kick lately, but hope Kim's book gets me back into romance. I've missed it.
I know it's easy for me to say, but you don't have a thing to worry about. Winter Garden is your best book to date. AWESOME! I emailed you with more detailed feedback, but don't want to spoil it for my fly-friends. Hope you got my email!
I just went to Megan's site and read and excerpt for Prima Donna. Sounds exciting. I'll have to pick that one up.
Take care all, and stay warm!
Kimberly,
Am watching the mail every day for your book to arrive! I can't wait!
Went to you website and I like it. Absolutely love the book cover -- it will certainly draw people in. Wanted to leave you a message on your blog, but couldn't figure out how to do so.
But, good luck with your book signing. And, enjoy every moment! Will make sure I will write a book review on Amazon after I'm done -- as I'm sure others will do.
Wishing you the best,
Patricia
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