It’s My Book Birthday!

Happy Book Birthday to Apricots and Wolfsbane! One year ago today (Friday, October 13, 2017), I became a published author and what a year it has been.

Do any other authors check their Author Central sales daily?

How about GoodReads stats or for new reader reviews?

The best part of having my book out in the world has been hearing the reaction, both the good at the bad.

Thank you to the reader who wrote telling me I’m your new favorite author! (Here’s a video that summarizes why that is so cool: Surprise YouTube Video)

Thank you to the military wife who wrote saying my novel provided the escape she needed during her husband’s deployment. I am so touched to be able to give you something in return – a very minor, minuscule something compared to the sacrifice of your family.

But thank you also for  all the comments from readers wanting to throw their kindles at the wall when they reach the last page. I’m proud to have evoked such an emotional reaction. I knew the ending would be polarizing and therefore also appreciate the majority of comments saying they loved it and it is “the most dramatic ending” they have ever read.

I have enjoyed all book club chats, meeting readers at book fairs, and seeing my book at the Texas Renaissance Festival. I’m looking forward to my first international book club next month!

Thank you to all you amazing book bloggers who dedicate their time to promoting authors like me.

I am still in shock over the Historical Novel Society selecting Apricots and Wolfsbane as an Editors’ Choice Novel, and to be Discovering Diamonds book of the month. To have such reception from trusted historical fiction review sites is validation beyond what I imagined.

Thank you to every author who has swapped cross-promotion or provided advice. With the number of readers dwindling and book sales being incredibly competitive, it is amazing to see how warm and welcoming the author community is. You are all incredible. You are also the only ones who understand what a crazy, wild, insane, exhausting, emotional journey this has been.

Thank you to Filles Vertes Publishing for giving wings to my wild dream.

Most important, thank you to my family who provide such encouragement.

What do you think Lavinia would want for her birthday present?

Discuss your thoughts at the Apricots and Wolfsbane Book Chat Group on GoodReads or post in the comments.