Anticipating the Release of My Latest Novel
I keep getting ahead of myself. That’s nothing new when I’m excited about something. Lately, I feel like a kid planning a trip to Disneyland. My enthusiasm is palpable. My friends see it, feel it when I’m around, and I can’t stop smiling.
I’m releasing a new book this summer.
After the craziness of 2020, and having to navigate marketing a new book by a debut author in the wake of a pandemic, I feel my first book did pretty well, all things considered. AFTER THE FIRE, was my baby, and I’m very proud of it. But this feeling I have about WILDFLOWER is different. Bigger. This time, I’m enjoying the process more without so much anxiety.
This time I immersed myself in just telling the story without worrying so much about whether or not anyone would like it. I LIKE IT! That’s where I decided to start. And since I’ve had several writing friends read it, and have gone through multiple revisions before sending it off to an editor, I’m confident this story is going to be well received.
But my confidence has me putting the cart before the horse, so to speak. I was ready to reveal the book cover before the company had even finalized it. I was talking formatting before my editor even finished the first round of edits. What can I say? I’m freakin’ over the moon! I can’t wait to share this story with the world.
So now, I do have a finalized book cover that I’m more in love with than I imagined I could be, and my editor has the second round of edits underway. I will be posting cover reveals on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X), later this month of March. It’s like being penalized for jumping off sides and making a false start. I understand the jittery nerves athletes get when they just want to get in there.
And as they say, the joy is in the journey. Over the past year and a half since I started writing this book, I’ve made such lovely friends, traveled to such beautiful places, and felt more connected to the writing community than ever before. Even my podcast (that is still available even though I’ve stopped making new content), where I had loads of guest speakers from all over the globe, has given me the opportunity to connect with loving and supportive people. I’m being encouraged from multiple continents to keep going, and embrace what makes me happy. Today, that is writing.
You might be wondering what WILDFLOWER is about. Well, it’s the evolution of a girl struggling to find her worth in a world of turmoil and chronic disappointment, blossoming into a woman that stops at nothing to create an exemplary life where she can feel safe, and whole, and maybe even loved. It’s a coming-of-age novel about a talented outcast, about mothers and daughters, about addiction and redemption, and about romance and forbidden love.
This has been the most fun I’ve had writing, so far. I’ve written since I was in the 5th grade, and finished four manuscripts, but am only just now, at fifty-seven years old, publishing my second book. Better late than never.
I appreciate all of you reading the blog, and am grateful for your interest in what I’m up to. Writers need all the support we can get, so don’t forget to tell a friend that I’ll have new release this summer. I’m shooting for July 8th as the release date. I’ll confirm that in my next post. Until then, I love each of you and am sending out great vibes to everyone. Stay curious. Do that thing that lights you up. Don’t stop just because you are afraid. Believe in yourself.
Much love ~ Patti
* Typewriter picture courtesy of Pexels.com