February was
my debut release month with Harlequin Heartwarming. I’ll admit to shedding a
few tears when the box of Make Me A Match books arrived at my house. I was
alone in my kitchen, holding a book with my name on the cover. There was
something surreal about seeing a long time dream realized. That was the last “quiet”
moment before we headed into release week. There were Facebook parties, author
chats and a blog tour that all gave me the chance to interact with new readers
and old friends. Release week was busy, overwhelming and wonderful. It was okay
to talk, post and tweet about Make Me A Match. (I’m still trying to embrace the
idea of self-promotion without cringing.) But this was all part of my dream to
be a published author coming true. This was expected.
What wasn’t
expected was the tremendous support and encouragement from family and friends,
both new and old. What I’d never envisioned in my dream was my two daughters
asking for signed copies of Make Me A Match and then taking those copies to
school to show their teachers. (And the girls’ teachers asking where they could
get a copy.). My dream hadn’t included walking into my parents’ house in
sweatpants and discovering a surprise party for my release orchestrated by my
husband. (Or the cake with the Make Me A Match cover again designed by my
husband).
I’d only
really dreamed of my name on a book cover. I just never knew my first
Heartwarming release would be so much more: It was a moment to connect with
friends and family to share my passion for stories about romance and true love.
It was a moment to realize my husband wanted this as much (if not more) than
me. It was a moment to finally look my daughters in their eyes and tell them that,
yes, dreams do come true if you work hard, believe and have faith.
And it was a
moment that will be remembered, but even more a reminder to expand my dream. (I
want to repeat release month. Not because I want another surprise party –
although spending time with good friends is never bad – but because I have more
stories to share and a passion for writing that release month strengthened.) So
now I’ll sign off to finish revisions on my next book to keep my Heartwarming
dream going.
Happy
reading and don’t forget to dream!
Cari
Nothing like that first sale--and celebrating it with all the right people. LOVE that your hubby threw you a party. :) <3 What a great month!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Cari! Your fellow Heartwarmers understand the hard work and persistence that brought you to this place, so we all know what you're made of because you're one of us - wild muses, stubbornness, chocolate and coffee ( or in my case, tea.) And how cool that your forward momentum is fueled not only by your love of the work, but by a supportive and really thoughtful husband, and a proud and loving family. There's nothing out there to stop you now.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your first sale, Cari. I hope you have many more! But, as Anna said, there's nothing like that very first one. I hope you took pictures of your celebration. They will be fun to look back on and recall the thrill.
ReplyDeleteCari, your post put a huge smile on my face. Congratulations, again, on the release of your debut! You're in great company with Melinda and Anna. I haven't had a chance to read Make Me A Match yet, but I look forward to doing so.
ReplyDeleteMajor congratulations. Your launch story is wonderful. Maybe no release will be quite as special as the first one, but I still love seeing a cover for the first time. And also get a little shiver at seeing it on the book store shelf. You will have many more exciting moments. Enjoy every one. The book is in my stack to read.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on fulfilling your dream. We all know how wonderful that is. More to come.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you!! I could feel the happiness emanating from your post. I love seeing people experience joy. I hope you continue to fulfill your dream. ( :
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! I was tearing up as I read it. There is nothing like holding that first book in your hands. Enjoy!!!!!
ReplyDeleteA little sniffly here, too. Thanks for inviting us all to the party--it's such a fun event to share! Congratulations, Cari!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, and best wishes for many more successful books.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, and best wishes for many more successful books.
ReplyDeleteCari, Congratulations! I am so happy for you. Your story brought tears (of joy) to my eyes. Yeah, who says dreams don't come true?
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