This month, Blydyn Square Books is celebrating our seventh anniversary. On March 15, 2015, we published our first three books . . . and we’re still going strong! Thanks to all our readers for your support. Here’s to another great seven years (and more)!
We’ve grown quite a bit these past seven years, from three books to . . . well, it’s hard to keep track. Next month, author Christine C. Heuner’s book will be launching, so we thought we’d ask her to share her thoughts and feelings about becoming a first-time novelist. Take it away, Christine!
Fearing the Book Launch
My debut novel, Fifty-four Holly Lane, will be available soon. I wish I could say I’m thrilled about its release. To clarify: I am thrilled about seeing my book in print, and in such a professional design. This is a dream come true. But once I had a chance to hold the book in my hand and reflect on all the possibilities that can occur once it is out in the world, I felt queasy.
I posted a picture of the cover on Facebook, and got about 230 likes, hearts, cares, or “wow” emojis. Lots of comments. This is more feedback than I’ve ever received on a Facebook post. I felt encouraged by the comments, especially if they foretell book sales. But even then I felt uneasy. What if I get one- or two-star ratings on Amazon or Goodreads? I read an interview with Barbara Kingsolver where she says she doesn’t read any reviews of her work. That’s a luxury for me, a fledgling writer in the publishing industry. Besides, I fret over others’ opinions, particularly if they are well-articulated. I will find it impossible not to read reviews, especially because it is likely I won’t have many of them. A review that slams my book might do me in. I may never want to write again!
Other worries plague me: A woman at my workplace said we should have a book talk, and a coworker is planning a book launch for staff members at her home. I’m anxious about this as well. The book costs close to twenty dollars, a big ask for some. And I don’t want them to feel obligated to buy a book. And, for those who want their book signed, what do I write? Hope you like it? Thanks for reading? I appreciate your support???
And then continuing to promote the book on Facebook and Twitter . . . None of this process goes without anxiety. But, no matter what happens, I’ll keep writing.
Thanks, Christine! We’re all looking forward to your book coming out. You can get your copy here.
Blydyn Square Book Club
For our next meeting, we’ll be reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Join us on April 28 at 5:45 p.m. (ET) to talk about the book (and help pick our next selection). The Zoom link is: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84816391871
Blydyn Square Happy Hour
Don’t forget to join us on March 31 at 5:00 p.m. (ET), for our monthly Happy Hour. We’ll chat about books, writing, working with a small press, and whatever else comes up. Join us on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85491879702
Quote of the Month
“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.”
—Jim Rohn
Brain Teaser of the Month
Congratulations to Janet Kath, who won an Amazon gift card. The question was:
Since we’re in February, what is the traditional birthstone for this month? The answer: Amethyst.
Now answer this:
Blydyn Square Books celebrates its seventh anniversary this March 15, also known as the Ides of March (and my birthday). What literary/historical character was famously warned to “Beware the Ides of March”?
Send us your answer (info@blydynsquarebooks.com) and you’ll be entered in our prize drawing.
That’s it for this month. See you next time!
Tara Tomczyk
Editor in Chief
Blydyn Square Books
