It’s been almost two months since I’ve posted, and that was not my plan. My plan was to keep blogging, keep you updated on all the fun stuff that happens as the release date for Spin the Golden Light Bulb approached.
But then real life stepped in. The holidays. Both my kids’ birthdays. Getting ready for book baby to arrive. So. Much. Stuff. But now I look at the calendar and the launch of my book is happening in 5 DAYS! I can’t even! You may have noticed I’ve been on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram a lot though. It seems like all I do is mention my book! Self promo is a thing—not my favorite thing, but definitely necessary. But I haven’t documented all that stuff that’s been happening on my site and I still plan to. When the whirlwind winds down, I’ll give you the scoop on what it’s like leading up to a book release—for those of you who haven’t experienced it—yet. But for now, I just wanted to check in and say, “Hey!”
I’ve been posting on this page for over four years now and connecting with you has always fueled my fire and made me happy. Now that one of the biggest days of my life is almost here, I guess I just wanted to document it. Tuesday will mark the official date of my dream of publication coming true and I’m having trouble putting it all into words. I’m writing a separate launch day post (January 9th for those who need the reminder!) and in that I’ll have lots to say. But for today, I just want to share the emotions I’m feeling—right now.
I’m feeling so many things today. Like, over the moon excited. My book will be out in the world—available to anyone who wishes to read it. And that is so exciting to me! But, I’m having a launch party on release day and even though I’ve been so excited to have one, now that I am, I pretty much feel like throwing up. I may even throw up all over the signing table. It’s not because I’m such an introvert that I avoid social situations. In fact, I used to be a sales trainer and so I’ve done tons of public speaking. I’ve also been a substitute teacher so I’m used to being thrown into the wild! And I love hosting parties—like birthday parties, anniversary parties, and grad parties. But this one is different. I’m essentially throwing a party for myself and it’s suddenly making me feel very strange. Like who do I think I am and all that. I feel like an author imposter. Like why would anyone want to come to a party just because I published a book?
So instead, I’m trying to think of it as a party for my book instead—which it is! The hard work of so many individuals has gone into the creation of it and so I’m more than happy to welcome it into the world in such a celebratory way. Who knows how many people will come? But whatever the number, I’m really excited to hang out with my family and friends, shower them with book themed snacks, and showcase some of the behind the scene info from the book. I promise to take all the pictures and post them here soon after the party!
But, we have a blizzard warning with extremely low wind chill temperatures for tonight through Sunday. Can you even believe it? I can. I live in Upstate, NY and this is January. Uggh! But hopefully it won’t be as awful as they are predicting, everyone will be safe, and the roads will all be cleared by Tuesday night!
I’ve updated some of the things that have been happening with Spin the Golden Light Bulb over on the NEWS tab. Click on it to see what you may have missed including some blog tour posts I’ve been a part of. As you know, blog tours help generate interest in a new book, so I’m thrilled that bloggers have been interested in hosting me.
If any of you have ever wondered why I started blogging in the first place or why it’s so important for authors to build an author platform, I share my thoughts over on the Amberjack blog today. I talk about the changes my own website and blog have gone through over the years, and how I’ve tried to make it my own.
To read the post, click here.
Well, guys, I’ll be posting again on Tuesday. THE BIG DAY! I’ll have fun tidbits to share about the book, so stop by! Thanks for reading today. Off I go to prepare for the storm… the one outside that’s full of blustery snow, and the one inside my stomach that cannot even believe my book baby is almost here!
See you Tuesday!
Jackie <3
swirl and spark 
Oh, yes. Please do write a post on the best ways to support authors. I am always looking for ways.
Thanks for reading and I will definitely do that!
This is so exciting, Jackie. I’d love to know what the best ways for us as readers/writers (and a fellow agency sister) are to support your book as it is released? How can we help get the word out there? Or what would be most helpful to you> Also, I’d love to hear about how you have helped with the marketing of your own book. This would be incredibly useful info 🙂 Thanks for sharing your journey.
That is the sweetest! Thank you for wanting to help spread the word about my book! The most helpful thing any reader or writer can do is to call your local library and request it. All libraries have access to it, they just need to purchase a copy for their own system/ branch. That way the book will get into the hands of many more readers. Another way is to read the book and give it an honest review on Goodreads and Amazon. Booksellers, schools, and librarians use both to decide which books to buy, so the more positive reviews a book gets, the better! Social media is another way. It’s like a fast word or mouth recommendation! And if you post along with a picture of the book, that’s even better. I should probably write a post about this! Thanks for asking! I can’t wait to help spread the word about your work one day too! 🙂
Thanks, Jackie. It’s Tabitha here too by the way 🙂 I live in Australia, so I will have a go at requesting your book over here and see if the local library is able to get it. They should be 🙂
Hi Tabitha, I’m not sure how I missed your comment. I’m so sorry! Probably because my mind is so scattered these days! I’d love to go to Australia some day!! I consider you so lucky to live there:) I’d love to know if you can find the book there. Hopefully you can:)