I suspect there are things I’m supposed to be doing in these last few days leading up to CREEP’s release, but I honestly have no idea what they are. I’ve got a bunch of interviews and guest posts scheduled for next month (Suspense Magazine, BookTrib.com, ITW’s The Big Thrill, Chuck Sambuchino’s Guide to Literary Agents blog, and a few more, I hope). I’m writing my speech for ThrillerFest in New York next week, where I’ll be on the Debut Author’s Breakfast panel. I’m tweeting and Facebooking as much as I can without annoying people. I’ve given away all my ARCs in various contests on other bloggers’ blogs. So I’d like to hope that if you’ve been reading my blog for longer than a week, you already know I have a book coming out, as it’s all I’ve been barfing talking about lately.
(And if I’ve seemed kind of vomitous about the book, I’m sorry. I actually hate it when personal blogs turn into book promo frenzies, and no longer resemble the places that drew you in as a reader in the first place. I sincerely hope that hasn’t happened here, or that would be a big blog FAIL on my part.)
So what else should I be doing? I’m not sure… because, see, they don’t give you a manual on this stuff. There’s no book you can buy called “What To Do The Week Before Your Debut Novel Is Released FOR DUMMIES”.
There should be, though! That would be very helpful!
When I look back at where I was this time last year, all my energy was directed toward CREEP selling. That’s all I wanted. I never once considered all the stuff that would need to get done after the book sold, because I never thought about anything beyond Getting The Book Deal. But this deal happened a year ago. A year! Ago! Where did the time go?
How could the book be coming out already?
Why does it feel like the release date is RUSHING to meet me? Isn’t releasing your first book supposed to feel more like the start of summer vacation, when those last few days of June drag on agonizingly slow, because you just can’t wait to get out of school? Why doesn’t it feel like that?
How is it possible to want something so badly and yet feel TERRIFIED that it’s actually happening?
Why does it feel like it’s happening and I’M NOT READY?
Releasing a debut novel… it isn’t like I thought it was going to be. Nobody tells you how scary it is. Not that I’m complaining, because the joy definitely outweighs the anxiety. And there has been SO MUCH JOY on this journey so far. I have cried tears of happiness on this journey so far.
But I can’t lie.
I’m freaked as all get out.
Take a deep breath….its gonna be awesome! Congratulations. I can't wait to pick up my copy!
It's cool, promote all you want. You deserve to!
I can understand how it can be scary as well as exciting. This is your baby, released out into the world for lots and lots of eyes to see. But this is what you've worked towards, and you've succeeded. Just take it one day at a time, and enjoy it. 🙂
I can imagine why you're freaked out, but also remember…you want this. You want to be here. Even the freaked out part of it is a privilege. Enjoy it, as uncomfortable as it may be!
Well, though it's what you've always wanted, what you've worked hard for for years, it's the great the unknown out there before you. I imagine you fear what some may think, or worse, what they might say or write about you and your book.
But relax and remember that this is the big payoff. You can never make everyone happy. All that matters is that you wrote a killer book and now it's published and you're going to have more fans than ever. We're all living vicariously through you right now, so enjoy yourself for your own sake, as well as ours!
I'm so happy for you!!
I think you're doing great. And I have to say it's been interesting reading about your debut experience. I'm one part envious and one part super excited. Really, I think the release is going to be great. Enjoy the success. 🙂
Take a few deep breaths and relax. This is not a dream, it's reality and you freaking rock! I'm so excited for you! 😀
just remember, you totally deserve this! you've gotten a lot of good reviews so far, i think people will really respond positively to your work. that said, i'd probably be a little stressed too. but definitely super excited!
ahh less than a month! i can't wait to check it out, i think it's gonna be great, i really like the excerpt you posted before. i've never been in your situation (i haven't even tried to query or any of that reeeeally fun stuff yet) but i hope to be there someday! keep in mind that you earned it! 🙂
It will be fine! All that work and all that effort leads to…..panic attacks and nervous break downs (kidding). I know I cannot wait.
Just RELAX!!!!
And stop shaking. I want to be able to read your autograph on my copy of "Creep."
:o)
Remember to breathe! 🙂 It will all be fine! Your blog is still awesome and we like reading about how the days up til the release are affecting you. It makes you more… you know… human. And not all untouchable celebrity and stuff. Which totally wouldn't keep me from being a stalker, er um, fan. 😉 Enjoy the ride! You've worked hard and you deserve the limelight!
You'll be fine, Jennifer.
And as for "What To Do The Week Before Your Debut Novel Is Released FOR DUMMIES", sounds like there's a market there 😉
You are doing a great job–mixing promotion with entertainment Jennifer.
I think you should enjoy the calm before the storm.
Sounds like you've got it all handled as best you can. Looking forward to reading CREEP. It's gonna be awesome. =D
How exciting! I can't wait to see your book on a shelf!! Let the countdown begin. 🙂
As Frankie would say "relax". He also says "Don't do it!" but since you're married, go ahead. : )
:HUGS: Everything will be fine. You're not talking about Creep too much. People still love you. Your release day will be awesome. And your speech at Thrillerfest will knock their socks off.
Take a deep breath and find a quiet park where you can listen to the wind in the trees for a few minutes. Or find a pile of puppies. Right now, I'm thinking a pile of puppies cures everything.
Sounds to me like you have a new book idea 🙂 I'd read it!!! Hehehe!
You're fabulous! Your book is fabulous! You will do fabulous. I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE BIG DAY!
Wow, I can't believe how close it is, so exciting!! I really can't wait to read the book.
I've so enjoyed reading about your experiences, and I don't think you've talked about CREEP too much at all. Congratulations again!
Promote away, girfriend! Enjoy the ride and don't forget the champagne when your book releases. You deserve all the goodness that will come. I'm sooo looking forward to reading it!! I've got CREEP and THE FIRST VICTIM in my stack for my "thriller" reading this summer. Have a feeling that I'll need to read them with all the lights on in the house. 😉
*hugs* I'd be freaking out too. You're doing great, though. Now I just have to wait for Amazon to ship the book. I can't wait to read it!
LOL I'd totally read, re-read and dog-ear that book.
You're doing great. Just keep breathing.
You've gotten a lot of reminders to breathe and relax so I'm going to go completely random with my advice and say maybe you should go play mini-golf and burn stress by hitting things?
Calm, calm. I agree with Sophia above me about doing something physical. It will help get the nerves calmed down so you can focus on whatever needs to be done. 🙂
If you were here we would be drinking margaritas and discussing the awesomeness that is Creep!!!
Finished it last night and I am BLOWN AWAY. Why the hell are you nervous? It's incredibly good and in a few days every one else will know it too!
I think I'd feel very similar. Your novel will soon be out there, sitting in bookshops, being picked up by people you don't know. At this stage all the power seems to be with the buying public. But it's great, and you should definitely take a moment to savour it. Then scream again and jump up and down :o)
Jenny your blog is great. I feel like I've taken this journey with you. (and that's because of your awesome writing skills!) Can't wait for my copy of Creep to arrive! Sooo excited for you! xoxo Teri
I say promote the hell out of it. We all know what goes into writing a book. It is hard work. Then the querying, then the submissions. It's such a tough process and you're at the pinnacle now. Own that. Revel in it. That's what I say! Believe me, I'm living vicariously through you (I had to go back and read your old blog posts cause I just discovered you last week!) and wish you so much success! If it were me, I'd probably not be able to eat or sleep this entire week though. LOL. Just remember to breathe!
With a release this close, promote away! 🙂
Congratulations again on Creep!
Thanks guys. I am breathing. I think I stopped a few times yesterday but I'm breathing today and my Freak Out Level has dropped significantly.
As always, thanks for the support! Hugs to all of you.
Yay! It's coming up so fast. I'll be dropping by Elliot Bay Books to pick it up, (hopefully they carry it)!
I think it's normal to be freaked. And normal to talk about your book a lot since it's about to come out. I'm so excited for you! And for me, because I get to read it now! Creep and Harry Potter, all in my birthday month. Huzzah!
Being freaked has got to be a good thing. And as far as you doing the promo on your blog, I would say you deserve some cudos. Give yourself a big ole pat on the back, a hug, whatever and post the heck out of your book on your blog. The release will be over and gone in a week and you will be on to the next step, so you deserve this:)
Yay for you!!!
If you weren't freaking by this point, you wouldn't be human. Just know we're all rooting for you and looking forward to reading Creep!
Well, I'm very excited for you! I hope you're able to find a way to relax and enjoy the moment. 🙂
OMG! I can't believe the day is so close!!
You'll do great, I know it! <3
And maybe freaking out a little bit is good, makes everything more exciting! 😀
I bet it must feel weird. And exciting. And awesome. And surreal.
Releasing a debut novel… it isn't like I thought it was going to be. Nobody tells you how scary it is.
Yeah, I feel the same way! Crazy stuff. I wish you the best of luck. Lots of calming waves headed your way. You will rock!