Holding My Book in My Hand for the First Time!

I got a very special package today: the author copies of Primal Instinct! The box arrived via UPS. I could tell right away what it was (because I knew it would be coming around now -- six weeks before my release date); plus, the outer packaging wasn't subtle.

And there it was. The story that I wrote. In actual book form. Right there in my hands. It was magical -- everything I had ever dreamed it would be (although in my dreams my hair and make-up would be perfect for all the selfies I took).

Yeah, it was perfect right up to the point where I had to run to the bathroom because I thought I was going to throw up. That was a wee bit less magical.

I'm taking it all in -- believe me, I'm taking it all in -- because if there's one thing being a mother of four has taught me, it's that you have to enjoy the firsts, because nothing is ever a first again.

Having my book in my hands for the first time. That's something I want to cherish.

The throwing up part comes from the thought that soon everyone else is going to read it, and have an opinion about it (rightfully so, of course).  Some people are going to really like it.

But some people AREN'T going to like it.

And while I appreciate my friend Stephanie's offer to beat up anybody who doesn't like my book, I have to accept that my book won't be everyone's cup of tea. I'm not everyone's cup of tea.

When you put something out there publicly, people have the right to criticize it. Comes with the territory. But it's not something I'm looking forward to. And, there's nothing I can do now to stop it -- thus the nausea.

Beyond that... the inside cover. Sigh. Most Intrigues -- because the line is powered by action and suspense -- have some sort of suspense scene as the teaser. A fall, a chase scene, the couple working together as a bomb is about to go off. Action stuff.

Not mine. Harlequin picked a saucy scene to put as the teaser on the inside cover.

That's what my dad gets for calling it a sex book. Harlequin must have heard him.

To all my friends whom I know are going to ask: no, I can't send you one of my copies, I don't have enough -- those are for reader contest giveaways and writer contest entries -- so support authors and buy your own. Here. You can even buy an autographed copy.  xoxo (PS --  Or I do have these  nifty little bookplate stickers ==> that I'll sign and send to you for free if anyone but my mom wants an autographed copy of my book.)

Today was an exciting day, to be sure. Nausea and all.  Another important first that I'll never forget.