A child is born, sort of

   So a week ago, the package came.
   Inside a rectangular, cardboard box and wrapped in brown paper were copies of my book.
   It was the moment the surreal became real. There, in my hands, was the finish product with its beautiful cover created by my brother and filled with the words I felt inspired to write. In a small way, it was like that emotion I felt when I first held each of my children. I shed a few tears because it was done, completely finished.
   It was an amazing moment, staring at the cover and thumbing through its pages. Wow. This is what I want to do with the rest of my life.
   With social media, I was able to share my newborn instantly, and I received instant feedback, which was also nice.
   Yesterday, I started Book 2. I don't have a working title. The Key of Elyon was simply named "book." Book 2 is called "sequel." Yeah, it's original.

No turning back

   As of June 1, I am a published author - of a book, that is.
   Several people asked me how that felt. I'm not sure how to answer that question. I might know when I have that hard copy in my hand. Those are scheduled to arrive on June 13. I ordered some for the upcoming book signing, which is scheduled for my birthday on July 5.
   Yesterday was a blur of Twitter and Facebook messages. I have two radio interviews that are slated for the end of the month, just in time for the book signing. I sold a few copies.
   I think I'm more nervous now than ever. It's finished, completed, done, but in a way, it's not. It's just the beginning, and there's no turning back. I think I woke up last night in a panic, wondering where a misplaced comma might be or something stupid that five sets of eyes missed in the editing process.
  I need to set my eyes on the next project. A few people have loved it so I know that there is an audience out there. I just need to find it.