As an author, there have been so many awesome moments in my writerly life recently. Publishing my new book at the end of September was amazing, though it’s hard to think that Frost Hands is my third published work. It’s just as exciting the third time around as it was the first, and I hope that feeling never changes. Receiving my first print copies in the mail was another huge highlight. There’s something about holding your own printed work in your hands, being able to flip open the cover and browse through the pages, and being able to put it in pride of place on your bookshelf that really makes the whole thing feel real. And of course, preparing for NaNoWriMo, which starts on Sunday, is always exciting. This will be my tenth NaNoWriMo, and I’m feeling a little bit ambitious this year. Not sure quite how much I’m going to write yet, but I’ve been outlining like crazy.
So, as far as being an author goes, this month has been pretty amazing. Some of my absolute favourite moments have even happened in this past week. For one thing, I’ve received multiple messages from people telling me that they’re reading Frost Hands at the moment, and even a few pictures showing their copies of Frost Hands arriving in the mail. I treasure every one of these pictures and messages. I love my books, and to see them out in the wild, sitting on other people’s bookshelves and being read, that makes me feel so happy. I write novels because I love telling stories, but I publish them because I want to share these stories, and there are few things better than hearing that someone is reading and enjoying a book that I wrote.
As an added bit of excitement, I sent off my first ever signed copy of one of my books this week. I’ve never been asked for a signed copy before, and even though I’ve given several books away to friends and family, it’s always felt little too egotistical to sign them before gifting them. So, to be asked for a signed copy, and knowing that someone values my books, and me as an author, enough to want a signed book, well, that is one of the most exciting moments in my authorly life so far. It’s so special to be leave a little personal message inside the front cover, and leave my author’s signature on the title page. If there was ever a way to make a writer feel really special and valued, it’s asking them to sign a book for you, for sure.
The only thing that could cap off a wonderful week like this would be if someone surprised me with a review or two. A new book like Frost Hands, or even an older release like The Crystal Tree, or The Shattering Song benefits enormously from reviews. Especially when you’re a small indie author like me. So, If I could ask a favour of anyone who has read one of my books, could you take a couple of minutes and write a quick review? Even one line can make a difference. Or leave a star rating on Amazon. Doing this will help other people find my books as well, and help me share my stories with more people.
Sometimes being a writer is hard work, long hours spent working solo in my room, with no sound but the music in my headphones and the tap-tapping of the keyboard. And sometimes it’s filled with these amazing highlights of sharing books, seeing pictures of people enjoying my novels, and other amazing authorly moment that make my little writer’s heart so happy. If you want to make an author happy, tell them you’re enjoying their books. Ask them to sign one for you. Send them a picture of their book on your shelf. Or leave them a review. I promise you, it only takes a few minutes to make their whole day.
If you haven’t yet read Frost Hands, you can pick up a copy on Amazon today! It’s available in both print and ebook form, and I have to say, the print book especially is just so gorgeous. Check it out!
