My book was a lot less important quickly.
I’ve been talking about my 2020 here in a series about launching my book in the midst of the pandemic. You can find part 1 here and part 2 hanging out over here.
My launch wasn’t what I expected.
Not much of March was what I expected either.
It’s taken me a long time to write part 3 to this series of posts about launching my debut novel at the beginning of the pandemic.
I tried focusing on the small things. The unopened box full of copies of Adrienne’s Awakening in the corner of my office intended for my now-cancelled signing events. The unused advertisement budget that I decided to hold on to just in case my income was affected negatively by COVID-19. The stack of Adrinne’s Awakening bookmarks still wrapped in paper.
My grief because of what should have been and the impact this disease was having universally was only one part of the emotions I was trying to encapsulate. It was too much, and it was too heavy.
So instead, I’ll share what I learned.
I learned a few things from my launch.
- Just because people are stuck at home doesn’t mean they’re in a state of mind to read. But book lovers are book lovers, and they’re still ready to talk about books.
- It’s OK to celebrate your wins and successes even when that’s the last thing you feel like doing.
- Your friends and family might even need to celebrate something, so don’t be afraid to let them know you still plan to celebrate safely.
- Those who love you and know about the intended launch will still send you texts, emails, and messages, and call to congratulate you and offer encouragement even (or maybe especially) in difficult circumstances.
- You can be grieving and elated at the same time.
Launching my first book was an important milestone in my life, and I am still grieving the circumstances surrounding it that changed my plans so drastically. I’m sad for my personal loss, but I’m sadder for the loss so many others have experienced.
