Saturday, February 11, 2012

That First Glance

There's nothing like laying your hands on your book the first time. Remember when you held your eldest child for the first time? Same category, my friends.

This is me after opening the box. We wanted to preserve this moment.

This is me drooling (oh wait, I cut out that picture - too embarrassing).

This is me loving the writing life.

So cool. So cool.

Uh oh. People have called, emailed, texted and Facebook'ed me stating they are reading it. That scares the pants off me knowing that the world I created, that I lived in for years, has opened its doors to visitors. Funny, but I never thought that would make me nervous, but it does. It's like I'm in my study, hiding, while the entire world is digesting my words. I'm anxiously waiting for them to pass judgment.

And I wonder for the slightest moment why I did this. Why expose myself like this? All those nights of personal strife now in the hands of strangers, family and friends. (Head in hands.)

But wait. Remember those first nights with your newborn? You were scared. You wondered what you'd gotten yourself into. You realized there was no return. This baby was yours, forever.

Then you held up that marvelous wonder you created, grinning . . . and fell in love all over again. Yes, it was all worth it.

12 comments:

Civil War Horror (Sean McLachlan) said...

I'll be one of those readers once the Kindle edition comes out. You'll have a ranking on Amazon Spain!
Savor the moment, then get back to work so you can savor another moment like this with your second book.

Barbara Techel said...

I'm so happy for you, Hope! And oh, how I can relate to ALL those feelings. :)

Wishing you much success with the book.

Barbara

Sioux Roslawski said...

I agree with Sean. Because this book is the first of your twins...or triplets...or quads...

Congratulations, Hope. (And I'm jealous. I cannot find my name--already readymade as a wooden plaque--in home decor shops. I love your name hung in several spots by your desk.)

Katherine S. Crawford said...

Congratulations, Hope! I'm a new Bell Bridge author myself (or will be in August when my novel's published) and a native South Carolinian--in fact, I used to play in soccer tournaments in Chapin, and it's been so much fun following your journey. Can't wait to read Lowcountry Bribe!

Lyn Fairchild Hawks said...

Hi, Hope,

Congratulations! All those nights of wonder, insecurity, fear, anticipation have come to this beautiful moment. Your persistence has inspired me ever since I found out about your newsletters and blogs. Go, INTJ! :-)

And those of us in NC are looking forward to your visit to our writers' groups.

Going to buy my copy now...

Lyn

Grace said...

Congratulations Hope!

How wise of you to write (and share) this special moment. Those initial feelings are nearly impossible to capture later.

I can't wait to read your book.

Hope Clark said...

Ooh, Katherine. How fabulous! You'll find that BBB is a grand publishers, and believe me, I've researched a lot of publishers. Keep in touch! Where do you live? (Or email me, if you don't want to post here.)

Hope Clark said...

Sean and Sioux -

Book two is written and book three is almost complete. Research has begun on book four. Believe me, I'll write these as long as the publisher wants them. Carolina Slade is a part of me now!

Thanks!

Julie Nilson said...

SO happy for you, Hope! This couldn't happen to a more deserving writer. Your book's success is going to be karmic payback for all the wonderful support and advice you've given to other writers!

(Also: Get your publisher to offer it for Kindle!)

Hope Clark said...

Kindle is coming! They told me any day now. Sooner would be better than later, though.

Kelly Robinson said...

Am I missing the link to buy it? I swear I've scanned the page and sidebar ten times!

Hope Clark said...

Kelly

So sorry - it was on there in the announcement that the blog has moved to www.chopeclark.com . Lowcountry Bribe is available at Amazon, B&N, www.bellbridgebooks.com and on Kindle. Thanks for letting me know that links are gone on this post.