Friday, May 21, 2010

The Striped Cat with the Green Eyes has an Easy Life

Really. . .

Do I have to open my eyes? Can I not just stay inside my cave a wee bit longer? What? I have obligations to fulfill? What? People have expectations of me?


I will open my eyes, but I can't help feeling like I'd prefer climbing into the cat's house, then take a nap for a week. Or two. Bingo landed in the right place at the right time. When is that going to happen to me? For Bingo he had no choice in his path, I chose him to join our chaos. I however, must pilot my landing and my own course through life. No rest for the weary.

I feel tired.
I feel anxious.
I feel unsettled.

Bingo is obviously unaffected.


Maybe it's just the rotovirus which has left me feeling dizzy and confused. I'm still nauseous from that evil little bug. My stomach seems to be irreversibly queasy.

Maybe it's the fact that this week I went final on the Bingo book and the count down for many boxes of books arriving at my house is for real.

My mind was spinning uncontrollably like a rogue galaxy last night as I was mulling through marketing and selling my little, meager children's book. I could not fall asleep as I ping-ponged from idea to idea, each of my thoughts threaded together weaving some strange, ugly looking macrame wall hanging. Not clean, not orderly, not something I want to hang on my wall, but something I am committed to and that I can not throw away.

For seven months I have been working on my book creation. Now I have to make "it" happen. I am a new author and a new independent publisher. It's all up to me now. It's my job to show off my book, to visit independent book stores, to tell folks why they should and need to sell my book, to tell the big book stores why they should sell my book, and more.

I am excited and scared. Nervous and happy. Worried and but confident.

A dichotomy of emotions are to be expected I am sure. This is all perfectly normal. Right?

There is so much to do in the next 30 days, but so much of what I need to do can't begin until the books arrive. Me oh my. Oh Me Oh My. I've got my work cut out for me.

What have I got myself into?

15 comments:

brokenteepee said...

A whirlwind of course!
But one that I am sure will bring you great success!

Julie Harward said...

I would be nervous too..but you never know until you try..and it doesn't hurt to ask..give it your best shot..you might be amazed! Don't be afraid to walk a little way into the dark...the light will follow! Faith...have it! :D

Melodie said...

I am looking forward to seeing Bingo's book!

Karen said...

It sounds exciting and nerve wracking all rolled into one. Hugs and good luck!

Doris Sturm said...

I know it's easier said than done, but till the books arrive, make some herbal tea and make notes...things to say on your promotional interviews, answer the questions you mentioned about why people should sell or buy your book...prepare and organize your mind and this way things won't be as scary when they happen. In other words, start rehearsing, girl! You can do it! You ought to take Bingo with you on your interviews...or book signings (when they happen) so the kids can see the source of your inspiration ...
love you,
Doris :-)

Suzi said...

Don't worry. I will be here to help. It will all work out and be a whirlwind of success. You just wait!

The Mind of a Mom said...

You are right it is hard to be a cat in a nice fancy box, It is however easier to be a cat in a hat! :o) LoL

Sara said...

A heck of a ride! A Bingo Book Tour sounds interesting! :D I'm rooting for ya, girl!!!

Rick (Ratty) said...

I understand your worry and fear. That comes when a person is on the brink of a huge change. I'm sure there is also some great excitement. I think the excitement will eventually win, and it will lead to success.

Holly, the Old Western Gal said...

Honey, first things first.

Stay hydrated. You are still weak.

At night, things look confusing. If your mind won't settle down, make sure you get a pencil and paper and write lists. They will settle you down in a hurry.

Make a blog for Bingo. Just a few posts, a separate page (you can do that now) with the ordering info, etc. Make lil' cards with the info on it and give them out all over.

May I remind you that Bridges of Madison County was originally a self-published book. As was a book by a fren of mine, and it got picked up by a big publishing house and is sort of a cult book in Europe now. And he went on to write many more.

You are a knockout, so don't be shy to use that to your advantage when pitching your books!!! [Hint: Shave legs]

Doris Sturm said...

Hi Julia,

I have another blogging friend who's in the process of getting her children's book published based on her life with the bees (she and her hubby are beekeepers in California) and I thought you two could get together and exchange ideas about the book business. Her name is Jess and I realy think you'd enjoy her blog...she's got so much going on with the bees, the chickens, goats and alpacas, dogs, hubby and son (not necessarily in that order)...plus she's pregnant ...anyway, she's a super lady and I know you'd like her and her blog. Her blog's called Beneficial Bee and here's the link:

http://beneficialbee.blogspot.com/
Happy Sunday!

Anonymous said...

Hey Julia,
I just looked at Bingo's blogsite.
I love Bingo's book. You really did a great job on it. You have no reason to worry. It is going to be a hit.
I plan on ordering one soon for my grandkids. They will love it.
I always wanted to write a book about Miracle Eve with real photos. I may have to give it a try soon.

I can't wait to see you and your book on Good Morning America, Today, Oprah, etc!!

Is there a link and picture I can put to it on the sidebar of my blog?

Good luck with it.
Pam

theUngourmet said...

Your first book is such a gem! Best of luck! I know it will be a great success and Bingo will be a super star kitty! ;)

Vixen of Vixensden.com said...

A crazy, wild, but wonderful ride. You will do great, I just KNOW it.

DayPhoto said...

Holly has some great ideas! And I love your California Poppies. Just like you all bright and cheerful!

What a wild and wonderful adventure you are on!!!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/

The Day the Swallows Came Home

The tree swallows are here already.  They arrived January 30 much to my dismay.  Swooping and calling and chirping their merry song over my ...