Today hits the eight-week mark prior to when my debut novel, MOTHER OF PEARL, lands on store bookshelves. After months of writing the manuscript, negotiating the contract, edits, cover design, promo videos, website building, blogging . . . now the real work starts.
The M word.
MARKETING.
Thank goodness I have one of the best publicists in the business helping me – Rebeca Seitz of Glass Road Media and Management. This gal has been in the publishing world a long time and knows the ropes. She’s planning some really fabulous promotion for my baby (so stay tuned).
Rebeca is also the queen of noticing when I’m feeling stress, and often reminds me I’ve written a great book readers will love. In those times when her gentle reminders are not enough and the music inside my head sounds a lot like a Kurt Cobain rant, I’ve found there are really effective ways to reduce stress:
- EAT. Okay, so maybe not the best solution, given I will be on a stage soon and don’t want my pants to pull thin. But a good plate of mashed potatoes and gravy satisfies!
- MASSAGE. This one is a lot better for the waistline, and makes you feel like a wet noodle. When you’re that relaxed, who cares about whether or not a book sells.
- GIRLFRIENDS. Friends who tickle my ears and tell me my emotions are justified and express my book is bound to hit the bestseller lists are keepers. And if they claim the mashed potatoes and gravy have not created a bigger backside . . . well, all the better.
- A LITTLE GRANDSON. Who can think about all the marketing details when a tiny dimpled hand plops a Duplo block in your lap? I’m finding pure joy chases away all angst.
- QVC. Every author needs a Micro-Pedi Battery Operated Callous Remover or a set of heat-resistant corn cob holders. (seriously, my husband threatened to yank the credit card yesterday. At least until after the book releases.)
I hope you’ve laughed along with me at my list. But it’s true, there is a level of stress that can build for a debut author. The only trustworthy way to relieve my anxious spirit is this:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
I don’t know what my future in publishing holds, but regardless, my days ahead will be good.
HOW DO YOU RELIEVE STRESS?
MOTHER OF PEARL releases Sept 1 and tells the story of a high school counselor who learns her daughter had an inappropriate relationship with the football coach, and how she risks everything to bring him to justice.
THANK YOU to all who have pre-ordered.
Comments 11
LOL Great List Kellie,
I’ve got the eating one down.
Thought of a massage,
Love my writing buddies,
No grand kids, but I have a dog
QVC, haven’t ventured into the TV store yet.
Well, I have more than half. Sort of, And I’ll add laughter. Nothing beats away the fraidy cats like laughter.
Can’t wait to get my eyes on that book!
Thanks, Patti. Yes, laughter is a great stress relief. And you are the master of seeing the humorous side of everything.
Top of my list is when a little guy says “mama, will you help me build a train track?” or “will you help build a lego ship?” and I get down on the floor and play. Another great one is lunch with a certain girlfriend at the Lotus cafe. 🙂
Little boys and girlfriends…..the BEST!
I agree that laughter really is some of the best medicine for stress, which you did in your post. 🙂 So excited for your upcoming release. Enjoy the journey!
Should have listed that hundreds would trade places with me at any given moment….I’m blessed beyond measure. And I love to laugh!
Love this list, Kellie! Sometimes a pedicure is good too.
I can’t tell you how excited I am for you. It’s gonna be grand, my friend. All my love. XOXOXOXO
Thank you so much for letting Glass Road be with you on this journey, Kellie. You have an incredible story-telling talent and, I’m certain, will be a household name before we blink. In the meantime, I’m always ready with the mashed potatoes!!
I am so glad to have Glass Road and you on my team….and SO excited for what the journey brings, no matter the stress.
Eating. Don’t even get me started on that…literally. I turn to food too often for stress, anxiety, confusion, frustration, boredom, procrastination….
I hate shopping, so *whew* I’m okay there.
I need more laughter, bubble baths, girlfriends, and lazy days (days void of to-do’s, appointments, and expected-to-attends).
Ha – I’m not a fan of shopping either, Trudy. But that late night QVC gets me every time.