Monday, September 24, 2012

Catching My Breath

Shew! A lot changes post book release.

For one, my visits to Goodreads have spiked like crazypants. How many people are reading it; how many people want to read it; is there a new review or rating... I've got to know! (Haha!)

And those reviews. So far they've all been pretty positive, which is super encouraging, but yanno. I'm bracing for the "not everyone's going to like your book" portion of the show. Talk about scary!

Up until now, I've been in the safe zone here with you all--where we always support each other and cheer each other on. Lift each other up when we're feeling down. 

Post book release, though, I've had to leave the nest. I mean, if I'm serious about turning the writing hobby into a career.

As Dr. Q says, "You have to fish outside your backyard." (Awesome post on marketing, link.)

So for the last few weeks, I've been emailing, introducing myself to total strangers, and asking them if they'd like to read my book for review. It's pretty nerve-wracking.

But so far everyone's been really cool. Book bloggers really are the nicest folks.

And along the way, I've had these little pop-up shout-outs from you guys (Hart, Carolyn, Janet, Kari, Katie, Clarissa, Lydia, Angela, Mary, etc.) Those are the best surprises. It makes me feel like no matter what, we're still getting there. Figuring it out. Keeping each other going. ((hugs))

Get it
While I'm sharing the love, oh, man. Have I got an awesome love story to share with you guys. I actually read this book about two weeks ago--literally in two sittings. It was just that amazing.

My Heart For Yours, by Steph Campbell and Jolene Perry. (link)

First, I love the dual point of view--each chapter is either Tobin or Delia talking or remembering. (I love those names.) And I love the whole setup of the funeral bringing these two kids back together after a pretty harsh split.

Their resistance to seeing each other, to letting any feelings try and creep back in... They totally lose that battle, of course. And how they do is so great to read. You'll just be... *sigh*

Mr. Original #1 Hottie
It's New Adult, so yanno. Age 17+. And--best part--it's all set in south Louisiana. (Yeah, it is!) So I got my home fix.

I highly recommend this one. It's so good.

Y'all know I'm a classic movie buff. It reminded me of an old Paul Newman movie, Sweet Bird of Youth.

Oh, man. I watched that movie with my BFF Dara in HS, and my Paul Newman love affair began. (The movie's awesome, too.) So read MHFY and then go watch SBOY, and have a hottie fest.

Thank you guys so much for always being a safe place. Have a great week, reader- and writer-friends! <3


27 comments:

Ciara said...

It's tough putting your baby out there for people to pick apart. For the most part, the reviews I've received, even the negative, have been great. I did just receive one about the lack of romance in my new release, Weighted. Um...it wasn't a romance. It was a story of friendship. Oh well, it's all good. I wish you all the best!

Sarah said...

Ah, I'm going through this, too, Leigh. It's quite an experience. I'm trying to stay away from Goodreads as much as I can (and failing). I think that after a while, we'll get used to it and kind of settle in. At least, I hope so! And good for you for reaching out to bloggers--I find that incredibly difficult.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

I am so very proud of you. You've taken the bull by the horns (sorry) and stayed true to yourself. You are one of my inspirations. I'm sure I'll be emailing you like crazy when it's my turn to stalk Goodreads. lol

Janet Johnson said...

You know, I have never seen a Paul Newman movie where he was young. I may have to change that.

And yay for you for branching out and meeting new people and for the success of your book! I'm so proud of you, girl. :D

Natalie Aguirre said...

Awesome Leigh that you're getting great reviews. And that you're putting yourself out there. I'd be scared too.

Hopefully someday I'll be able to turn too you and Sheri for advice.

Stina said...

Somehow what you're doing seems scarier than querying agents. :D

Ooh, another good book to add to my TBR pile. And you know I'm going to get it. :D

Susan Kaye Quinn said...

I'm so glad you've lifted yourself out of the nest and are soaring! :) (and thanks for the linkage!)

It might be scary, but most things worth doing are. :)

Ellie Garratt said...

You can do it, Lee!

Thanks for the awesome marketing link.

Pat Hatt said...

One must go out of their comfort zone to get things done, sounds like you are surely doing that and more.

Unknown said...

It's a scary, crazy, exciting journey! Yay!

Just finished Jolene's book Knee Deep and loved it. I'll definitely check this one out.

Lydia Kang said...

Ooh, I love Louisiana as a setting! Will mark it on my TBR list, thanks!

DEZMOND said...

you know, I'm loving your author pic, Leigh :)
You have a red carpet fashion report from the EMMY 2012 over at my place if you're in for gossiping celeb outfits :)

Jolene Perry said...

YOU ROCK LEIGH!!

And there aren't words for how much I love that book. Seriously.

Old Kitty said...

Beautiful LTM!! Will your book be out in print!??! Ahem. Just asking!!
:-)

Take care
x

M Pax said...

I know what you mean about holding your breath. I try not to pay too much attention though. The new stuff needs more of it.

Hope it keeps going like fire, Leigh! :D

Vicki Rocho said...

Sheesh, how long have I been out of the loop? SOOOO excited you've got a book out! ...running off to add it to my kindle right now (Jolene's too...)

Jemi Fraser said...

So proud of you!! I've got your book on my Kindle - but Sept is nuts around here so haven't read it yet! I'll get there soon!!!! :) (I'm more than absolutely terrified of putting myself out there).

Bish Denham said...

Congratulations! I love the title and I'm putting it on my to-read list.

LTM said...

@Ciara--you said it all there, girl! And I know. Sometimes I see reviews and I want to ask questions or explain better. But we can't. We just have to keep writing and hope for the best! I wish you all the best, too! ((hugs)) <3

Ella said...

Congrats Leigh! Hang on tight and enjoy the ride~ :D <3 555

Anonymous said...

Paul Newman? *swoon*

Anonymous said...

Nice! You're doing a great job! :)

Yolanda Renée said...

Congratulations on your release. Love the title!

Talking to readers is the joy!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I read Jolene's book too. Def a good read. The only thing worse than my addiction to the Goodreads number is my addiction to the Amazon ranking numbers.

Stina said...

psst. I tagged you. :)

LTM said...

@Liz--I know, right? :D <3

@LBD--Thanks, girl! It's pretty nerve-wracking, but I'm holding on... :o)

@Elizabeth--Jolene's books are so so good. And you said it all there. Amz #s + GR #s = no sleep... :D <3

Summer Ross said...

Leaving a comfort zone, or even just stepping outside of it can be rough. I wish you all the best and send fairies to guide many good reviews your way.