This post is for fellow Apocalypsies who have a book coming out in the near future. It’s a strange feeling having a book debut with other fabulous authors. It’s like high school—the class of 2012. Fortunately, I feel a lot cooler than I did in high school.
For those who don’t know, LIVING VIOLET is out in stores, and this holiday I had the pleasure of going out to the bookstore to see it on the shelf. There’s nothing more gratifying than seeing all your hard work and turmoil sitting with other books that you’ve admired. It’s surreal, and you spend the first few minutes trying to convince yourself that it’s your book. Once that wears off, that’s when the total freak out begins. You’re published, you’re legit, and the feeling is better than eating chocolate!
However, these are a few things you should probably NOT do while in the store.
DON’T…
· Yell out that you’re a local author and that you demand worship.
· Try to bribe the manager to place your book in a shrine in front of the store.
· Sign your own book then put it back on the shelf.
· Kiss, lick, or inappropriately grope the book while people are watching.
· Stalk kids around the aisle and see if they’re looking at your book.
· Cry at random and hug total strangers.
· Show up at the bookstore overdressed. (ex: evening gown and tiara.) Or underdressed (ex: Pajamas, hair rollers, and no make-up.)
· Take pictures with your book and throw up gang signs. As a writer, you lose all street credibility.
· Walk around the store holding the book and making sure everyone sees the cover.
I’m not going to say that I did any of these things… or all the above and all the photographic evidence has been destroyed anyway. But just a word of caution, be discrete. This is an exciting moment for a writer, but you are a professional now and you must behave accordingly. Mall security isn’t as forgiving as one might think, trust me.
The cool thing is I get two launches this year. Burning Emerald comes out in June and I’m already plotting my next bookstore raid. But for now, I’ll bask in the momentary sense of achievement and cheer on the debut authors who will soon join me. I can’t wait!
2012 represent!
That's awesome! Congrats. Love the list. I'll have to remember them. Lol
ReplyDeleteWait ... what? I can't wear my tiara to the bookstore? Dang.
ReplyDeleteI note that you didn't put "play furious air guitar atop the cashier counter" on your list of DON'Ts.
ReplyDeleteThis pleases me greatly.
Congratulations, Jaime! You have arrived! And so has your autographed copy to my house (YAY!) I'm guessing you did at least 5/10 of those things on your list, but I'm not telling which ones I think you did...
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Aww man! No gang signs? What am I going to do for my author photos now? Congrats on everything! BTW, I've been hyping up your novel to my students. :)
ReplyDeleteAww thanks guys! Tiaras are fine, but no gowns. Gang signs are never good for photos. And air guitar is awesome anywhere, even in church. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteI don't know. I took my debut book up to the counter of a bookstore and said "This is me". The owner was delighted and asked me to sign a few copies then put them back on the shelf with an "Signed by the author" sign.
ReplyDelete"Kiss, lick, or inappropriately grope the book WHILE PEOPLE ARE WATCHING." What if I'm very, very discreet?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Jaime! Just the beginning of great things for you and Cambion in 2012!
Awesome! That's a fabulous feeling I bet - and I think it's okay if you sign one and put it back on the shelf. :)
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think all those reactions are valid. Just used the Amazon gift card I got for Christmas to order Living Violet (and as of this morning my order has officially been shipped). Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! It must feel amazing to see your book on a shelf. By the way, I just finished my copy of Living Violet, and WOW. I loved it! The pace was gripping, and the plot was well done. I didn't see the ending coming, but it was such a fitting conclusion.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I adored Sam as a heroine. We need more girls like her in YA! She's smart and relatable and I loved how she took charge of her own safety. All the characters in your book seemed so real, like teenagers I've actually met. I think Nadine was my favorite. It's so nice to see a paranormal romance with lots of interesting female characters. And I don't want to mention any spoilers, but I thought the passage about fireflies was breathtaking.
Anyway, I'll stop gushing now! :) I just wanted to make sure I told you right away, in case it takes a while for me to write up a proper review. I'm also excited to hear Burning Emerald comes out in June, because that means I don't have to wait a year for the next book!
Thanks Kat! I'm so glad you like Living Violet. you're right, we need more strong female characters in YA that don't drop everything for a guy. The firefly passage made me sad too. :)
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