Is it comparable? Yes, I think so.
I’ve watched two of my own children pull themselves to their feet and stagger across the room, grinning and laughing at their own first steps. It’s a heady moment for a parent – a grab-the-camera-I-don’t-want-to-miss-this moment! And it’s immediately followed by terror as the parent realizes: Oh my God. They can get away from me now.
I think that’s what I felt when people started sending me pictures of We Hear the Dead on bookshelves in stores across the country. A squeal: Oh my God! Followed by a drop in the pit of my stomach: Oh. My. God.
That’s my baby on the shelf, pitted against the likes of Catherine Fischer’s Incarceron and Carrie Ryan’s The Dead Tossed Waves! I worry about my book just like any parent. Will anyone notice it? Pick it up? Take it home? C’mon fellow parents out there; don’t you remember when you sent your child off to kindergarten? You worried: Will he make friends? Will the teacher like her? Will he have trouble with bullies picking on him in the playground?
Tonight my own parents called to tell me there’s a display of 60 copies in our local Barnes and Noble, all set up and waiting for my signing event on June 2.
60.
Oh my God. That’s a lot of babies toddling off on their own. I hope they’ll be okay …
While I’ve got you here, let me suggest you visit Where In the Blogosphere is Jon? this Wednesday to participate in Heather, Tina, and Jon’s newest contest. My blog was featured two weeks ago, and it was a lot of fun. Prizes are awarded to the participant who is first to locate five blogs and unscramble Jon’s secret phrase – but if you’re not quick on the draw or can’t search the blogosphere during the day, you can also participate in the secondary contest, where prizes are awarded for the most creative comments left on the blog destinations. This week’s theme, in honor of the NE SCBWI, is New England bloggers – a Nor’Easter, in fact!
I soooo wish your signings were within driving distance. I think I’m going to scout out the bookstores and have a picture fest with WHTD 🙂
How exciting though! Good luck with the signing. Jon, Heather and Tina are so sweet.
Congratulations though! That’s such a big feat! I tried reading it back when it was still High Spirits, but I couldn’t make enough time for it. I think I’m going to have to try again though. This cover is definitely more attractive. 🙂
It looks gorgeous on the shelf!! I’m delighted for you. Best of luck and sign as *hauntingly* as you can. *Wink*
Hoorah for your litter of babies! I can’t even imagine the feeling of sending your books out into the world! We’re living vicariously through you!
I am sooo happy for you. Wow. I can’t imagine what it must feel like. Enjoy every minute of it. You deserve it after working so hard to make your dream come true. And I just love that Mom and Dad called to tell you about the display. I’m sure they’re way proud of you, too. You go girl!
I love this post Dianne, but try not to worry about sending your little ones off into the world. If we do our job right (with books, as with children), that is where they want to be when they’re ready! I am SO PROUD OF YOUR SUCCESS!!!