My book debuted three months ago and it's been really exciting and a bit daunting. I guess I hadn't anticipated so much attention and so many good vibes coming my way because of it and I am so very grateful. To those who have purchased the book , I am eternally thankful. And for those who gave me a review, I cannot thank you enough. Apparently, reviews are what drive algorithms on Amazon so many thanks for that. I only say that because all of them have been good so far (fingers crossed for the future!).
Since my publication date I participated in the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and the Bay Area Book Festival. Both were really fun and I got to interact with other authors under the Sybelline publishing masthead. It's fun to see what other people write about and how they are promoting their books. Also, people who go to book fairs are exceptionally nice!
I also had a super fun launch party in Bakersfield in May with many friends who attended. That made me feel like a real author as I signed copies of the book. I honestly hate being the center of attention but I'm learning to accept it, hopefully with some grace.
I attended a book club meeting (full disclosure - it's the book club that I am in) and it was fun to hear what they thought of the novel. It was gratifying to know they could understand the motivations and plot points and what they meant to my characters. It really helped me to see the book through new eyes!
In the future, I hope to do more book signings in Bakersfield and elsewhere as well as visit with book clubs. Email me if you'd like me to visit your book club, in person or on Zoom (bethbrookhartwriter@gmail.com). I also know I need to do more promotion of my book, a skill I'm slowly learning. Promotion is confusing and time consuming and I'd really rather be writing my next book. It's almost ready for an editor so I'm hopeful.
In the meantime - I'm reading and watching a few good things: Assistant to the Villain (hilarious); The House in the Pines (intriguing); The Quiet People (excellent plot twists); Younger (Netflix - hilarious); Love in a Cold Climate (Brit Box - charmingly funny); Department Q (Netflilx - so, so good); tried to watch Nosferatu on Netflix but it was too creepy.