Do you remember this phrase as the first words when Frosty the Snowman first came to life from wearing the magician’s hat? Frosty was in awe and wonder at the world around him. Well, that was exactly how I felt when I woke up last Tuesday, August 2nd!!
Over the past six years and especially this last year I imagined how rewarding it would feel to see my name on a published book. But when my advanced, finished author copy came in the mail, all of my senses switched to overload. Except the sense of taste – I may eat my words from time to time, but not the ones on a printed page. 🙂
Feeling the weight of the hardcover book in my hands, seeing my name on the beautifully, haunting book cover, and the wonderful new book smell was intoxicating. The sound I heard – my mom’s voice the day she told me how much she loved the book. How amazed she was that people would want to read her story. And how much pride and love for me she felt because I did that for her, for her Papa.
The day began with wonderful emails, tweets, Facebook posts congratulating me and wonderful reviews for THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM. Later Tuesday afternoon, we went to visit Main Street Books in Davidson where my launch will be (This Saturday 13th 1-3pm) to see multiple copies of my book on display.
BEYOND AMAZING(A gazillion times better than I imagined)!
After I took pictures (and made my husband and daughter take many pictures) I felt like skipping out of the store-not that I can skip, but you get the idea.
However, the icing on the cake (which would be chocolate, if you were wondering) moment happened just as we were about to walk out the door. A man came in and asked the clerk for a book his daughter pre-ordered, Yup, you know what’s coming…THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM!!!!!
I whirled around and exclaimed, “That’s MY book!!!” (cue wide goofy grin and sudden downpour of confetti). He told me his daughter is planning to come to my book launch—did I mention it is this Saturday, the 13th in Davidson, NC? – I digress. He also said his she would have wished she came with him. So I asked what every writer dreams of asking…” Would you like me to sign my book? “
So, on the day my book was released into the wild, I signed my first autograph!!! Thank you, Lillian!! I pretty much floated out of the bookstore!
At the end of that magnificent day, I realized I hadn’t felt such true happiness or have my cheeks aching wonderfully from smiling in a very, very long time. A piece of me is so happy that even though, I have such physical pain and at times feel betrayed by my body, my brain still worked. But the rest of me feels so gratefully, joyfully blessed, because people will read my mom’s story and learn about the events in her life that shaped her into the bravest woman I’ll ever know. Her bravery – only surpassed by her love for her family.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your story, Mom!!
Also sharing this post at:
Congratulations, Kathleen, on publishing your first book. You have really done well with all those 5 STAR reviews on Amazon, already. I’m sure with this amazing start you’ll be among the forerunners in the author stakes. Well done you! 🙂
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Carole, thank you so much for your kind words. I’m beyond happy with the wonderful reviews. I’m so glad my book is resonating with the readers. It truly touches my heart. Sending a hug 🙂
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I’m so excited for you, Kathleen! What a wonderful day, thank you for sharing it! Congratulations 🙂 I’m a proud owner of your book- it’s so lovely, my friend ❤ I hope you’re still smiling!
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Thank you so very much!! Yes it is a day I won’t forget 🙂 It makes me smile and so happy that you thought my book was lovely. You have been such a wonderful supporter and even more wonderful friend ❤
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I saw the picture of you in your pretty cherry blossom dress, and know your relatives were there with you smiling down that day. I’m always cheering you on, just like you do for me sweet friend xoxo
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Thank you so much! When I saw that dress across the store, I could hear my mom telling me “this is the one” 😊Your words cheer me up today. Oh yes, it’s so nice to have our friendship , so very blessed to have found you! ❤
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Kathleen, I’m so proud of you. And that’s wonderful news about the publicizing award you just got. You go girl!
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Aw, Sarah thank you so much. That means a lot to me. Girl power!😊
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After reading a recent review on this book, I ordered it. What a fascinating peek into the other side of some major American historical events. Makes one think…
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Gayle, thank you for visiting. I’m grateful that you have ordered THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM, after one of the reviews, that’s a compliment in itself😊 I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know😊
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Congratulations! What an incredible event to welcome your book into the world and to share this powerful story. Thanks so much for linking up with #diversekidlit!
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Thank you so much! It definitely is wonderful to see my labor of love out in the wild 🙂 I love what #diversekidlit represents, so thank you all as well!
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What an incredible experience, congratulations!! Enjoy every moment of your experiences as a published author, I’m sure you’ve worked so hard to achieve this wonderful achievement. Well done!!
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Jane, Thank you so much for visiting! And thank you for the congratulations. It has been such an exciting time and culmination of a 6 year journey 🙂
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This is so amazing! Congratulations!
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Thank you so much 😊
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Kathleen, I am so happy for you. Enjoy every moment of your book launch. It will be the beginning of many more exciting adventures!
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Thank you so much Sheri! I’m planning to enjoy and soak it all in😊
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Sheri Thank you for your support and friendship<3
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Happy Birthday and enjoy some chocolate cake for me (my favorite too.) Enjoy your book launch!!
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Carol, thank you😊 I will definitely be happy to eat chocolate cake for you as well. It’s a must have whenever I celebrate😊
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Wow! I do feel the happiness and it has me a little bit teary! Love thinking about your mother and her papa and how you have shared their story with the world. And how wonderful to run into a customer looking for your book. Perfection!
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Thanks so much Joyce. Yes, the day really was! Couldn’t ask for it to be any better than that ❤
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Sending you many CONGRATULATIONS across the miles. Best wishes for lots of success with The Last Cherry Blossom (which I have just ordered for my library!).
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Thank you so much Marcia. Yay! That’s awesome ❤
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I really enjoyed The Last Cherry Blossom. Thanks so much for getting this beautiful story out into the world!
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Marcia, thank you so very much for your kind words. You make me smile😊
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Simply beautiful post! Congratulations to you, your mom and grandfather’s story, and your writing! Your audience already loves you! There’s evidence reflected here!
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Linda, thank you very much! That day was such a blessing. ❤
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