It's what every wannabe writer believes book publishing is like.
Well, let's take real life. How did I feel yesterday? Sure, I was happy and excited. But, I was overwhelmed, scared, nervous, tired, itchy (that's because a hungry misquito crept into my room and wrecked havoc with my arm) and above all, naked.
Why naked?
Because all the work I've done for the last few years on that book--and it was a lot-- is now out there for all to see. Judgement time! I hope the readers like the book but I know there will be negative reviews. In fact, I think I know what the negative reviews will say already.
However, I'm going to try to just enjoy myself. TRY. And realise, most writers go through this. Probably even Richard Castle on his first book.
NOW, during the month of April and the A-Z challenge, every day I asked my readers to try and guess the TRUE story behind my short stories. Some of you (yeah, you Laura) excelled! At the beginning of the month I said the top five would get $10 dollars in amazon gift cards each. Well, I lied. Well, not lied, just changed my mind. I've decided to give the top four, $20. The ones with five points, $10 each. And the two with four, $5 each. For those who have won, I will send the gift cards to your email.
Thanks for playing, everyone!
Winners of $20 amazon gift cards:
Laura - 21 points
Bev Hankins - 14 points
JTWebster - 9 points
Glynis - 6 points
Bev Hankins - 14 points
JTWebster - 9 points
Glynis - 6 points
Winners of $10 amazon gift cards:
Lynda R Young - 5 points
Cherie - 5 points
JC Martin - 5 points
Lynda R Young - 5 points
Cherie - 5 points
JC Martin - 5 points
Winners of $5 amazon gift cards:
Old Kitty - 4 points
Alex Cavanaugh- 4 points
Old Kitty - 4 points
Alex Cavanaugh- 4 points
When done in a proper perspective judging is good. I am a big believer that there is always room for improvement. If I ever get to where you are I will probably get deer in the headlight and rubber legs anyway. The good reviews will outnumber the bad ones. Congrats on the new book!
ReplyDeleteSorry that you got attacked by a mosquito. That always sucks :(
ReplyDeleteWow, I did win! Thanks, Clarissa. Yeah, email is fine.
ReplyDeleteRelease day is always overwhelming. Both exciting and scary.
And people wonder why I run around naked--I am PREPARING MYSELF! *cough* Seriously, though, congratulations on your launch! I hope you sell enough copies to drape your arms with gorgeous cabana boys! And congrats to the winners!
ReplyDeleteBad reviews are a very scary thought, but I am sure there will be many, many wonderful reviews!
ReplyDeleteWow, Clarissa! You are awesome! Thank you so much for your generous giveaway. Though I'm not sure how I feel about knowing so much about weird deaths. I guess that's what happens when you read a lot!! I may have to start minding what I read from now on, LoL.
ReplyDeleteI can't say from experience, but from what I've heard all authors go through the same mixture of emotions on release day (no matter if it's the first or the twenty-first!). I'm so happy for you and I hope you're enjoying this exciting time!
Congratulations on joining the rest of us! Writers, exposed: that would make a great group.
ReplyDeleteCallie
I imagine you will have way more positive reviews than negative ones!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your publication day!
ReplyDeleteIt is a little scary to know your book is out there and it's now too late to change anything.
Congrats on your book launch!! I hope to some day be able to write just one story to completion and perhaps have it published in some form! You won't feel so naked on your next book launch, I don't think you ever feel so naked as your first time!
ReplyDelete-MJ here from the support group :)
http://creativelyspiltink.blogspot.com/
So, I guess its a good thing I've always felt comfortable naked, for that eventual day, when I get there...which I hope will happen eventually.
ReplyDeleteThink we all go through this, Clarissa, feeling that we could have done some things better, but we eventually grow beyond this. :0)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your book, and grats also to all the winners :)
ReplyDeleteReviews are entirely subjective. Once my book is out I totally divorce myself from it. It's not mine anymore. It's out there (nekkid) for all the world to see.
ReplyDeleteBut admit it. It feels good just to set it free. Right?
Exciting stuff - I can only imagine that feeling, but well done you!
ReplyDeleteLx
Congrats on your e-book release Clarissa - and congrats to the winners of your challenge. I enjoyed your stories, but I'm lousy at guessing games :)
ReplyDelete.....dhole
Happy dance time!! Oh wow! Such fab things to celebrate! Clarissa you adorable creature! HUGE HUGE HUGE CONGRATULATIONS with your book!! How wonderful for you!! Yayayayayayy!! You deserve your success and more!!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you sooooooo much for my win too! So sweet and exciting! Take care
x
It IS scary putting out your work like that. But it's awesome too!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the gift card! Your posts in April were fun :)
And congrats to all the other winners!!
We all know you're a good writer. And we all worry about the same things. I just added your book to my TBR list on Goodreads. Looks to me like it's getting good reviews :<)
ReplyDelete'Naked' is a good way to describe how you're feeling! I hope you get some good reviews right quick. I'm sure you will.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the win, so generous!
Congratulations on your book! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats to all the winners.
Congrats on your book release. Hope all your dreams come true.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the book release! And congrats to the winners.
ReplyDeleteI guarentee you that King, Rowling, and all the other famous writers had negative reviews. I'd even say they still have their judges.
ReplyDeleteDon't focus on the negative. Read it, process it, then, let go.
T
I love the Castle reference, Clarissa! Congratulations on your book launch! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your launch, and on to all winners.
ReplyDeleteHuge thanks for my prize, I cannot believe I was a winner! Thank you!
Hi Clarissa.I hope those mossie bites have gone down and you're able to enjoy your book launch. All writers get a bad review or two but it intrigues me that you are pre-guessing what they will be already.
ReplyDeleteYour prizes for your death-by guessing game were awesome. Congrats to all winners.
Keep us posted about your book's progress.
Denise
And I just downloaded your book. Couldn't wait for print. D.
ReplyDeleteYippie! Thank you for your generosity, Clarissa! Off to buy some books!
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks so much Clarissa. What a generous give away.
ReplyDeleteAnd--based on your stories for the deaths--I'm sure the terrific reviews will far outweigh any negative ones!
I know that naked feeling very very well. I'm really looking forward to reading your novel - I'm sure it's fab!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the winners.
Laura rocked your challenge!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the gift card. Now to narrow down to what books to buy (already got yours *grins*).
And I know exactly what you mean about feeling naked with a book out. It's scary, exciting stuff. And negative reviews unfortunately happen, but we don't write for those people anyway. :)
I have such a love/hate thing with Castle. It's a fun show and I adore Nathan Fillion. But it perpetuates so many stupid lies about being a writer. And--WHEN DOES THAT GUY WRITE BOOKS?
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the winners!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the winners and happy belated book b-day.
ReplyDeleteYou had a terrific idea for the A - Z, Clarissa. Congratulations to the winners -- they earned it!
ReplyDeleteAs to your debut, I just wish you the absolute best. No one escapes the discomfort of scrutiny and callous reviews -- critics are always waiting to do what they do best. But my wish for you is that your hard work finds its niche and the readers who are meant to enjoy it. Well done!
Hi Clarissa - your theme was excellent and I loved the stories - a good read. Congratulations to all the lucky winners - oh joy oh joy .. $ gift vouchers.
ReplyDeleteMore importantly - good luck with the book .. it does sound fascinating .. and I'll be reading it sometime.
Cheers and have a great weekend .. Hilary
Yes, try to relax and enjoy it! Congrats on your accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteCongrats also to the gift card winners!
Hey. You didn't work so hard all this time to feel sick about it! Celebrate! Savor! Feel good about it. There may be a lot of books out there but that doesn't mean everyone is an author! It's OK to feel great!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you!
Congrats to all your winners on a great challenge!
Heather
I'm very excited about your release, Clarissa and I see some very nice people won awards! Yeepee1
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the book release! Can't wait to read it :)
ReplyDeletePutting your work up for readers' consumption really is like being naked in public.
ReplyDeleteYou've got the right attitude - you expect some bad reviews, because all writers get those. But you can also be proud of your achievement, and I have no doubt that you'll get good reviews too! :)
ReplyDeleteNice job on the challenge and your book. I just downloaded it! Can't wait to start...
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the book release. Too bad about the mosquito, those things are pests.
ReplyDelete