Today, I’m thrilled to introduce debut author, Kelly Gay. Her first book, THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS, hits the shelves on November 24, and you should all run out and buy it immediately! (Okay, I’m slightly biased, because Kelly is my critique partner, but really, the book is fantastic. Trust me!)
To celebrate the release of her first novel, Kelly will give away a signed copy, as well as a cover flat, bookmark, and CHOCOLATE (in the form of Lindor Truffles, either milk or dark chocolate). See the end of the post for more details about the giveaway. Without further ado, here’s Kelly!
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Ever wonder what it feels like to have your first book release?
My name is Kelly Gay. My urban fantasy novel, THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS, drops this Tuesday. And, I am a total wreck. Should anything you’re about to read be confusing, contradictory, slightly maniacal, and/or schizophrenic then please refer back to this paragraph and the total wreck part.
I liken this week to all those sensations that surge through your body when you’re on a roller coaster ride. Fear, exhilaration, stress, joy, confidence, disbelief, adrenaline overload… As of a few days ago, my gut has taken permanent residence at the base of my throat, and where my gut used to be is a hollow, airy void. This, I can assure you, is not a pleasant feeling.
You see, this moment, this first-book debut, will only come once. I want to do everything I can to get the word out, to have it do well for those who believe in me and this story. My editor. My publisher. Everyone who has the same hopes I have. And, it’s this endeavor, this “getting the word out” that evokes much of the fear and worry I’m experiencing. Promoting a book is harder and scarier than I thought. Let’s see, we have:
On the pleasant side:
- Interviews: Easy to talk about a world and characters that I love!
- Guest posts: Also, easy. Although, I might run out of things to say at some point… (And those who know me—don’t laugh. It’s possible).
- Mailings: Time consuming, but I hear well worth it, and I have cool bookmarks that I’m determined the entire world should see.
- Contests: Fun. I love doing contests and interacting with readers!
On the scary side:
- Meeting booksellers: Why am I so nervous introducing myself as an author?
- Book signings: For an introvert, this one is going to be hard!
- My checking account: Any author who has ordered bookmarks, business cards, paid for postage, and placed ads knows how fast all this can add up.
- Interviews & Guest Posts: Yes, I know. Double foul for putting it both places, but with the fun of doing these things comes the worry that they won’t be well received.
And still, believe it or not, I wonder: Is it enough?
Anyone want to grab me by the shoulders and shake some sense into me yet? But, you know, I’m being honest here. And, I’m gonna take a wild guess and say most every author out there goes through this kind of fear, worry, and jubilation with their first book, and, to a lesser extent, every book thereafter. (Or maybe not to a lesser extent…authors, what say you?)
Here’s the thing: I know it’s basically out of my hands at this point, I know that I need to take a deep breath and enjoy the ride, which I am doing as well (that whole rollercoaster thing applies here). My friends tell me don’t stress it. Much of the work I’m doing will get the word out, but, in the end, there’s no guarantee it will translate into sales.
So why bother? Why not chuck the promo, take a deep breath, go have a few margaritas, and chill?
I will tell you why (and I will still have those margaritas). I bother out of love, as corny as that might sound. I love my book. I want to shout it from the rooftops and let people know it exists. I want to share Charlie’s story with the world. I love this book because it’s the manifestation of a dream, of years and years worth of manuscripts, rejections, and all those ups and downs we writers experience. I have a book, a real, honest to goodness book that I can hold in my hands. Love, you see, is stronger than the fear.
I suppose I’m either a glutton for things that frighten me, just along for the ride like a woman who got on this roller coaster without realizing how fast it went, or I can handle more than I thought. (I feel like it’s the roller coaster one, though).
So, whether my efforts work or not, *I* will know that I did what I could, that I gave an honest, ‘no regrets’ effort to get the word out, with the help of some amazing friends (Thank you Deadline Dames for having me here!) and readers. And whatever the outcome, I’ll be happy with that.
And when the time comes to give another debut author advice, I will say the same thing: Give as much effort as your heart tells you. Turn your fear into determination. This is your moment, so hold on to those handle bars and start screaming.
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If you’d like to win an autographed copy of THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS, along with the other goodies, leave a comment sharing one of your fears. You have until midnight EST to enter. The winner will be selected at random from the eligible comments and will be announced on Sunday afternoon. Good luck!
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Hi Kelly
Thank you for such a personal post.
I hope you are enjoying this last weekend as a pre-Release author. I’m looking forward to Tuesday too. I want to see THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS in my bookstore.
One of my fears is the fear of success.
(I am working on overcoming that insidious self-doubt/fear)
Love & Best Wishes
Rob
xoxo
One of my fears is of being thought of by others to be a snob when actually am just shy around others and not good meeting new people. I totally get the fact you are an introvert, so am I…
Hello Ms. Kelly and love this post. The roller coaster analogy is so good and am so happy for your debut UF novel, congratulations sounds like “The Better Part of Darkness” is a must read…
I personally have no idea how to stop stressing over anything so can fully sympathize with you and thanks for being so honest with the readers who come here and meet you through this post and know we are all pulling for you with all our might…
Take a deep breathe and remember this time as you are right it is a “first” that only comes once and no matter how worried you are right now bet when everything comes together on release day and you see the results of your hard work on that bookshelf and read the wonderful reviews you are going to be getting (crossing fingers and toes here and know you will get them) then you will sit back and wonder what ever made you worry in the 1st place.
Thanks for gracing us today and you have some “fans” already and will be happy to buy your debut book and hope for many more from you…. Good luck…
Jackie B Central Texas
Kelly – Sweetie – I am sooo excited for you and can’t wait to add you to my Pixie books self.
I also understand what you are saying about promotion. You have that terrified feeling no one will buy it because no one knows it exists. I have been there. And I have Promoed.
And while I feel the same way about everything you have said, when I last saw Dame Keri – she told me that I really have to concentrate on what’s important too – writing my next book. So that is what I am trying to do. Take that advice and work on my stories.
I also know Ms Kelly Keaton – you are going to be a busy lady. THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS is going to do great and I cannot wait to get my copy.
*kiss* pixie sister.
BTW – having a Maragarita before bed. Raising it too you in toast.
Sweet. I would love to entered and I wonder how you manage everything. It’s my most frequent question. I am hopeless, when it comes to deadlines. I panic at the volumes of work and things to be done and my brain fries…
Kelly, I am so excited about your debut release and I know there’s going to be many many more releases in your future! You’re one of the hardest working writers I know and to finally see you HERE, is AWESOME! I’ll make sure to turn all your covers out on the shelves if they aren’t already. I’m so PROUD of YOU!
Congrats on the release!
I’m scared of…lots of stuff. Some of it is to do with when/if I get ‘there’. But I think my biggest fear has to be of blood. I know, blood. Ridiculous, isn’t it?
But it’s kind of encouraging in some ways, because I know that if I can get over my other (more rational) fears, getting over the blood thing will be easier.
Anyway, I just realised once again how much I want to get ‘there’ and have a first release one day too, and now I’m inspired. Thanks!
Irene
[goes off to write]
Congrats on your first release! I’m so excited for you, and I loved this post.
I have a lot of fears, all of which revolve around wondering if I’ll ever be “good enough.” I’m afraid I’ll never sell a story. Afraid I’ll ruin my horses no matter how carefully I work them. Afraid my ankle won’t let me keep dancing. And sometimes I’m afraid that success will change my life and I won’t know how to adjust to it.
Yeah… my goals for the coming year are all about overcoming fear! 
Hi Kelly! Thanks for a great post. I love the cover art (which, I know, authors don’t really have anything to do with, but! It looks excellent and makes me want the book).
Tons of fears here. Probably the biggest is failure. What if it’s all for naught. Ya know?
I can’t wait to read the book. Thanks!
Hi, Kelly. Congrats on your first release. The book cover is great and I can’t wait to get my hands on it…
Fears… Hmmm… Sometimes I’m affraid I’m not strong enough to fight for my dream, when things get complicated. And when I think that people may not like my work, that really really scares me. Well, I’m not exactly I brave person, but I keep trying.
Kelly–Great post. Congratulations on your release. Among my greatest fears is failing my children and grandchildren. Good luck conquering all your fears!
Hi Kelly! Great post! You’re book is going to do well! I can promise you at least one sale because I’m going to buy it!
And if you ever do a book signing near me, we can be introverty together, because that’s one of my biggest issues, just being awkward around others. The worst part is that I’m only like that about writing professionally because that’s what I’m so passionate about, being a published, successful author.
Which leads me to my other even more secret fear: I fear that my writing is really not good enough to ever be successfully published and no one is telling me. That probably sounds silly but it gets to me sometimes. A large part is based on the fact that many people (some very successfully published authors) have read my work and told me they see potential, they enjoyed it, it will definitely work in the market. And yet, here I sit, still writing, still querying like mad and without even an agent to say ‘it’ll happen, we’ll work it out.’ Meanwhile, my lovely family keeps telling me ‘don’t sweat it, eventually something will happen’. That might be, but until it does, I’m left with the fear that it won’t because maybe it shouldn’t…
Congratulations! What a lovely cover.
My fears have already been mentioned above by others. I’m afraid I’ll never get published, and if that miricle ever happens, that no one will like my work.
I wish you the best of luck on your release day. *Off to add your book to my wish list.*
My biggest fear is death.
Kelly, congrats and the best of luck with your book. If I don’t win it in this contest I’ll be looking for it next week. I’ll also pass on the word to my readers group here in Oklahoma.
My fear is never being able to finish my book. I have a lot of ideas, but turning those ideas into a 100,000 word MS is scary. So you and the ladies here at Deadline Dames have my upmost respect for just getting past that hurdle.
Nice post, and congratulations! I have had poor (but correctable) vision most of my life. My biggest fear is blindness.
Hi, Kelly!
I can really relate to your post, because I’m in the roller coaster car right behind yours. (My debut urban fantasy novel Deadtown releases at the end of next month.) I just wanted to say THANK YOU for articulating so well what it feels like to be standing on the brink of a debut. It’s so helpful to know that other authors feel or have felt the same way I’m feeling right now.
Good luck with your release!
(P.S. I’ve already preordered a copy of The Better Part of Darkness, so no need to enter me in the contest. Just wanted to say thanks!)
Hi Kelly!
My biggest fear is losing someone that I love (my husband and family). Followed by a fear of failure, particularly in my career(s) – writing and medicine.
Thank for the great post!
Looking forward to checking out the novel!
Linda
I didn’t have that many fears when I was single. Just the usual fear of mice, spiders etc. Now, I’m scared for my children, for my family, in this economy, in this flu season etc etc. Fearing for others is far worse than fearing for oneself.
On a sidenote, would love to host you on my book blog as well. Let me know.
abookblogger at gmail dot com
A Book Blogger’s Diary
I am scared to death of pitching my book in front of people. Queries I can handle, but in person? It’s something I’m constantly trying to get over as I talk to people interested in what I write (friend, family)
This was a great post. I love hearing about new books and authors. My biggest fear is death in my family. That would be very very bad.
I too have a release out. It’s only a short story, but I’m on that rollercoaster with you, Kelly. It’s strange and scary and satisfying. But my nails are raw at what my friends and family and worse, reviewers, might think of it. *gulp* But I just grin (or try my best not to look terrified) and swallow back the screams.
My fears. That I’ll never be good enough. That I’ll be driven to write for the rest of my life, but not for publication, not for anyone else to read or enjoy.
Hi Kelly!!! Great post. I think whether its your first book or your first big presentation in front of the boss, everyone gets those feelings. Like the crazy rollercoaster, I love ‘em, the anticipation is always so much worse than the event. Your book sounds awesome, and I look forward to reading it.
My biggest fear is that I’m not good enough or smart enough, and someone will come along and I’ll be tossed to the curb.
Just taking a break from glamorous laundry… These comments are so nice and supportive that I just want to hug you all and say thanks a million times over. The writing/reading community ROCKS. Cheers to you all!
I can totally relate to being introverted. I’ve gotten better since I graduated college and joined the working stiffs but having a book signing and a live interview would give me a serious case of numb tongue.
My biggest fear, is not public speaking but singing in public. I can’t hold key very well.
I’m with Amy. Public speaking is not my friends, by any means, lol. I also have horrible dreams about flying so I’m scared of getting on planes. And spiders. Eek! Can’t deal with the eight-legged crawlers
Hi, Kelly!
There’s only one fear that comes to mind (there’s probably a lot more) and that is the ice cream truck music. I am sorry but that music is SUPER creepy and I HATE IT! And lucky me, there’s nowhere you can go (Alaska?) where you don’t find those damn ice cream trucks. And here’s the even more weirder thing – I remember when I was eh, about 11, that I didn’t mind the music, I even got ice cream from them!!
So the question is, where did this fear come from? It’s not that I’m omg–its-going-to-killlll-me scared but eh, it creeps me out!
Fears…I am afraid I will find a way to screw up my kids. Probably a typical parent fear.
Congrats on your debut! If you are interested in doing a guest spot on a blog for an interview and/or contest, I would love to host you! I have the first week in December wide open. Just sayin’.
My biggest fear would have to be people reading my work. I’m very shy so i get very nervous when this happens.
Congrats on your release!
jmspettoli
Congratulations on your first-book debut! My biggest fear is losing someone I love. I can barely stand to think about it even for a second!!
Great post! Congratulations of you first book release!
Hmmm…I have oh so many fears. Dealing with people is a major one. I’m an extreme introvert and not very good at being social in anyway unless I’ve known someone a long time…and even then I’m not always that great at it
Dealing with strangers is the worst for me though and the cause of much anxiety.
Thanks for such a great, honest post. I sure hope all of your efforts pay off with much success. I know I’m planning on picking up The Better Part of Darkness (that is unless I win it of course). However I get my hands on it, I’ll be sure to spread the word as much as I can. New authors need support so they can keep producing awesome stories.
My fear – I have a mild case of social phobia, so every time there’s a party or other social situation, I feel a lot of anxiety, and I have to force myself to attend. Once I get there and start mingling it usually gets better unless I don’t know many people, then it’s a lot harder.
Congratulations on your first book release!:)
I’ll definately be on the look out for it the next time I’m at the bookstore.
One of my biggest fears is losing the people that are close to me, I’m not sure I could handle it if something happened to one of them. Another fear is public speaking. I hate getting up in front of people and trying to talk. I always turn bright red and start stumbling over my words. Its terrible!
Hi Kelly
Congratulations and your book sounds awesome. I’ve been by your blog a few times as well as a few others and read reviews and excerpts. I will be reading your book for sure.
As for what my fear is well i have a little bit of a social fear(anxiety kicks in) and a dead line fear I hate deadlines or any kind of due dates, they keep me up at night…
Congratulations, Kelly. You’ve already got some great reviews on Amazon–4 1/2 stars!
And you’ve got a great publisher. Pocket is one of the best.
Here’s to many more published books,
Maeb
Congrat’s! I won’t lie, I am envious
Fears? Heare’s a couple: not finishing a book, not being able to be published… Anyways, again congrat’s again and enjoy your moment(s)!
Hi Kelly! Congratulations on your first book release! Can’t wait to read it!
My worst fear is of failure. Failure in anything. Can’t stand it. Which is rather sad considering I’m in my twenties, am too sick to work, have too many side effects from meds to concentrate for school, so I still live at home with my parents…not where I exactly figured my life would be headed at this point. Oh, well. I guess that’s one reason I enjoy reading so much. Getting to escape into other worlds.
Kelly–
Great post! Congratulations on your release!
My fear is forgetting a deadline or an appointment. I have post-its, notes in several calendars, and computer reminders and I still break out into a sweat if I think I forgot something.
I think I would rather dream I ate a big marshmallow and then wake up and find my pillow missing.
congrats on your release. Sounds like a fantastic book and great giveaway chocolate and books. My fears are public speaking and spiders. Can’t stand those creepy things crawlling on me.
I have fear of just other people. I get very, extremely nervous when I am in new situations, or have to meet new people. The only time I’m not nervous around people is when I’m dealing with children. Ironically, I run an afterschool program with 150 students in it. Not one of them make me nervous. Can’t stand new situations or new people though. I’ve been like that ever since I can remember.
I will sweat coz of my fear when i need to make a speech in front of lots of people.
since i’m an introvert. it’s not my usual thing to do
please count me in the drawing !
Great post, and congratulations on your release. My fears are clown (because of the film ‘IT’), presentations in front of large groups of people, and the possibility of losing anyone in my family.
Huge congrats on your first release. That’s quite a mountain to climb. Great story, I especially liked the scared-to-death-but-nevertheless-loving-it roller coaster graphic.
Fears? Coming to the end of time and thinking ‘Darn it! I should have used my time better!’ which is whyI’m still on the computer, ostensibly upping Nanowrimo wordcount….
Congratulations on your first book releasing this week. I have read rave reviews and I immediately added it to the WWBL. It will be in the shopping basket this week.
My worst fear is like others here, fear of speaking in public. I have always been shy, but I put on a good face in small groups. I have become a smartass at times, too, seemingly unafraid to air my views. In front a large crowd with a prepared speech or meeting someone I admire? Holey crappe I fall to pieces.
Congrats!
I fear disappointing. Sometimes that means disappointing others but mostly it’s disappointing myself.
I used to say my that my biggest fear was heights, but I think it’s public speaking! Not a fan.
A lot of my fears are very similar — public speaking, failure, death, meeting new people, being a good parent, putting my work out there… and snakes. *shudders* But somehow we all manage, eh?
Thanks to everyone for reading my post, and for all the very lovely, supportive comments.
I’m afraid of failure, that the You-Suck script has been right all along . . . and I’m afraid of success because it’s change and then I’ll have to keep it up and ahhhh. scary.
Да уж Достаточно спорно, поспорил бы с автором…