How is it possible that it’s been three weeks since the launch of Crummy Conversations?! Man, it was such a fun and exhausting week of celebrating!
Did I share with you that in the two days before the book launch party one of my kids vomited everywhere in a dead sleep, another kid woke up at 3:30am two days in a row (yes, that’s still happening) and I threw out my right SI joint? So, if you thought it was all rainbows and unicorns, and cookies, over here, it is–And it is also very much like real life. Additionally, I had an epically exciting moment the day after the book launch party where Dr. Vanessa Lapointe messaged me to tell me that she was putting my book in the next spot in her book club and as we were messaging back and forth, one of my small children was yelling non-stop from upstairs for me to come assist them in the bathroom. Like, bellowing relentlessly. Needless to say, being a published Author has proven to be very glamorous.
Some of you have given me great suggestions on where my book might find a home: the library, BC Ferries on-board gift shop, local independent bookstores etc. Keep those suggestions coming! I am working on reaching out to all of them, but so far, the responses are few and far between. Imagine how many people must be asking for their books to take up precious real estate on store shelves?
Today I received an email from one of the independent bookstores I reached out to, and the response explained that their staff team decided together about what books they carry, and they would need a copy to consider it. Great! I’m happy to give them a copy, but I feel a bit like I’m sending my book baby on a blind date. Here she is, don’t judge her by her cover (although she’s cute!) and I hope you “get” her like I do! I guess matching your book to the right store is a bit like matching yourself to the right partner when dating. It’s not going to be a match every time, but you keep trying cause there is going to be that one store (or person) that the book (or you) resonates with. To counteract some of the discomfort and vulnerability I feel while in this process, I do things like pop a copy of Crummy Conversations into one of our local lending libraries. I love the idea that it may find its way to someone who needs it, at no cost to them.
This post-launch time is very much full of mixed emotions. Overall, I feel tired from all the energy, effort, and time I put into making the book happen. I have received some exciting invitations since the launch. I recently recorded a Podcast with Shantelle Bisson and have a speaking gig lined up at the end of October to talk to writers about my experience. I also feel so much pride and hope in some moments (the other side of the vulnerability and discomfort!). Like in a moment from this past weekend when I was pushing my grocery cart through a big box store. I had one kid riding on the side and was intensely focused on finding my oldest child’s request (croissants, she wanted croissants), when a women called out to me by name from across the aisle. She also had a kid hanging off her cart and she said, “Michelle! I feel like I know you because I’m reading your book. I’m loving it! It’s like having a conversation with you!”. It was such a beautiful moment of genuine connection—and not something I can ever imagine getting used to.
I’ve been asked a few times, what’s next? And, what’s the angle with the book? I must tell you there’s no hidden angle and there’s no big what’s next. The book was the goal and now I’m just going to follow the breadcrumbs of life where they lead me. You know the little hints of what is the next right thing? In my case those little breadcrumbs are, of course, cookie crumbs. I’ll follow those cookie crumbs wherever they take me!
So, here’s to sending Crummy Conversations on her first of many blind dates! I’ll report back and let you know how it goes.
Michelle