Hot off the press!

This is what nearly 50 copies of a new book look like — nearly 50 copies of my new book, to be precise.

I just got them from the publisher today. They’re for giving away to friends and family, and for showing off and selling (at a huge discount from the cover price) at a launch party.

I got them at an author’s 50% discount, meaning half of the $23 cover price, plus shipping (not unsubstantial). Hardback and Kindle editions may be forthcoming, but even I probably won’t order the pricey hardback.

On the Books page, you can find out how to order a copy from several outlets that I know are carrying it. There may be others, but these are the ones I am aware of.

It’s always exciting to hold a copy of a new book in your hands for the first time. This is what I worked so hard to achieve! Then you page through it, and periodically you think, “Well, that sentence was clunky. What was I thinking?”

The pride of authorship never wears off, though — even when you get a box of 50 copies delivered to your door.

When you see the books all piled up, you realize that your literary baby is now a commodity. It’s not unique at all. It’s something that will be bought and sold, like any other book. Some people will love it. Others will toss it across the room. You can’t control the reaction. You can only hope and pray that what you wrote will connect with the right people and in some small way change the world for the better. That’s why most writers write. It’s sure not for the money! It’s for the connection.

May your new year be as blessed as mine is so far.