Celebrate Good Times...Come On!

A few weeks ago, I asked some friends to gather to celebrate my book Asylum getting published. It was such a wonderful party. I felt loved, celebrated, and lifted up. It was amazing!

Over the Labor Day weekend, I received the paperback copy of my book. My brother had ordered a hardcover, which was even more impressive to hold and look through. My favorite part of the weekend, though, was presenting the book to my mom and watching her read the dedication page. She cried; I cried. It was wonderful. She's taught me a lot about being a mom, and I am thrilled that I was given the opportunity to give her such a gift.

I also got to share my physical book with a couple of friends. I can't say which was more exciting - opening the package with my book for the first time, or watching the faces of those I care about as they flip through it. Both were pretty awesome.

Another highlight of the weekend was walking into Barnes & Noble - a former place of my employment - with my mom to order the book. We stood at the information desk and ordered several copies from a nice kid. He asked if it was a good book. I said, "It's sci-fi." He replied, "That makes it a good book." Then my mom proudly introduced me as the author. Yeah, it was fun.

I'm looking forward to what the week holds. I've already scheduled a local booksigning. I know I have lots of work ahead of me. I'm also eager for the Christian Product Expo to get underway. It's my prayer that sales will take off after that. So far, many of my friends and family have purchased the book - for which I am most grateful. But I sure hope that readers across the country will enjoy it and want more.

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