I’ve always wondered what this would feel like.
I went out to collect the mail, and found a small package in the mailbox – my book, back from the printers! My real, actual, physical, touchable, super-shiny BOOK!
(Colour balance in the photo is a bit off – glossy cover and all that. But still!)
I feel … actually, I don’t know what I feel. Joy is part of it, certainly. Pride? Relief? Yes, all of those, and then some.
It mainly feels strange. It’s my book, absolutely, but … now I understand the look on my mother’s face when I got married. Does that sound idiotic? It’s its own creature now. Separate from me.
I knew what the package must be as soon as I saw the OUP label on the back. And yes, I sat there looking at it for a good half hour before I decided that I was going to open it. And part of me is terrified by it – no going back now. No last-minute changes, no sudden disavowals. I’m a poet, with an actual collection. Not ‘maybe’, not ‘one day’, not even ‘soon’. Now. Here. Bold as brass, and absolutely real. My. First. Book.
How do I feel? I have no idea.
Go well, little book.
A Dark Feathered Art 
Oh, so exciting!! It’s a bit scary isn’t it? Make sure everyone knows that there is a three-month ban on anyone pointing out anything that is wrong with it. Ok, so I might have made up that rule, but it’s a good one.
It looks just gorgeous. Is it truly hardback? I didn’t realise – that’s especially special!
Congratulations once again.
I like that rule! Have to admit, I haven’t done anything more than flick through the pages yet for exactly that reason …
I know the feeling. Weird, isn’t it?
Definitely the word for it. Weird beyond weird!
Well, I’m pleased for you. I’m just glad what happened to me didn’t happen to you. My cover was printed as a photographic negative! The thing is, it was quite cute in its own way. And so is yours I see.
Ouch. Ok, now I’m even more glad that it’s turned out so well.
And more determined not to scrutinise it for a while, just in case …
Congratulations! You’re welcome to pimp your book on my blog, by the way, though I don’t know if it has much of a readership
Thanks, I’d love to – interview, comment, general “Hey, this book is brilliant” … ?
Email me off-blog to discuss the details.
Congratulations! It is a wonderful, unique feeling. And there are more. The first time someone you don’t know writes to you to say how much they enjoyed it, the first time you see a photo of it in another country. A good review by someone who isn’t a friend. Life is an amazing adventure. Have fun!
Congrats on the new book. Looks great! This book is all you–enjoy the moment! Can’t wait to read it.
Thanks – and ditto! Maybe we should do a book-swap?