Hi there! A couple of weeks ago, I was blogging about how nervous and excited I was about the upcoming release of my clean autumn romance from Hallmark Publishing, Sunrise Cabin.
To be honest, “excited and nervous” was my gentle way of saying “terrified.” Even after I got a lovely blurb from bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne, I was really scared nobody would like it.
I’d worked late nights and weekends on the book, and I’d put so much of myself into it. What if people rolled their eyes at my heroine for doing a morning gratitude ritual (you know…like I do?) What if they hated Dylan, who feels crushed by his workload at the office…just like I do, sometimes? What if I got a bunch of terrible reviews, and my boss and coworkers thought I was a fraud?
The official release date was Sunday, but the paperback was available sooner, so reviews trickled in before then. So far, people like it! I can’t even explain how relieved I am. I told my boss about it the other day and he suggested that I could’ve talked to him sooner about being freaked out, which I really appreciated.
When I released The Phoenix Codex, I celebrated with a couple of my friends who had book releases at the same time. Since we just moved to L.A., I didn’t really have anyone to celebrate this one with–besides Mr. Donovan and my dogs, of course. But I knew it would get a shoutout on national television on Saturday, during the Hallmark Channel’s Fall Harvest Preview Special.
All Saturday, I looked forward to seeing the special…and then I missed it, because I got the time wrong! I was crushed…and then my parents sent me the iPhone video they’d taken of their TV screen when they were watching the show. It aired again on Sunday, and it was pretty amazing to see the hosts — actors I’ve watched in several movies — talk about my book! You can see it here, at around the 19:40 mark.
(Fun fact: if you look closely, the book she’s holding is not exactly the same as the real book! When we found out we had the opportunity to get a shoutout on the show, the book wasn’t finished yet. We made a very quick mockup and rushed it to the set!)
Many of you who posts excerpts with me in WIP Wednesday every month saw snippets of this book as I was writing it — and posted words of encouragement and support. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated that when I was trying to hit my deadline!
Sunrise Cabin is available at these online retailers. And if you already bought it, thanks so much!
For people in the U.S. who get the Hallmark Channel, I’ll be on the Home and Family show on Friday morning talking about the book! And on Thursday morning, before they shoot the program, I’ll be doing a Facebook Live event on the Hallmark Publishing page.
Have you ever had a work experience where you were really scared about something…and it turned out fine? Are you working on a book now that’s close to your heart? I would love to hear about it in the comments! Thanks so much for reading!
So excited about Sunrise Cabin! Congratulations pal!
Thank you! You were so encouraging when I was so freaked out. 🙂 I miss you so much!
It wouldn’t matter if I’d read it all before. It’s still great.
Congratulations! You bloom!
Oh, thanks so much, Tina!
YAYYYYYYY!!!!
😀 How are you?! It’s ridiculous we haven’t gotten together yet — we need to figure something out!
You must be over the moon excited seeing your book on national TV! Congratulations, Stacey/Bryn! I’m really procrastinating writing a scene that’s close to my heart, but hopefully after finishing, it will provide some healing as well. It’s been 6 years but I still get emotional when I talk about it. It’s a big part of my book and it forces the heroine to spend more time with the hero. Yes, I’m scared about writing it, but I feel I’m the only one who can make the experience real for my future readers. Thanks so much for this awesome blog!
It really is exciting! I wish you good luck on that scene. I think some of the things we’re scared to write wind up being some of our best stuff. Thanks so much for the kind words, and for reading the blog!
So super proud of you!!
Thank you so much!
Congratulations, Bryn!!! Seriously, so much love your way…I got a little teary when I saw your smiling photo at the end of the blog post because you look so incredibly happy, and I’m insanely happy for you (even though we’ve never met!). I’ve said before that I draw so much strength from you — you’re a brilliant, beautiful, motivated person with so much positive energy that shines through like crazy in your blog and your books. Massive hugs, and celebrate well!!!
Oh, Lisa, you are so kind and sweet. You’re making me a little teary. I appreciate you so much! I just wish you were here in Los Angeles! 🙂 Thank you, friend.
I’m at Chapter Six! I love it! Congrats!
Hi, Michele! Thanks so much for reading it — I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!
Congrats! Good job!
Thank you, Zeke!
First off, Congratulations!!! That is so exciting!! Secondly, can we acknowledge how your shirt and lipstick pairs perfectly with the book cover in this photo?!
I understand the jitters you get from putting your book out into the world for all to see, especially when it is one that is so personal. Although I just recently starting writing fiction (nothing published), I fancy non-fiction (reading and writing). I always feel so vulnerable with my published work, so much so that I have used pen names in a few scenarios. I have a few stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul under my real name but I remember feeling almost embarrassed for people to read my very first story. It had nothing bad or embarrassing in it, but it was my own personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences and it just felt so strange to expose it all. I’m not even sure exactly what it is I’m “afraid” of … I guess it is just self-doubt setting in. I’m optimistic I will get braver with the more work that I do. Baby steps! haha…
As for Cabin Sunrise, I am on chapter 8 and so far I’m loving it, it is such a sweet/cozy read and so perfect for Hallmark!! I can’t wait to finish it!
Ha! I didn’t coordinate on purpose–that’s so funny!
Angie, congratulations on getting stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul! That is fantastic. I’m a huge admirer of Jack Canfield. It does make one nervous to put things out there!
Thank you so much for reading the book! I appreciate that!
Bryn, I am so proud of you. The book is wonderful. I haven’t completely finished it yet (Stupid Kindle dying…), but everything I’ve read so far is great. I actually can’t wait to get a copy for my mom. This kind of book is right up her alley.
I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I appreciate the fact that you are open and honest about the struggles you go through as an established writer. It is so comforting for me to know that even the pros deal with some of the same issues that a newbie like me faces. You are proof positive that the struggle is worth it. Thank you for being so awesome. Keep doing what you do, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
Oh, Erin, thank you for reading it! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! Did you feel like you’d read half of it already through WIP Wednesday? Haha.
And I’m glad you don’t mind my occasional angst. 🙂 It’s funny — before I got my current job I figured writers at a certain level could always come up with perfect plots and never worried too much. But really, everybody has their struggles.
Thank you so much for the kind words! And I can’t wait to see where your writing takes you!
Oh my goodness!! I’d be FREAKING out! At least when I have a new book out, only my mom knows. Haha. A thousand congrats to both a great success and holding it all together!
Congratulations, Stacey. I met you in Joplin, MO, at the JWG meeting, so I’ve followed your blog faithfully and enjoyed it. It’s been exciting to watch you grow and bloom since then.
I finished a third revision of a regional sweet mystery romance a few days ago. It’s the first of a four-part series. I signed up to do ONE pitch at a regional conference last month. A writer friend was in charge of scheduling the pitches. She signed me up with three publishers and an agent. That freaked me out so I tried to back out of them all, thinking I was not ready. My friend encouraged me to pitch anyway. What could I lose?
I pulled myself together and prepared my pitch. In spite of my blowing it all to pieces, all four asked for the entire manuscript and are willing to wait until I get it back from beta readers and an editor.
I am blessed that my friend encouraged me to move forward. I’m not a scaredy cat. I take a lot of things on without fear. Who knew a few pitches would be such a challenge?
I downloaded Sunrise Cabin a few minutes ago. I can’t wait to read it.
I received my copy and I’m excited to read it. Best of luck with Sunrise Cabin.
Oh Cheryl, thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it! It seems like it would be your kind of story 🙂
Congratulations on the release of Sunrise Cabin Bryn (Stacey), that’s awesome. I’d definately be nervous too. I’d be even more nervous if I’d have to go on TV and talk about it. I hate public speaking. Enjoy every moment.
Thank you so much, Katie! I am glad the TV thing is over and no disasters occurred. I really appreciate the kind words!
Bryn, best of luck on whatever writing you ever do. Don’t you just relish the rush of a pub date?
David
Aw David, thank you so much! This one was scary for me, but you’re absolutely right — it IS a rush, too!