What does it feel like to hold your own book in your hands?
I can finally answer that question. The answer is awesome, proud, excited, emotional, overwhelmed, happy, satisfied and grateful. I could probably add a dozen more emotions but I’m sure you get that it’s a special time for me. The boxes arrived Tuesday afternoon. My husband, Bevil, rang to say they had arrived and I warned him not to open them for a peek. I wanted to be the first to see my paperback version of The Zanzibar Moon. It was hard staying at work till knock-off time because I was anxious to see my books. When I got home I opened the smallest box. As soon as I saw the book at the top I knew they were even better than I had expected. The colours were vibrant and the cover did the story justice. I picked one up and stroked it. Wow, the matte cover has the velvet feel. It was perfect. I checked the blurb, the spine, the pages trimmed perfectly, the paper the cream I had chosen. Yes, yes, yes – it’s better than I imagined. There’s nothing I would change.
That’s when I did the happy dance and my son, Blake walked in and asked if I liked them. It was pretty obvious that I did (you know the weird happy dance, screams of delight and all). Then I asked Bevil to read the dedication. He was pretty chuffed with that and the look on his face made me burst into tears. He gave me a hug, then Blake realised I was crying and gave me a hug too. I was rather emotional but they were true happy tears. It’s a lifetime accomplishment of a lifelong dream. I was grateful that I had the ability to produce The Zanzibar Moon and for the support of my family and friends to have that moment of pure joy.
I confess that I still have a book with me everywhere I go. I had to buy a bigger bag to carry one. I stroke the cover regularly and keep staring at it. It’s really here. I have my book. The Zanzibar Moon is born and just like one of my children I fell in love at first sight. It’s now day three and there is this pure bubble of happiness inside me and I’m going to never pop that bubble.