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.

Buy The Zanzibar Moon at the Bookstore or call into Petries Cottage Currumbin and say hello to the wonderful staff who have kindly offered to stock my book.