Life After Publication
Posted by annastan on December 9th, 2011. Filed under: Path to Publication, Puppy Pics, Writing Process.Now that my book has been out for over a month, it seems like a good time to reflect on how things have changed (or not changed) now that I’m officially an author.
The past few weeks have been filled with such amazing things: seeing my book on shelves, doing events, meeting young readers, making a million origami frogs. I’ve definitely had moments when I’ve thought: “Is this really my life?”
But the truth is, that new part of my life is probably only about 10% of it. The other 90% is still exactly like it was before: writing, teaching, walking the dog, avoiding cleaning the house, etc etc etc. Most of the time things don’t feel all that different at all. It’s been an odd balance, and I’m still getting used to it.
After all those months (years, really) of anticipating having a book out in the world, I almost expected to feel like a different person once the book was published. While doing events and things has forced me to become a little bit more self-confident, ultimately, I still feel like the same old Anna. And you know what? I think that’s probably a good thing.
And now, because it’s Friday, it’s time for a funny animal picture. Behold, alien dogs:
Have a great weekend, everyone!
December 9th, 2011 at 9:42 am
For some reason we all think life will change somehow after we’re published; but yes, I can see how life goes on, just a bit busier at times with promotion. but still – so cool your book is on the shelves!
December 9th, 2011 at 10:00 am
I never had that ‘Is this really of my life now?’ feeling. Instead, it was ‘Okay, this IS part of my life now…’ and still did what I did before—including how to avoid cleaning the house
December 9th, 2011 at 11:17 am
I’m kind of glad to hear that life doesn’t change much after being published. I like my life now, I’d just like it to have a book on the shelf with my name!
December 9th, 2011 at 11:27 am
So pleased to hear others say that they do more avoiding house cleaning than actual house cleaning…
Really interesting to hear your reflections. And glad to hear you’re still the same old Anna and that all those origami frogs haven’t totally gone to your head.
December 9th, 2011 at 11:46 am
So your ten percent fairytale lives nicely with the ninety percent unfairytale. All’s right with the world. I’m so happy for you, Anna.
{BTW-I just watched your book trailer. Brilliant.
I don’t know why I waited this long. Now I have to get the book.}
December 9th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
I honestly hope to keep things somewhat the same as I release my first book. My main hope is that I feel some propulsion for my other projects.
December 9th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
I don’t think you’re alone in feeling that things stay the same. I expect it would be the same for me too. But congrats on now being published.
December 9th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
Aw, we love “the same old Anna”
We do sometimes life will change after publication and it does in some ways. But your debut only happens once. And it’s nice to look back on that accomplishment.
December 10th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
I’m also glad you’re still feeling the same old Anna – we like her! Hope that new ’10 per cent’ of your life keeps on being fun and fresh as more of your books head out in the world!
December 10th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
OMG I love the alien beings!! LOL. Anna you’re awesome. I showed your book to my daughter (I plan on getting it for her as a holiday gift). She wanted to test it out by reading the first page, and when she got to the end of the first paragraph she was in hysterics! Yes, the unicorns sold her.
December 12th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
I love that you posted this. We all think having a book published will be life changing. And in a way it is. But most aspects of our lives will continue to be the same.
December 12th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
It’s comforting to know that your life isn’t completely different when you’re published.
Those alien dogs are hilarious!