AGS Johnson

It would appear, one week away from my novel’s official launch date of February 7, 2012, that one wild ride is ending and another just beginning.

I wish I could recount the bi-gillion things I’ve learned, tried to, and been bombarded with since the ride-that-is-coming-to-an-end began, but it would be impossible for anyone.  First and foremost, I learned to write, maybe more importantly, tell stories that build with tension, maybe more importantly than that, develop characters that seem to resonate (from early reviews of The Sausage Maker’s Daughters) with a broad range of people of either sex.  That last is thrilling to me as it’s what makes me read voraciously. 

I find myself trying to micro-manage this ending which is not at all my nature, and all it’s doing is making me crazy and anxious.  But I cannot seem to fully trust that my book is on its path out into the world just as it should be.  I’m fussing all the way.  Why?  Because I’ve invested so much time, even more than money, that it’s hard to let go at the final stage.  I’m sure the second novel will be much easier.  Let’s hope anyway.

And that subject, with some months in between of stumping around the country for my first released novel, brings me to the second wild ride just starting — published author and promoter-in-chief of the book — before I get back to my first love: writing, even editing, of my next novel.

I’ve had some real excitement this week, not the kind I had a week before when my husband took a very bad fall in a museum and had to have six stitches in his forehead, all done in an emergency room where no one spoke much English (I wrote a somewhat depressing blog about it and may still post it, one day).

No this week’s excitement is of the good variety.  My book and author name hit Amazon for pre-order now until the official launch date of February 7th, 2012.  It’s amazing to see your own name and The Sausage Maker’s Daughters book cover on a site with, well, every other author and book cover known to man, just about (is JK Rowlings the only hold-out?).

And not only that, my website went live this week!  Agsjohnsonauthor.com may contain more information than anyone needs, but it did turn out beautifully in my opinion and does faithfully state what my writing tends to focus on and investigate — mainly flawed characters; complex, challenging relationships; and ultimately how we choose to deal with the difficulties life throws at us.  Everyone can relate to that list, I’m afraid.

So is it true that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger?  Let’s hope so, and my husband is doing very well after his fall!

My hardcover books are printed, shipped, and waiting in a warehouse in Kansas.  I’ve held a few and given as gifts the first copies.  I’ve even signed a few books, though I had to ask where one does that in a book.  I’ve heard several good reviews from those few copies as well, especially liking: I never read fast, but finished your novel in a record three days and could not put it down.  Yea!  Okay, that’s from friends and/or relatives, but it’s specific enough to be believable.  And I’m sticking to that premise!

So here’s what awaited me in the new year to be completed by my February 7, 2012 launch date:  distribution of the advanced reader copies to reviewers, the QR site should one scan the code on the book cover, my websites going live, a trailer, a video interview, getting the book on Amazon for pre-order and finishing what’s needed for that site, finalizing PR, marketing, book tours and appearances, entrance into contests and festivals, social networking, even banking issues and DBAs.

All of which is just another part of the process of conceiving, writing, publishing, and getting the word out about The Sausage Maker’s Daughters, each piece of which has been daunting.  Alas, the novel is a reality and one I hope that will entertain, inspire, and connect.  Very soon you can check it out further on my websites, on Amazon and elsewhere.  Stay tuned!

And happy, healthy new year.