The importance of readers- Tom and Libby

This blog came up because a few folks have asked me who Tom & Libby are. They are in the dedication for Defiant Ruin (go check your copy, I'll wait ;)).

Tom and Libby were an amazing couple of a certain age who loved books. And they loved supporting authors and their favorite bookstore, Mysterious Galaxy. They were there at the first event I signed at, a larger local author signing mixer. They were both tiny and the type of folks you would love for grandparents. Smart, articulate, interested in life.

They bought my first book and only wanted it signed because it was a "collectors item". They were so sweet and excited for me to start my writing career--and they had just met me. I seriously thought about them and how happy they made a scared, brand new author feel for weeks.

They were at almost every event and Mysterious Galaxy would bring out very nice chairs for them to sit up front. They'd buy a book, chat, and just be amazing.

I don't even know their last name.  And honestly, it doesn't matter.

Those two really made an impact on me as an author and as a person I'd like to be.

A few months ago, Mysterious Galaxy announced they had both passed away. I don't know from what, I'd like to think they both went peacefully in their sleep. I know I wasn't the only person who was impacted by their loss. They were a special couple. They loved books. They loved authors.

RIP Tom and Libby--I hope you are surrounded by books and loved ones.

#IWSG--Never gets easier

Welcome to the Insecure Writer's Support Group blog run! Writers from all across the globe band together one day a month and shout our fears and hopes into the great void!  Join us!

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html

Along with being IWSG day, this is also the book birthday for my ninth book. I started in March 2015 and am now at nine.

Boggles the mind.

I know there are writers out there who are actually much faster than me, but I grew up as a writer when the only option was traditional publishing--and that meant IF you got a contract, you had one book a year max. (Good for publishers, not so much for authors). So, nine books in three and a half years is pretty freaking wild to me. 

I'd love to say it's all wonderful and easy now. That I just float along dropping out books and everything is lovely....*BUZZ*. Nope.

This book should have been out months ago. But I just couldn't get my act together in terms of stress, doubt, fear (this was the final book in a trilogy--that was SCARY!). I am now in "Amazon jail" in that I can't do a pre-order for a year. I woke up this morning freaking out that either it didn't go out, the file was wrong, it came to life and ate all my readers....yeah, fear is never rational.

It appears to be the right file. I had it on pre-order which means a place holder is put up until the final file is live...unfortunately, no matter what you do, there's a chance the wrong file will be sent. In a way, I'm glad I can't do a pre-order for a year--those things are stressful!

Now, of course, I'm freaking out over whether my fans will like it. The betas and editors have--so there's hope. But bringing in that final book in a series is weird. Scary and weird.

So, if you need me, I'll be off being VERY insecure in my corner. Nope, it doesn't get easier--just weirder.

Have a great ISWG day!