How can I be exhausted, exhilarated, excited and irritated, foggy, forgetful and frustrated but inspired and full of ideas? I don’t know for sure. Maybe if I spell it out I can nail it down. Writing this book was the easiest part of the process so far. (And that wasn’t easy). I mean, at least there is a goal, a date, a book, a publisher, a contract. But, from planning a launch to choosing the fonts and every miniscule decision that goes with each, it seems to be something the author must do alone. (Cue strings).
First, frustrated. After going through every single page and reworking it, the interior design was scrapped for, excited, an entirely new concept in design and, exhilarated, I love it! Then irritated, trying to get people on board to partner with me for the launch has been one big “trust me, it’s going to be a big deal” sell. Back to excited: Barnes and Noble as well as Borders will be doing a front of the house promotion for Mother’s day, which is a big deal. (I forgot to add honored).
Trying to actually get my website completely completed, which was started in August, has been like a taffy pull. So foggy, frustrated and forgetful, I try to write these blogs, but have no real way to market them to you without researching companies that will help me get my mailing list organized. And who really cares? Who is reading this blog? (I ponder, who, but they tell me someone is, so I keep writing).
So I’ve not only written, marketed, edited, re-edited, sold, kissed ass, charmed, laid it on the line, tried to be a good boy I’ve found one consistent truth. I love it. I love my publishing company, HCI. I love my editor, Michele. I even love the sales people and the designers, who, are probably getting a little tired of me. But I remain steadfast. This book is going to be a big deal, damn it, and they wouldn’t be spending the time on it/me if it wasn’t.
Meanwhile I need a new demo reel. Which of course requires quelling through 18 years of VCR tapes for a 12 second montage of shots, creating, designing, building with appearances on Showcase Minnesota, because, my publisher will be asked “Does he have a recent demo?” And though I do, it looks very old because, it was pre non-colored hair. Which was not even two years ago. Alas, exhiliarated, I love that process too. But getting it done in time for the galleys (predone books not completed if that makes sense) and demo to be sent with press kits in January. Ah, deadlines. There’s the rub.
So, foggy, frustrate, excited and exhilarated I take my irritation out on my blog. And you know what? I’m better. Because I could just be pissed off. Which, OK, I am, but that has more to do with blood sugar than the actual situation. I hear you’re not supposed to rant in a blog but to offer “the people” something they can take with them. Take this, people. The truth. For that you can always count on me.