Holding My Book for the First Time

Hi Friends and Family,

After three years, I held my book for the first time yesterday! I started writing The Stars of Scotland in May 2021, signed the contract with The Wild Rose Press in March 2023, and finally got to hold it in my hands. It was simply incredible! I smoothed my fingertips across the colorful cover, then pressed it to my chest. I did it. My first, full-length novel is ready to fly! Yes, I have published a Christmas Romcom ebook, which I love, but there’s something about holding a book in your hands. It’s different. It’s tangible. And, it’s made from real paper—just like the books I grew up loving!

What made the moment even more special is that my family was with me when I unboxed my author copies. My husband videoed the moment, while my children wiggled in place as I cut open the plastic tape with kid-safe scissors, then eagerly pulled the paper stuffing out, unearthing my books!

I grasped the first one, and my daughter immediately grabbed her own copy.

“This one’s mine.” She smiled.

My son picked up a copy, too, then put it down and ran over to give me a big hug. “I’m so proud of you,” he whispered.

“Congrats, sweetie,” my husband said.

 Holding my book with my sweet family around me, I cried happy tears. It was the perfect unboxing moment.

I even shared the video of The Stars of Scotland unboxing on Instagram and Facebook. I admit that I was apprehensive at first. My hair and house was a mess after dinner and front yard soccer, my daughter stuck her face in the camera, and my husband was only visible with socks 😂, but that’s okay. It was an unedited moment with my family. I couldn’t have asked for more.

Authors have equated writing a book to having a baby. You write, care for it (edit and add words), carry it with you in your mind and thoughts, walk with your characters through their trials and growth, and then it gets published and it’s this incredible, wonderful piece of you. It is similar to birthing a baby. My book baby is here and in just a month, I get to share it with you!

I can’t wait!

Until then, I send you lots of love,

Xo

Erica