Holy Moly, Batman, Print Books Have Arrived!!!

First off, let me wish you all a very loving Memorial Day. There are not enough words to express my deep, heartfelt gratitude to those men, women, mothers, fathers, lovers, friends, and children who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep the rest of safe. One day is clearly not enough.

Now if you'll plug you're ears, I am going to let out a...SQUEEEEEEE!

Sorry, that was a bit loud, and obnoxious, but oh wow. I can't believe it. On Wednesday the UPS man brought my author copies of Catch Me in Castile.

I started writing this story twenty-two years ago. I created at least four, maybe five complete rewrites. From the first draft to the last I changed the dialogue, point of view, character arcs, character motivations, character names, characters period, the title, my penname, genres, time periods, and more. Finally, finally, I hold it in my hand.

And it's so pretty!

Shiny. Colorful. Smells good, like fresh ink on pristine paper. Listen to that, the crisp sound as I flip those pages. Wow, oh wow.

I refuse to cry on those sparkly white pages.

I will.
Not.
Cry.

As I run to get a tissue, tell me what you would do to celebrate the completion of a twenty-two year project.

Kimberley Troutte

www.kimberleytroutte.com

A bright spot...

The way this past week has been, I'm not sure I'm looking forward to the rest of my summer. :( Controlled chaos is the only way I can describe it. Picture job hunting; computer/Internet woes; children fighting; and sleepless nights ... Yes, I feel a bit like I'm treading water and about to go under.

But things are looking up -- including getting our cyber school issues settled for the fall. The best thing this week? These arrived on my porch, quite unannounced:






It's silly, really, but there's just something about holding those gorgeous books in my own hands...

Yes, I think digital books are great. I agree with all the many reasons that many readers and authors prefer them hands-down over print. But still, well, I suppose I can't quite let go of that emotional bond I have with the printed page. Hours upon hours were spent taking turns reading outloud with my mother. There's a psychological connection for me there in the binding and off-white pages.

No, it wouldn't be any less of an accomplishment if my books were only published in Mobi, pdf, Kindle or whatever file you prefer. Honestly, it's the way things are going and I'm ready for the ride. It does make a lot more sense. But I would miss paperbacks if they were to ever completely disappear.

I know it sounds stupid, but that's just the way it is. :) Getting that box of printed author copies is one more thing that drives the point home in my often insecure mind: I have done what I set out to do. I have had a book published. I've told the story that I needed to tell and now everyone can enjoy it. So, after I fondle and adore the books for a while, I'll move on to the next work-in-progress. Because getting published is kind of like eating potato chips. I just can't stop with one... or two... or even three! ;)