With my debut novel's launch day of March 4 fast approaching, I thought it would be nice to share a few things.
Production of the audiobook is nearing completion. We have a great narrator in Sarah Kisko. She's been able to nail the various accents throughout the story. Honestly, I wouldn't have had so many if I'd known someone would have to portray them all. It can't be easy switching back and forth between accents while also narrating a given scene. But from what I've listened to thus far, she's handled it like a professional.
Speaking of the audiobook, when I found out we'd be producing one, I dreaded having to hear my words spoken to me. However, after listening to the samples, I found myself getting lost in the story and forgetting those were my words I was hearing. As a result, I'm looking forward to hearing the entire thing, and if it turns out as good as I think it will, I'll be very proud.
On Saturday, I'm getting a tattoo to celebrate the publication of my novel. It'll be my first. I'm not against tattoos. I just have never had something I wanted to get immortalized on my body. The day I told my writers' group I'd submitted my manuscript, I stated that if I somehow managed to get published on my first try, I'd get a tattoo. So let this be a lesson, kids. Never promise to do something—even if the odds seem monumental—unless you're willing to follow through. Truth is, I’m looking forward to the experience. The image the tattoo artist came up with it stunning and should be a good reminder of this accomplishment.
I've also had to perfect a new signature. BJ Wagner is my pen name, so if I try to sign something without giving it much thought, I'll likely screw it up. I waited for a sale from one of those companies that designs you a new signature and they were able to create a rather nice one. They provide a template you can practice with, and eventually, I made it my own with a little tweaking. It didn't take long, but now I have a more professional signature. I even sprang for a fountain pen that makes signing easier. It's a little presumptuous for me to think I'll need to autograph many books, but I believe in being prepared.
The reality of the book launch is starting to sink in. I can't imagine many people attending, but anything could happen after promoting it in the newsletters of The Writer's Guild of Alberta and Alexandria Writer's Centre Society. Fortunately, I'll have support from my wife, my publisher, a few friends, and members of my writers' group. I've selected a brief excerpt to read and began practicing. I should be able to get through it in under 5 minutes. It's telling how many people have advised me not to include a long reading. Apparently, some writers think people want to sit through 20 to 30 minutes of them reading their book. I know I don't—and wouldn't want to wish that on anyone.
Anyway, that's all I've got this time. Next up, audiobook completion, then…launch day.
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