I belong to a group of authors with whom I share an agent. Some of them have been published for years and some are just starting out. One of them asked the question, Is the release of book two less exciting than book one? Does it become routine as you publish more books?
The answer, of course, is yes and no. For a writer, it’s hard to believe anything else in your career will match the thrill of launching your debut novel. Every step you take is a first—getting a book contract, going through edits, seeing your book cover for the first time, signing a book for someone for the first time.
By book two and three, you know what to expect. It’s not so much that the thrill is gone, as that it’s not surprising, so, in part, it does become more routine. However, holding your book in your hands for the first time never gets old. And there’s always something new—an award nomination, a review from someone who really gets what you were trying to do, a good review from someone you admire, and seeing your book for the first time. It’s still a thrill!
This year, my big thrill was being nominated for an Agatha Award for Best Historical Mystery. Authors are also readers and fans. I’m a fan of all these authors and it’s surreal to be up for an award with them—and to be on a panel with them! The only way it could have been better was if it had been in person! Maybe that will be the big thrill for next year, but for now I’ll just enjoy this one!
If you’d like to check out the Agatha Nominee Panels you will find them here: AGATHA PANELS (malicedomestic.org)
I have several fun events going on for the release of A Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder.
On Release Day (July 27th) I have a virtual event with Schuler books—Coffee and Crime! It’s at 3:00 pm EDT. You can join us using this link: Coffee + Crime with Dianne Freeman | Schuler Books If you’re thinking of purchasing the book, Schuler Books will have signed copies.
For those of you on FaceBook, I’ll be doing a lunchtime author takeover at Cozy Mystery Launch Party from 1:00 – 2:00 pm EDT on July 28th. There will be giveaways! You can join us here: (8) Cozy Mystery Launch Party | Facebook
August 4th I’ll be (virtually) at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore with Erica Ruth Neubauer. This one will be at 9:00 pm EDT and you can join us here: Virtual Event – Dianne Freeman in conversation with Erica Ruth Neubauer | Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore (mystgalaxy.com)
August 7th I’ll be part of The (virtual) Kensington Historicon at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore at 7:00 pm EDT. You can join us at: https://calendar.time.ly/9plshfqx/event/67174881/20210807160000
If you have a chance, I hope you’ll join me for any or all of them!
