Ahhh, there is nothing like holding your own book in you own hand for the first time. The weight of it, the texture of the cover (matte, in this case), and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it.
I always advise my student writers to revel in moments of accomplishment and bask in their laurels because those moments sometimes come so seldomly. Any even now–because I want to put my novel out into the word, have lots of people buy it and love it, and for it to be a success–I am having to remind myself to appreciate what I’ve made.
But breathe. Here’s moment: My book has arrived.
How did you feel when you got your first piece of published writing in hand? What do you imagine or hope it will feel like?
Grant Matthew Jenkins 