Saturday, January 10, 2009

Six weeks and counting

I've spent the last year thinking of myself as a debut author, and even though The September Sisters isn't even out yet, I got a little taste this week of what it might feel like not to be a debut author any more! I got to see a draft of the jacket copy for my second book, which reminded me that the book was done, in copy-editing, and wow, coming out in another year! (Hopefully, I'll be able to share this jacket copy very soon!).

But I will say that I was especially excited about the part that referred to me as "The author of The September Sisters" and also the spaces on the back cover where the publisher is planning on putting praise for The September Sisters. It made me realize how fast this whole debut thing is going to whirl by, and how I should enjoy it while it lasts, every little bit of it.

At the same time, I also started to feel a little nervous this week for the first time, thinking about upcoming reviews and The September Sisters hitting shelves in only six weeks. I've been so excited about the book's release for so long, that I never expected to feel nervous, like first-day-of school nervous, at that. I wonder if it will always feel this way, or if it's just something debuters feel?

Anyway, I also finished a draft of my new adult novel, printed it, and mailed it off to my agent this week. So by mid-week, I found myself projectless, which meant I actually cleaned my house a little bit and went to bed before midnight a few nights in a row. (I can't remember the last time I've done this.) But okay. That's enough. I'm ready to dig in and start something new. Because really, I just don't feel like myself unless I'm sleep-deprived.

Don't forget, you have until Jan. 20th to enter my contest to win a signed ARC of The September Sisters.

7 comments:

Joy Preble said...

It's all kind of crazy, isn't it? We work and work at this and then suddenly there it is! And I know what you mean about being in between projects - leaves you restless and feeling like you're slacking or something. Enjoy the ride!

Jillian Cantor said...

Exacty! I do feel like I'm slacking -- and I haven't even been project-less for a week yet!!

Maureen Lipinski said...

I hear ya! I was wandering around my house last night, looking for things to do. I did start reading WICKED LOVELY last night,which is fabulous if you haven't picked it up.

But I do sort of feel like a homeless person with no direction in life. Like a "novel orphan."

LisaMay said...

It must be so exciting!! :)

http://lookatthatbook.blogspot.com

Jillian Cantor said...

"Novel orphan" is good, Maureen! I like that!

And LisaMay, yes it all is exciting, but in a way sort of terrifying, too!

YA Book Realm said...

Oh you already wrote another book!! That's freaking awesome! I can't wait to learn more about...hopefully soon. ;)


Speaking, of The September Sisters (which I loved as you already know), thank you for mentioning it on your blog. I feel so special!

Jillian Cantor said...

And thank you for the lovely review! I'm glad you're looking forward to the second book, more details to come on the blog soon!