Well, today is the day! My book, Penguins Can’t Fly, officially launches into the world!
Perhaps you’re wondering, “What does an author do on launch day?”
More on that in a sec, but first, a little housekeeping. Thank you for putting up with all the onslaught about this book. Many people have praised us for our effort, but I am sure there are others who have been driven away. So…if you’re still here, I am grateful! Sometimes, when you really believe in something, it’s worth putting everything you have into it. I’d rather have a few unsubscribes than a sackful of regret that I didn’t do enough.
So, if you have not already bought the book, today is the BEST day to do it. Get it here. Or here. Or here.
It’s also a great day to tell the world about it on your favorite social media platform. Or, you know, in real life. Amazon reviews matter, so I appreciate if you could share a few honest thoughts about the book here.
So…what DOES an author do on launch day?
It’s a good question, and one I don’t know the answer to. I’ve never had a real launch day before. I suspect that many authors sit by their computer, frantically checking Amazon numbers, reading reviews, or sending out emails in a last-ditch attempt to get the word out.
Not me.
I am passionate about this book, but I am sick of asking people to buy it. (At least for a while.) And as an artist, it kind of terrifies me to read what people think of it. I hope they love it, of course, but one negative review from some nincompoop tends to offset a hundred good ones. Someday I will grow thicker skin. It probably won’t be today. As far as the numbers? They will be what they will be. I’ve done my best to make a really great book. It is now out in the world and hopefully people will buy it and like it enough to share it with others.
And so here is what I am planning on doing today.
I am going to spend time in prayer, giving the book back to God. I will tell Him what He already knows, which is that He can do with it whatever he wants. Then I am going to an art museum to see beautiful things and seek inspiration for making beautiful things. After that, I am going to spend time in my studio, making new art, which is something I’ve done too little of in the last few months. Then I am going to dress up in a suit and take my wife out for a nice dinner to celebrate. I will order steak. And finally, Kim and I will host a live party on Facebook, where we will answer questions, give things away, and hang out with some of my favorite people on the face of the Earth. (I hope you will join us!)
Then I will fall asleep, knowing that whatever happens, I will have done my best.
Of course, I will keep you up to date with how the book is doing, and I’m looking forward to sharing more adventures from the #Notarule Tour, but I will be going on an “asking sabbatical” after today.
Next week, we’ll resume our normal schedule, with posts that are less about me and more about you.
Thanks for reading. And thanks for cheering us on.