It’s Complicated
It’s here. My book is officially out in the world! happy dance
How was I supposed to feel? If social media is anything to go by, there should have been an unboxing party, a dramatics-filled countdown, and streaming happy tears.
Instead, I’m sitting here typing this with a chaotic cocktail of emotions:
Gratitude
Worry
Exhaustion
Excitement
Pride
Joy
Fear
You name it—I’m feeling it.
In the grand scheme of things, a launch is just one moment. There are so many other milestones and life experiences ahead, God willing. But looking back on today, I’m actually deeply thankful for how calm my release was.
There was no big fuss. Just a regular Monday where I got to pack lunches (thankful for full bellies), drive my boys to school (thankful for safe places to learn and grow), and come home to tackle laundry and tidy up after a crazy weekend celebrating my son’s 11th birthday (thankful for growing kids).
I’ve spent so much of my life chasing after "big moments" and peak experiences. We all do. But those meaningful feelings don't just happen at curated parties with themed decor. They happen in quiet, everyday conversations and in the messy living room while everyone is rushing to get out the door.
There have certainly been high-dopamine highlights throughout this process: receiving overwhelmingly positive beta reader feedback, reviewing the final manuscript, seeing the characters take shape through the illustrations, and opening the very first completed page with my husband and boys.
Then there were the moments that drained me completely: unmet expectations with project managers (mostly from my own impatience), random power outages, needing to work right when my kids needed me most, and that incredibly rude imposter syndrome.
Through all the highs and lows, this adventure has taught me a few core lessons—ones I hope I’m passing down to my kids:
Keep working hard, especially when the process isn't glamorous or doesn't match your expectations.
Stay curious. You have SO much left to learn. Keep asking questions, researching, and growing.
Be proud when you make mistakes—as long as you own them and pivot.
Pray more.
Drink more water.
Walk more.
Set simple daily goals, or the big picture will be overwhelming.
Stay off social media as much as possible (ironic, I know! 😊).
The release is here, and there is still so much work/fun to be done.
For now, I am going to have some lunch ,drink some water, and pray.
Hope you enjoy When Brother Reads a Book. I know I enjoyed creating it!
Blessings,
Holly B
