The Second First Time

Five days. Last month I told you I saw the finish line for the publication of my second book, Grasping Hope. Now, the finish line is five days away. Less than a week. Edits have been completed for a while now. I’ve revealed the cover on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and my personal blog. I’ve got everything set up for my book launch party on the 23^rd.  Invitations have been sent, and hopefully, people are getting as excited about the release as I am.

I remember holding Faith’s Journey in my hands for the first time. There was nothing like it. I didn’t imagine I would feel like that again. After all, it was my first book. But that’s like saying holding my second and third sons for the first time wasn’t as sweet as holding my first son. While he might like to hold that over his brothers’ heads, he can’t. Each pregnancy was different. Each birth had its own story. And each baby was unique and as precious as the ones that came before. When I held them, it was the first time I held those babies. Each was an event that would never be repeated. That uniqueness made the first time I held my youngest just as important and special as the first time I held my oldest.

I’m finding the publication of my second book a similar experience. Yes, it’s the continuing story of Katie McGowan, but it’s still its own book. Katie’s experiences, growth, and trials in the second book are unique to Grasping Hope. The way the story came to be is different than the origination of the first book. Even the location where I chose to write and the music I listened to as I typed were chosen specifically for this story. They helped set the tone of the story, and that tone is different from Faith’s Journey.

When I finally open my shipment of books for the launch party, it will be the first time I seeing my second book. I will hold Grasping Hope in my hands for the first time. It is an experience that can never be repeated, making it as important and special as holding my Faith’s Journey for the first time.

I’m currently working on the final book in Katie’s story. As before, I’m finding it unique. I’m positive when the time comes and I hold the finished book for the first time, I’ll find there is no end to the cycle of anticipation and fulfillment I’ve experienced with the first two books.

I believe every time I hold a new book I’ll feel this way. But for now, I’m not going to look forward. Instead, I’m going to revel in the anticipation of and joy I’ll feel holding Grasping Hope for the first time.

I’d love to hear from you! You can connect with me in several ways.

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