Confessions of a First-Time Writer/Illustrator Whose Book Will be Out Soon

I’ve read a ton of picture books.  I’ve been attending SCBWI for a million years.  I’ve met – and actually spoken to – real professionals in the field (and tons of lovely soon-to-be-published folks).  I sold my book!   I worked with an editor and got the illustrating job done and my book will actually be in the book stores on June 8.

The book has gotten great reviews.  It got a starred review from Booklist.  I am over the moon – how impressed should I be?

Now my book has been named to Booklist’s Top Ten List of Historical Titles for Youth for the whole (past) year!  It appears to be the only picture book on the list, which includes such heavyweights as Karen Cushman’s Alchemy and Meggy Swann and the Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly as well as Richard Peck’s A Season of Gifts!!  I’m thrilled!

I have an actual copy of the book in my hands!  Can it get better than this?

Will the actual book release be a let-down?  Will all my creative juices dry up?  Will I ever be published again?  Will anyone other than my closest friends and relatives buy one?

Scary stuff.  Wonderful!  …..but scary.