Release Date...

I was getting ready for my book's release the other day, my mind wandering and chasing squirrels, as is typical for me...

And it occurred to me that I understand why it is called a "release" date.

My book has been a bit of a security blanket for me. I've clung to it for over a decade. As long as I have it, I can revise it, revise it, and revise it. I can make it better. I can perfect it as much as is humanly possible, knowing full well that perfection is a myth.

There's a reason it's called a "release" date. I have to let it go. I cannot revise it again. I cannot change anything once it's "released". This is why I haven't done it until now. That's daunting to think about. 

Done? Finished? Half of me jumps up and down with celebration and relief. The other half cringes. But what if it can be better? What if mistakes persist even after multiple professional edits? What if....

This could go on forever. 

So I'm releasing it. 

It's being sent out into the ether, judged by friends and strangers. *shiver* Mind you, I love critique, but the time for critique is over, when I release it. I can do nothing more. A critique would be more of a judgment than a good idea now. 

So my mantra has been: "It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it will be someone's cup of tea." 

And that brings me comfort.

Fly! Be free, my precious debut novel (On October 6th).

(Honestly, it's about time!)