Pub date

From the Horn Book Magazine, July-August 1942

​            Pub date. It sounds like a hook up in a local bar, but for a first time author it’s even more exciting – the day my book is coming out. “You’re pub date is May 4, 2021,” wrote my editorial manager at She Writes Press. She also sent me forms to fill out – for the creation of my book cover and other publication details.
            Sometimes these updates come along, making this book thing feel increasingly like a real thing, and a little panicked fish flips wildly in my belly. I feel as helpless and out of control as that fish on a line, no idea how it got there or what to do now.
            It’s late. Not the right time to start thinking about such things…
            Put slack in the line, Robin. Remove the hook gently. Place the fish back in the water. See it swim away.
            Rachel Field got to the point where she called herself “a hardened old war horse” when it came to book publication. I will try to emulate her as best I can.
 
My 60th year in 60,000 words
Day 83: 177 words, TOTAL = 13,896; 46,104 remaining