Can you believe it’s been almost a year since I became an author? And even longer since I sold my first book and got an agent. Here’s a little walk down memory lane. Humor me–I’m nostalgic today. So in no particular order because that would add a layer of organization I’m not capable of, here’s just a few of my most fabulous moments between finding my agent and birthing a paperback…
Standing outside the Simon & Schuster offices.
Apocalypsies at the LA SCBWI Conference!!!
Meeting my agent (Michelle Wolfson) and editor (Anica Rissi) for the first time. <3
Kimmiepoppins met Mary Poppins!!!! I met Julie Andrews!!!!
Signing my contract!!!!!! I AM GOING TO BE AN AUTHOR!!!
My book was at Bologna. Takes my breath away.
Wow!
My Yanni dance girls wearing TOUCHING THE SURFACE T-shirts. <3
Signing books at my book launch.
Good friends drove in from far away despite all the trouble with Hurricane Sandy.
Just an amazing experience.
Unable to thank my friends and family enough for their love and support on that special day.
More book launch at Oblong Books. I LOVE that bookstore and everyone in it. <3
Dad–there–even when he couldn’t be. The dedication.
On bookshelves in bookstores.
Kimmiepoppins finally gets a book launch in NYC after Hurricane Sandy delayed it. Mean Hurricane–awesome party.
Woo hoo!!! I got to speak at the NY Public Library.
I’m a fangirl–it’s A.S. King people!!!!!
I’m a fangirl–it’s Sharon Creech people!!!!
My first SCBWI faculty gig at the Eastern NY SCBWI Conference–where I got paid to talk with my hands about things I love.
Connecting with teen readers and making hedgehogs. *grin*
Loving on my writer mama, K.L. Going. <3 Wouldn’t be here without her.
And because you made it to the end of my reminiscing…you shall be rewarded with a chance to win a signed copy of the brand spanking new TOUCHING THE SURFACE paperback!!!!
I’m heading down to my rescheduled NYC TOUCHING THE SURFACE Book Launch event being thrown by my lovely husband. I STILL haven’t figured out what to wear! *head thunk* My typical uniform is sneakers, jeans a long sleeve T-shirt and a LL Bean Fleece vest. Some days I mix that up with running gear or dance clothes. Gahhhh!!!!! Picking a big girl outfit is more stressful than launching a book LOL! But any who–just realized that I’ll be home super late after the event and I need a blog post so I thought I’d share the song I’ve found myself humming this week. One of my favorites…
http://youtu.be/WE9W6XxXkiQ
Starting today (in my mind) the launch is over. Now I get to do what I love, talk to teens and readers, write, dream and wear comfy clothes. As for the rest…it’s all part of the plan. I’m just along for the ride.
What’s your favorite thing to wear? What do you hate to put on!!!! I’m calling dibs on HEELS!!!
Before I go all NaNoWriMo on you, I just wanted to remind you that, despite Hurricane Sandy’s best efforts, the NYC TOUCHING THE SURFACE Launch Party is on for TOMORROW!!!! Here’s the information if you can make it–and in case you’re wondering–I’d love for you to make it.
HOSTED BY:
John Sabatini
WHEN:
Thursday, November 8, 2012
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
WHERE:
Asellina
420 Park Avenue South
New York NY 10014
*Books will be available for purchase and signing thanks to Mobile Libris.
Did I mention that I’d love to have you come? I really would!!!!
***********
Time to talk about a different kind of party–a virtual festivus of writing–NaNoWriMo. I started on the 11/1 and tomorrow will be one week into the 30 day race to have 50,000 words on the page. How am I doing? Well, I’m already behind LOL! I’ve written 4,852 words and at the pace I’m going, I’ll be lucky to be finished by 2013 LOL! But guess what–I don’t care. Are you wondering why? Let me tell you…
I’m not expecting to win.
Yes, you heard me correctly. Two days before the kick-off to NaNoWriMo–I launched my debut novel. *Squee* I have three boys under the age of eleven and all the laundry and mess that comes along with them. It’s ridiculous how I shop for food and they immediately EAT IT!!!! I basically work from SON up to SON down. *grin* Additionally, I have a dance recital in November, the end of the soccer season and that thing they call Thanksgiving. Oh, and I’m revising my second novel too. *head thunk* I can only do so much and the reality is I don’t get enough sleep as it is. Getting less doesn’t work for me. So I was never planning to stretch myself on the rack for not completing a full 50,000 words–rather I decided to participate because I just wanted to stretch myself. (Completely different than what happens on a medieval torture device.) The reality is, I’m 4,852 words into the first draft of my third novel. If I wasn’t doing NaNoWriMo I’d absolutely be ZERO words into my third novel. Without NaNo I would have convinced myself that I didn’t have any time to write until after the launch and revisions and laundry and food shopping and… You get my point. And even better, once I started writing, that old creative magic started coursing through my veins and I got excited and the brain cells in my head started to bump into each other again and characters began to come alive and now, even when I’m not writing, I have more to ponder for when I do.
In the process of writing those 4,852 words, I also discovered that I CAN’T write without some editing, but I’ve learned I can write a draft with less editing. Like Maggie Stiefvater (Her Annual Dear John Letter to NaNoWriMo) I’m going to have to stop to day dream in the middle of my writing. I don’t have to be paralyzed by being dreamy and thoughtful, I can absolutely pick up the pace a bit, but I also have to create in a way that is comfortable for me. I’m a putzing pantster. It’s who I am. It’s how I write–How I love to write. And why would I take something I love and deliberately make it into something I don’t love. That’s silly. So, I’m okay with not being a winner. I’ll be a wiener instead, but here’s the catch, even though I don’t expect to complete NaNoWriMO–there IS always the possibility that I might. I find possibility and potential to be addictive. And don’t forget the collective excitement. I like being a part of the energy–it makes me feel good. It feels like a writing party. And I love parties where I can participate from home on my couch with fuzzy socks on.
So, I guess I’m doing this, win or lose, but I’m doing it my way. I don’t know where I’ll be at the end of the second week, but I’ll keep you posted. The one sure thing is I’ll have fuzzy slippers on for most of the journey.
Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? How are you doing? What’s your take on NaNo? Time management? Inner editors? Couch parties in fuzzy socks? Kids who eat too much?
My deepest thanks to everyone at the Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie and Oblong Books and Music in Rhinebeck. Both events were amazing and I will remember them for the rest of my life. And much love to all those who attended or who purchased a book in support. It meant the world to me. <3
Yesterday was amazing–it was the book launch of my debut novel. No brainer. And even though I was sure my power was going to go out during Hurricane Sandy (because it always goes out) it didn’t and I spent the day flooded by good wishes and wonderful compliments about TOUCHING THE SURFACE. I am grateful. But today is a new day and it’s time to focus on the more important flooding that went on here on the east coast. There are lots of people in dire need of our help. So lets do this people.
CLICKING THIS ICON WILL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO THE RED CROSS WHERE YOU CAN MAKE A DONATION.
I hope everyone you love is safe and warm and dry, but if you need extra good thoughts sent in your direction, please let me know in the comments and I’ll be more than happy to send them.
Tomorrow TOUCHING THE SURFACE launches in the middle of Frankenstorm–Hurricane Sandy.
I can’t say I’m surprised. In fact, secretly I’ve been expecting just this kind of cataclysmic event. Why would anyone anticipate an epic perfect storm on the day of their book launch? Because little do you know dear reader–I am a Griswald.
I clearly remember it–my parents coming home from seeing the first National Lampoon Vacation movie, laughing uncontrollably, with my mother snorting as she announced, “they’ve made a movie about your father.”
That’s where it began. It wasn’t long before National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation became our family must see holiday movie of choice. And when we crossed our arms and said, “C-l-a-r-k….” My dad responded as quickly as if we’d called him by his real name. And every time we pulled out of the driveway on vacation, the song Holiday Road played loudly on everyone’s inner radio and we’d all take a collective breath, wondering what Griswaldish event would happen first. Because we knew that it was inescapable.
Just so you know, being a Griswald isn’t all fun and games. There have been many Clark inspired events that we learned to laugh about later, because let me assure you, they didn’t seem funny at the time. Like that time we all ate at the Turkey Box during vacation and on the way back to the hotel room (the one that only had one bathroom) we all exhibited some rather aggressive stomach grumbling. And I wish I could show you a video, because yes, my dad did race his own kids to the room while clutching the seat of his pants. See what I mean, not funny at the time, but a keeper that’s told during almost every family get together. But over the years, these Griswald moments, have taught me some very important stuff–like how humor can be an after-the-fact, acquired taste. Which has further led me to believe that sometimes it’s easier to just go with the flow and find the Griswaldian stuff funny straight out of the gate, saving myself a little stress and a lot gray hair.
So, Hurricane Sandy aka Frankenstorm will be Griswalding my very first book launch. Ya know–for the book that’s dedicated to my dad–Clark. *snort* I will not be going for a run and hi-fiving a random stranger like I planned. I will not be road tripping to local bookstores like I planned. I may not even be obsessively stalking the internet like I planned. LOL! But you know what–I will be doing the one thing I always dreamed about–taking the literary world by storm! LOL!
So, I’m depending on you, my friends. As I said, there is a very good possibility that I’ll have little to no internet access the day of my book launch, so I’m hoping you can help me get the word out. And if you’re on the east coast–stay safe so we can laugh about this later. Love you, guys and I hope you love TOUCHING THE SURFACE. <3
PS if you are battening down the hatches against Frankenstorm–charge that e-reader and at 12:01 tonight–download a copy of TOUCHING THE SURFACE to help you ride out the storm. Don’t forget to hum Holiday Road…
I usually get all sappy, talking about this topic, but today I’m going to keep it light. You didn’t know I had it in me, did you? LOL!
What is the opposite of banning a book? PROMOTION!!!! Every time you spread the word about a book you love, you help to marginalize the impact of narrow minds. It gives me tingles just thinking about it. So, this week I’m encouraging you to spread the word about books you love–particularly those that are banned. *rifles through drawer to find banned books bracelet*
And because it’s October and TOUCHING THE SURFACE launches in 26 days!!! *jaw drops* I’m running a little contest that will help me with my own promotion. I just ordered TOUCHING THE SURFACE T-shirts and they should be here in about 2 weeks. I’m giving one away on Facebook and one here on the blog. If you pre-order a copy of TOUCHING THE SURFACE between now and the time the T-shirts arrive, you’ll be eligible to win one. Here’s what they are going to look like…
All you have to do to be entered is let me know the date you pre-order SURFACE and also let me know what your favorite banned book is. Feel free to write it in caps so I know you’re shouting it to the world. <3 Additionally, if you share this blog post–leave me the link and you’ll get an extra entry.
To make it easy on you–here’s some awesome places you can pre-order…
You can also find out more about Banned Books Week (September 30th-October 6th) HERE. I have soooo many beloved banned books but the first one I’ll shout out is…TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee!!!!
Sorry there was no post on Friday. The server for my web host was down Thursday into Friday. But I’m back now and I’ll try to get you updated on everything. Soup to nuts.
First off, it’s *gasp* THIRTY FIVE days until TOUCHING THE SURFACE hits the shelves. Back in February 2011 the birth of TOUCHING THE SURFACE seemed like it was light years away. And now that it’s almost here…
…it seems as if I’m going to run out of time long before I run out of things to do to get ready for this amazing new chapter of my life.
Since I know I will never be “ready” the least I can do is invite you to share in the chaos with me.
On October 30th, TOUCHING THE SURFACE’s official book birthday, I’m going to have a launch day challenge. Tweet, Facebook or email me a picture of TOUCHING THE SURFACE out in the wild and you’ll get a chance to win this…
Which is really this…
A silver origami crane necklace. I have one of my own and I’ve given one to my agent Michelle Wolfson and my editor Anica Rissi. I’ve been holding on to this one for the big day.
Of course I’ll be reminding you about the contest again right before the launch.
My very first author event will be taking place in ELEVEN DAYS! I’ll be doing a reading of TOUCHING THE SURFACE at COTA (Celebration of the Arts) in Hasbrouck Park–New Paltz, NY.
The event takes place from 11am-5pm but I’ll be reading at 1:30pm. Afterwards I’ll have swag to sign for anyone who is interested. And OMG! I’m reading right before one of my larger than life writing mentors, KL Going. I don’t know how I’m going to keep from bursting into a million pieces from a combination of pride and nerves.
I also have several wonderful book launch events planned and I’m hoping that if you’re nearby, you’ll be able to attend one.
*The first event is a NYC Cocktail party on Thursday, November 1st at 7:00pm, thrown by my very wonderful husband–yes, I am the luckiest girl in the world. The information is HERE. Feel free to add yourself to the evite or if you’re having trouble, just contact me with your name and email and I’ll add you to the group.
*The second event is going to be held on Saturday, November 3rd at 2:00pm at the Poughkeepsie, NY Barnes & Noble. You can find out more about this event HERE. The Poughkeepsie Barnes & Noble is a fabulous bookstore and I am so excited to be launching my book there. This B&N is the site of my local SCBWI Shop Talk, the place where I began learning how to be a writer. It has so many wonderful writerly memories for me. It is also the closest bookstore to my home, so you know I’ve spent a lot of quality time there. This is my community bookstore and I can’t believe I’m going to get to share this day, surrounded by people who have known and loved me since I was just a little kid. Signing my books here will be a mind blowing experience.
*The third event is going to be held on Sunday, November 4th at 4:00pm at Oblong Books & Music in Rhinebeck, NY.
This is one of two very special indie bookstores in my area and I can’t freaking believe that I’m going to be the author at a Hudson Valley YA Society event!!! I love going to these events to eat cookies and drool on my favorite authors. I can’t tell you how many times my husband and my boys and I have attended these events and then talked the whole ride home in the car about how someday they might ask me to do a book signing. Surreal.
Oblong books is asking for an RSVP to the event and if you can make it, you can respond on Facebook or RSVP at Oblong.
If you can’t make any of the formal book launch events–I’m completely bummed–but Oblong is taking orders for SIGNED COPIES OF TOUCHING THE SURFACE. I’ll be signing them that very afternoon, so there is a really good chance that the book will have residual festiveness tucked between the pages. How awesome is that?
Oh, and before I forget–I’ll be activating my newsletter function really soon, so don’t forget to sign up at the bottom of any page of this website.
Wow! I think I finally have all the up dated info properly laid out for you, so Wednesday we can get back to chatting about regular stuff LOL! But before you leave, my friend Linda Hanlon has recently been clarifying her bucket list. And this post absolutely is going to give me a few things to check off on my own list. So, I’m wondering what’s on your bucket list? Since not everything in life revolves around books (really?) I’ll also tell you another one of the things on my bucket list…I’d love to learn to play the piano. My list is L-O-N-G so I’ll add in more in the comments. Feel free to leave more than one.
I have three wonderful and very diverse events planned for the book launch of TOUCHING THE SURFACE. I’d love to give you a quick overview of what to expect so that maybe you can make one of the celebrations. I’d love to see you.
The first event is a cocktail party in NYC thrown by my absolutely adorable husband. *heart squish* If you’re near the city and would like to come and help us celebrate you can find the evite here…NYC Launch Party!!!!
The second event (still to be officially announced) will take place on Saturday Nov. 3rd in the Hudson Valley and I can’t wait to share the info with you very soon–so save the date.
The third event for launch week takes place on Sunday Nov. 4th at 4pm at Oblong Books and Music in Rhinebeck, NY. An RSVP is required for the event.
**If you are unable to make any of the book launch parties but would still like a signed copy of TOUCHING THE SURFACE, you can order one HERE!!!!!
The Hudson Valley YA Society (HVYAS): http://www.oblongbooks.com/hvyas was co-founded by Jennifer Laughran, formerly of Books Inc. in San Francisco, creator of “Not Your Mother’s Book Club”, and Suzanna Hermans, co-owner, Oblong Books & Music. The events attract avid teen readers and teen book bloggers, as well as grownup YA fans and writers, in fun party-like “literary salon” atmosphere, with refreshments, conversation, and giveaways for attendees.
Author: Kimberly Sabatini
Title: Touching the Surface
Date: Sunday, November 4, 2012
Time: 4:00pm:
Event: Book Launch Party w/discussion, reading, Q&A, & book signing
Location: Oblong Books and Music
6422 Montgomery Street (Rt. 9)
Rhinebeck, New York 12572
*yeah…still dancing*
I know it’s a little early to start to promote this event, but I just had to share it with you. Kind of like a “Save the Date” pre-invitation. This is a FABULOUS bookstore and I’ve sat in the audience at Oblong many times, always having an amazing experience. To get to be on the other side of this–it’s truly a dream come true. Kind of like coming home after a long journey…
I’m also working on some other events for the week of my launch. I’m very lucky to live and write in a community that is so amazingly supportive. I want to have plenty of opportunities to share this experience with everyone who has been there for me. It isn’t easy to declare yourself a writer before you become published. It isn’t unusual for people to think that you have a “cute little hobby” or that perhaps–you’re a little looney. My friends and family have never done that to me. My community has always stood behind me and I feel lucky to live where I do. They have encouraged and supported and believed and it has made all the difference. So, as soon as I finalize the other arrangements, I’ll let you know about them in the hopes that everyone I love can be a part of this with me. And when things get a little bit closer, I’ll have the official invites…everywhere LOL!
Any tips for book launches that you’d like to share? What would your dream book launch look like? Have you been to any book signing events that have knocked your socks off? I’m always interested in any good advice you have to share.
PS I’m on vacation next week. You can call me Bahama Mama. Going swimming with the dolphins. That bucket list is getting it’s butt kicked lately. *grin* I’m planning on blogs magically appearing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday…but if they don’t…it’s the dolphin’s fault. *grin*
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