I appreciate all the recent questions I’ve received from readers about my book. Today I thought I’d share a book update. Hallelujah, I finished another (the last?) round of edits and sent the manuscript back to my publisher. Of course, I immediately found a few more things to change. This same thing always happens to me the moment I click the “publish” button for a blog post—glaring mistakes vault off the page. Honestly, I think at some point a writer must call it finished and stop editing.
Probably the most exciting news I have to report is…my expected release date is January 28, 2016. Exciting! That’s the date my book will officially be available for purchase (although pre-orders will be available in December). January 28 sounds like the perfect date to me, and once I researched what happened on that date in history, I’m even more convinced. At the risk of sounding Cat in the Hat-ish, two things happened on January 28 that indirectly relate to The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee.
Thing One. On January 28, 1956, Elvis Presley made his first television appearance singing Heartbreak Hotel on the Dorsey Brothers Stage Show. Although Gracie Lee wasn’t born until a few years later, she loved Elvis and followed news of his concerts, hospital stays, and Memphis sightings in the newspaper. Most people in the Delta region did.
Thing Two. On January 28, 1978, the first episode of the television show Fantasy Island debuted. Since it came on right after Love Boat, I feel certain Gracie Lee watched it at some point, although she didn’t much like it.
(January 28 was also the date the space shuttle Challenger exploded. After you read the book, we can discuss the symbolism of that tragedy. And no, I’m not making light of that horrible day in history.)
Soon, like maybe this week, I’ll get my first peek at a book cover design.
Yay.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
[tweetthis]Book Release Date announcement for #TheAccidentalSalvationofGracieLee #Day3 #NaBloPoMo @BlogHer @SYPPublishing[/tweetthis]
Fair warning: I signed up via BlogHer to participate in NaBloPoMo (National Blog Post Month). The goal is to post every day in November. I know it will be challenging at times, but I love the idea of having an excuse to blog daily. During non-NaBloPoMo months (January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, December), I often have to reign myself in to keep from posting too much and driving everyone away. I did get in on the fun a day late and missed November 1, so I’m already behind.
Elvis Presley, Heartbreak Hotel
So exciting! And I knew you when!
As always, your posts are INTERESTING to read. Love sharing this journey with you. Great News! Go, Go, Gracie!
I just love saying that title out loud, and I’m so excited for your book, Talya!
YAY!!!!
Graham’s birthday, January 28th – great choice! Can’t wait!!
<marks calendar> Well, there’s THAT cleared up. 🙂
🙂
How exciting!!! Great job…..
please tell me you are already building the play list for the release party and it will be something we can download! Oh the ideas I have for launch party decor…not that you asked! But I saw these cute sticks of cotton for tree decor in downtown Siloam this weekend. We need a field trip!
Oh, I’ve been thinking about my playlist since I began writing the book. I need to talk to you:)
Wonderful news!!! I want to preorder a copy ( signed, please!) I am soooooo happy for you because I know how talented you are!!! ?
Don’t worry about posting too much! I love your writing and sharing! I live near Eureka Springs and love that you share about your jaunts around our beautiful neck of he woods! Keep up the good work! Looking forward to reading about Gracie Lee!
Thank you so much!