Need It Be This Hard?

I thought the hard part was over after spending two years trying to get a publisher for my debut novel, Fat Chick -- but writing the book and getting it published was THE EASY PART, compared to the promoting part that comes after. I am exhausted, exhilarated, frustrated and hopeful all at the same time. There are reviewers who won't review, venues that don't want fiction readings, people who said they'd buy the book, yet haven't; and those who bought the book, but have not read it yet.

On Wednesday, I flew to DC (on my own dime) to tape a segment for The Book Studio -- a PBS web show with host Bethanie Patrick (lovely woman, BTW). Thursday I did a book reading at The Harvard Club, which was a real coupe for me, but didn't have a very big turnout. Sold a few books though. Friday I worked all day and today I have a wedding. I want to sleep all day tomorrow as I am exhausted. Next week I have to get back to writing, submitting, following up, getting rejected, waiting for checks from work I have sold.

Although I am a teetotaler, I understand why many writers drink.

I, however, keep on truckin'. Here is an article I wrote for The Huffington Post that reminds me to not give up.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lorraine-duffy-merkl/fat-chick-finally-gets-it_b_363879.html