Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.
Today I had a beginning that was also an end. I held in my hands, for the very first time, a trade paperback entitled EOLYN, published by Hadley Rille Books. ISBN13-978-0-9829467-9-4. Written by Karin Rita Gastreich. Edited by Eric T. Reynolds. Cover art by Jesse Smolover. Cover design by Melissa J. Lytton. With a map of the Kingdom of Moisehén by Ginger Prewitt.
It is the end of my journey of writing EOLYN, and the beginning of my journey of sharing her with the world. I am thoroughly excited, moved to tears. Happy and sad -- and hopeful -- at the same time. Hopeful that she will bring as much joy to you, the reader, as she has brought to me during the last four-and-a-half years.
One week from Friday, on April 29th, Avila University will host a pre-launch party for the novel at the Hooley-Bundschu Library, starting at 7pm. I am so happy that I will have the opportunity, seven days before the official release date, to share this magic with the Avila community, where I have taught biology and related topics to many wonderful students for nearly eight semesters. Avila student Shawna Westphal has designed two great posters for the event. This one, which I think captures very nicely Avila's family style:
It's been really great working with Shawna and all the folks at the Avila library. I know we're going to have a great evening, and if you're in the Kansas City area, I hope you'll come and join us. For those of you who can't make it -- stay tuned to this blog, as I'll be telling you all about it, and plan to post audiorecordings of the readings for your enjoyment.
I keep thinking, as I turn the book over in my hands, "Isn't there something else left for me to do on this?" But there isn't. Not with this manuscript, at any rate. That beginning has now ended; a new beginning is on the horizon. It's time for us to celebrate, enjoy the fruits of this labor, and step forward into the next adventure. . .
6 comments:
I can't wait to attend the pre-launch party and read the book! So happy for your achievement, Karin - and I can always say that I've shared an office suite with you, when you become famous!
!Lindee
I am honestly crying right now. I'm so happy for you!!! I know how your heart is feeling, how light it is, how fluttery-happy, and fluttery-nervous, but mostly fluttery-huzzah!!!
"...time for you to go out, go out into the world." Yes it is, and she will SOAR!
And my favorite part of the song--(that always makes me cry, btw.)
"Closing time - time for you to go back to the places you will be from.
Closing time - this room won't be open 'til your brothers or you sisters come.
So gather up your jackets, and move it to the exits - I hope you have found a friend.
Closing time - every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
(I have sirrius radio in my car. I like to listen to The Coffee House--does all acoustic versions of songs. There is a fantastic acoustic of this one. It's just SUCH an acoustic song.)
Congratulations, Karin! This is a fantastic accomplishment. Enjoy it all.
Lindee -- Thanks so much! It's been so great having your support in all of this. I think you're going to like the novel, and I can't wait to see you at the pre-launch!
Hey Terri -- Goodness, you know this song better than I do! I got a little weepy-eyed too, on the way to my meeting with Eric, and again on the way home. It's just too exciting. Can still hardly believe this is happening.
Phil -- Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your kind words! I hope you have a chance to read the novel; and that you enjoy it. Believe it or not, the first inklings of this story came to me back when we were living on Wroxton Court...Remember those days? :) Seems like a long time ago...
You may not remember me but I read some early chapters of Eolyn when I was doing reviews on The Next Big Writer; I've had to take an extended break from it but when I was poking around the site tonight I came across you and remembered that you had mentioned last time I was on that it may be getting published and voila! Here you are!
I'm so excited for you! I can't imagine how you must feel, and I can't wait to read your book. I will definitely be purchasing a copy.
All the best to you and your novel, I hope you have great success.
ohmygoodness, Trish, it's so great to hear from you! I miss reading your work. Any chance you'll be active on tNBW in the not-so-distant future?
Workshopping my manuscript on tNBW really made a positive difference; I'm so happy with the final product, and so grateful for all the help I received from my reviewers. I hope you enjoy the novel! Thanks so much for your support.
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