BAD GIRLS DON’T DIE… but they can whine! by Deb Katie

As I write this post, it’s Monday evening. I’m at the office, because my husband’s working late. The big excitement today was that the “honor system” candy dish came in $8.25 under, provoking a very entertaining and scathing email. I’m mad at myself because I ate too much over the weekend and haven’t worked out since Saturday. My left eye itches, because I have terrible hay fever. My dog has hay fever, too. I feel fat in these jeans. My parked car got smashed into a few weeks ago and my insurance company is bugging me to get it fixed.

Welcome to the glamorous life of a debut novelist.

I’m going to be honest, being a published author doesn’t usually feel very different from being an unpublished author. “But you know someone wanted your book!” aspiring authors might say. Yeah, someone did, and that was a great day. The day I saw my cover was a great day. So was the day I got my first ARC, and my first real book. But even that glow wears off after a few too-slow lines at the grocery store and being cut off by rude drivers talking illegally on their cell phones.

So I feel cranky, fat, full, but still hungry for cake, angry at myself for wanting cake, relieved that I get to go home soon, and tired. And no amount of sitting here and thinking to myself, “You are a debut novelist!” is going to heal that.

BUT.

I have a secret weapon.

I have the incredible support and encouragement of some really amazing people.

Starting with my sister Debutantes and the amazing reader/commenters here at the Ball. Every day, I get to read the perspective of a bright, talented woman, and the reactions of a bunch of bright, interesting readers. Once a week, I’m even lucky enough to have those readers reacting to something I wrote.

And there are my own blogpeeps, the friends I’ve met all over the web at various times and kept up with over the months and years. These are people who, just to be nice, put my book cover up on their websites, or pre-ordered back when it was a total novelty, or swing by just to say hi, or bug me if I’ve been away too long.

Then there are the book bloggers–the amazing network of YA book reviewers, who charm and delight me with their frank, funny, and refreshing reviews and correspondence.

There are authors I’ve known for years now, who are busy with their own work but have still sought me out to wish me luck and congratulations–Holly Kennedy, Therese Fowler, Eileen Cook, Jenny Gardiner, Danielle Younge-Ullman.

There are people devoting their time and energy to blogging about the book–Debutante Ball “fairy godmother,” Larramie, and my friend Robin Brande, who is our guest here this Saturday.

There are my wonderful co-workers and friends, who came to celebrate with me this weekend. There are the insanely talented and creative folks who devoted their time and resources to helping me create my beloved book trailer.

And there are the people at my publisher, Disney-Hyperion: my editors, Ari and Margaret; designer, Beth; and my fabulous publicist, Hallie–not to mention the various other friendly and capable folks who have helped along the way (Angus, Colin, Christian).

There’s my agent, Matthew Elblonk, who has always been there when I needed [__fill in the blank__].

There’s my family, and my husband’s family, who are all so excited and sweet.

There’s my dog, who doesn’t care what I eat, as long as I drop a little on the floor for him.

And there’s my husband, who always believed in me.

What was I saying? I feel fat? I feel tired? I feel overwhelmed? Sniffly? Itchy? Bitchy? Snide?

Strike that. Forget it.

Tonight, after taking the time to reflect on the immense graciousness with which my little book and I have been greeted and treated…

I just feel grateful.

Thanks for joining me today!
Katie Alender

PS – Enter to win a signed copy of “Bad Girls Don’t Die” for yourself or a reader of your choice. Just comment on the blog entries here at the Ball all week–one entry per day! A winner will be randomly chosen and announced this Sunday.

PPS – Feel free to drop by my website and join the fun and enter even more contests!

30 Replies to “BAD GIRLS DON’T DIE… but they can whine! by Deb Katie”

  1. We’re so happy to celebrate with you, Katie! Your book is awesome and you should feel proud. And the hay fever–well, that will be gone soon enough. But the book will live on!

  2. This totally cracked me up: “Sniffly? Itchy? Bitchy? Snide?”

    This sounds like the opening line of a commercial selling us a new wonder-drug to cure all of that… Or perhaps some of the OTHER dwarves that Snow White kicked out of the house.

    Right back atcha, Katie. I’m grateful, too.

  6. Woohoo! Thanks, Eve!

    Kate, I am totally feeling the love. Thanks so much for coming by. And maybe someday I’ll do the post on ways in which Winston does NOT support my literary career… such as barking as soon as I sit down at the computer.

  7. Aw, this is so much fun. I’m so glad you are enjoying the release of your debut novel, even if there are a ton of annoying, crappy things going on at the same time. Just have fun! 🙂

    -Lauren

  8. Actually I feel that way for about 2 weeks out of each month!!! And it makes me so mad to be that way when I have have so much to be grateful for. And I can’t believe Winston has hay fever!! Poor baby.

  11. Happy “official” Debut Day, Katie! And, while it’s true that life — as imperfect as it is — goes on as usual, you have launched Alexis into the literary world. She’s no longer in your bottom drawer, she’s being taken off bookshelves and going home with someone who will enjoy the two of you!

    Here’s to your new following of fans who want MORE! 😀

  13. And just you wait, Katie. After you’ve published your twentieth book, and you’ve been stuck in that mile-long grocery line, you can always use the “DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM” line, and get ushered to the front! ;D

  15. Lauren, thanks for coming by. I’m definitely focusing on the fun–and the wonderful people around me!

    Laura, see, that’s why I write these blogs, to be your moral compass — HA! No, I’m right there with you. When I’m feeling very zen (not lately), I deal with bad days by forcing myself to go through the day and find things to be thankful for. There’s nothing wrong with being in a funk every once in a while, but I feel like it’s so important not to forget how lucky I am. I hope to return to my zen-liked state soon…ish. And yes, Winston gets hay fever exactly when I do–we have all the same allergies!

    Adrienne (et al), thank you so much!

    Eve’s Mom, my mom is excited. Your excitement means a lot to me, too–you’re like our Debutante Den Mother!

    Larramie, thank you for pointing that out. And thank you for being a fan!

    Donna, I completely agree. My friends were amazing when we had an ironing board for a coffee table and they’re still amazing now. The same goes for my family. I’m definitely blessed.

    Jason, but the worst thing is, you can’t shout that question until you’re absolutely, 100% sure that at least ONE person does know who you are. And I suspect that, for me, it might take a while to get there! 😉

  16. Have you gone into a store yet and seen your book? That’s definitely a pick-me-up. Try it. You’ll like it! Hope you feel happier soon.

  18. I went to one of the (gasp) big chain stores to buy your book today – only because I was passing it by, I swear – and they didn’t have it!! Serves me right. I’ll be heading to the local bookshop later. I can’t wait to read it.

    PS You’re not crazy, you don’t know me, but I’m a friend of one of the Debs and have been reading here for quite some time now.

  20. Tiffany, I think that’s on the schedule for tonight… although I should probably call ahead first and make sure they have a couple of copies, LOL.

    Katie, thank you! I hope you enjoy it.

    Beth, I’m sure you climbed on the counter and demanded they order a bunch, right? 😉 I’m sure your local bookstore will be very happy to see you! Oh, and thanks for being a loyal Deb reader!

    Judy, thank you very much! I’ll return your toast virtually this evening.

  23. Hey ladies, just wanted to tell you that yall are great role models for an aspiring writer. I love keeping up with your trials and tribulations, and seeing a kind of “behind the scenes” in the business. Can’t wait to read the next post!

  24. I am so proud of you darn writtin’ woman, and so happy to play a tiny part in your joys and… yes…whining…it makes all the “equality marches” worth it. Who knew?…(well we hoped)…what the “WOMAN’S MOVEMENT” would result in…maybe we CAN’T have it ALL…but we can sure try to have as much as we can get.

    I shall read all of the Deb’s Books…and yours is next.

  25. Congrats on your debut! As for the little things, yeah, I’m sure even literary rock stars have their share of difficulties, but they don’t all have close friends and family to support them, so it’s good that you treasure them like you do.

  28. Huge, huge congrats on your launch, Katie! I know it’s surreal–everything is different and yet exactly the same as before–but enjoy every second and don’t spend a single thought on feeling grumpy or fat-in-your-jeans or anything. Cheers to you and to a wonderful career ahead!

  29. It’s great to have so much support. It makes the bad things that happen in life, a little less bad. Congratulations on the book. Can’t wait until mine comes.

Comments are closed.