It’s Not Really Goodbye … more, “See you later!”

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I have been trying to write this post for five days, which is four days longer than I usually take to write a post. I’m generally okay with goodbyes, having been trained by my large extended family to take as long as necessary to say goodbye to a roomful of people without complaint. However, I am incredibly stubborn when I need to do something I’m not ready to.

And I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to the Deb Ball.

Yes, I know I can still read posts, and I’m looking forward to cheering on the 2016 Debs. Yes, I can still email or group chat with Colleen, Amy, Sona and Shelly, who have become as integral to my writing process as spellcheck. Yes, I can still blog –- over on my own website, which has seen nothing but dust bunnies since I started blogging here, and deserves some love.

Likely part of the reason I’m not quite ready to let go is because my book has only been out for one week – I’m still a baby author, still sorting out the intricacies of what it means to launch a book into the wild. As such, it feels a little like being kicked out of the nest when you’re not sure your wings are fly worthy. However, I also received my copyedited file for book two today, which reminded me things need to keep moving forward. It’s officially time to pass the baton to the next group of debut authors — who are probably as excited and terrified as we were last year. So before I drag this on any more than I already have (thank you for indulging me!) here are the top 3 reasons I’ve loved my debut year:

  1. A sense of place. I didn’t know what to expect last September when I started blogging here. I knew it would be a great way to learn, to meet other authors and readers, and to get in a consistent blogging habit. But it went beyond all that, and after I hit publish on this post I know I’m leaving my debut year with a bigger circle of support and camaraderie.
  2. The opportunity to explore. It has been so much fun blogging such a variety of topics. From our writing playlists to favorite books to best publishing moments to the most frustrating ones to our guest authors, it has been as enlightening to explore those topics as it has been educational. So thank you for reading, and engaging with us — because half the fun has been hearing about your own stories!
  3. The online scrapbook. A year from now, when book two is on shelves and I’m learning what it’s like to be a sophomore author, I can always look back over this past year of blog posts and reminisce, or glean insight if I need it, or just go back to get a book recommendation from one of my fellow Debs or guests. So I guess what I’m saying is the Deb Ball will always be here, and in that way it’s not really goodbye, is it? So instead let’s say, “See you later.” Deal?

 

Author: Karma Brown

Karma Brown is the author of COME AWAY WITH ME (MIRA/Harlequin, September 2015), an emotional story of one woman’s discovery that life is still worth living, even if it’s not the life you planned. Karma is also a National Magazine award-winning journalist, and lives outside Toronto, Canada, with her family and their mischievous labradoodle puppy, Fred.

6 Replies to “It’s Not Really Goodbye … more, “See you later!””

  1. Karma, I have so enjoyed your posts and am certainly looking forward to reading Come Away With Me. I also hate goodbye’s, but look forward to new beginnings. I know you have given a lot of hope to so many, so good luck on your next book! So see you later, yes that’s a good deal!

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