You’d think by now I’d be used to the rollercoaster emotions that goes with the publication ride I’ve been on for well over a year now.
But this week, the highest of highs met the lowest of lows, some 10 days out from ‘Launch date’.
Here’s what happened.
(Monday) — My mum, who has been very unwell for some time, slipped a little further, finally passing away that afternoon.
(Tuesday) At my Dad’s insistence (and him in the care of my brother), I flew down for a scheduled Simon & Schuster publicity meeting in Sydney. I’m not sure how, but I managed the pre-arranged recording of an author interview with Caroline Baum. (Caroline has worked as founding editor of Good Reading magazine, features editor for Vogue, presenter of ABC TV’s popular bookshow, Between the Lines, and Foxtel’s Talking Books, and as an executive producer with ABC Radio National.
I was a bit of a mess, and despite my day starting with sliced cucumber stuck with cellotape under my eyes to reduce puffiness (refusing to use the suggested movie star trick of applying haemorrhoid cream to my face!) the interview went well. As it turned out, the trip was a much-needed distraction in a difficult week. (You will see the results online on February 27 when the interview goes live. Be kind!!!! (BLOG UPDATE: Here is the You Tube link for that interview.)
Bronwyn Parry, who also suffered a sad loss prior to one of her book releases wrote to me, offering this advice…
Be kind to yourself; I was where you are now last year – grieving a parent, and preparing for a book launch. Cry when you need to, stroke your book and grin madly when you want to – and know that your Mum would be so proud of you.
I have taken that advice and I did find myself grinning madly after the interview on Tuesday when Caroline said House for all Seasons reminded her of a Maeve Binchy novel, and we talked about how both Monica McInerney and I love an eclectic cast of characters in our stories.
Back home that same day (pleased to find the dogs had held their water for the 6 hour trip) I rang Dad, then I logged on and found a tweet — Culture Street’s review of House for all Seasons – my first review! I promptly rang Dad back again. Thank you Sophia Whitfield.
(Wednesday) With emotions totally betwixt by now, I was further bowled over by the
overwhelming response from friends on Facebook to this photo of my mum holding House for all Seasons for the first time and reading the dedication. (I took this the Friday before she passed. I knew she was still with it because she made a joke about the book being heavy. (My Mum always loved her little pink Mills & Boons.)
This afternoon, the wonderful Annie Seaton and Marie Miller called around with flowers and hugs.
Tomorrow (Thursday) we get to say goodbye to Shirley Lewis – 02.09.30 – 18.02.13.
I am so glad my novel will be out on March 1 and with this dedication…
To the four women who have shaped my life.
Each as different as the seasons.
Jeannette ~ Kristine ~ Shirley
My partner in dreams ~ The wind beneath my wings ~ My mum
And to Pam Leicester ~ whose courage inspired Sara’s story
It’s the happy ever after you deserve. 