My Book Is Turning One! My Year in Review as a Published Author!

I always knew releasing a book would be exciting but, in my naivety, I never expected it to be so exhausting and so emotional!

It’s been such a huge 12 months for me since having my book published. It actually feels like a lifetime ago in some regards, as my health complications became intertwined with the excitement of the initial six weeks of launching the book. Plus, various opportunities to promote it presented themselves throughout the year, keeping alive the reality of becoming an author!

I received my author copies of my book in the mail on a Sunday a year ago. What a moment. I’m not even sure I can find the words to express the array of emotions I felt. A mixture of relief, amazement, humility, a little sadness, gratitude, and joy. Even surprise at receiving them on a Sunday! Given that my faith journey is part of my story, it seemed so fitting.

I was so relieved to see the amazing quality of the final product. I absolutely loved it….still do!

I felt amazement as I realised I was a published author. It was no longer a lifetime dream. It was so real it was surreal, if that makes sense.

I felt humble. People were sending me messages of congratulations and telling me they had bought the book. I was truly humbled by the thought of people buying a book I wrote.

I felt a little sad for a couple of reasons. My Dad passed away the year before, and I so wanted to ring him, as I always did when something exciting happened in my life. I miss him so much. I also felt sad as I considered the main reason I was able to write the book was because of my serious health issues. It’s all very bitter sweet.

How grateful I am my brain still works and I was able to achieve this amazing goal.

I also had a heart of joy as I shared this moment with my husband. He was as excited as I was, and on that Sunday morning, he quickly got the trolley from the garage to cart the very heavy boxes to my study so we could unpack the special delivery together.

Articles and Afterwords

I recorded Week One of my “Virtual Book Tour” Podcast the following week post publication.

I decided to read the Afterword by the then Arthritis Queensland CEO Emma Thompson, and I was taken by surprise at how emotional I was afterwards.

Her words were just so moving, so generous and they confirmed for me exactly why I do what I do. I love people and I want to make a difference, leave a legacy and have a purpose despite my disease……perhaps because of my disease.

I am just so thankful Emma agreed to write the Afterword and be a part of my book…..even if I did end up crying on this first podcast episode of my “VirtualBookTour”.

As if the first few weeks post the book launch didn’t have enough wonderful moments, next came the publication of an interview I had with JJ Barnes , editor of UK online magazine, “The Table Read”.

I had done some other PR interviews for the book, but I was looking forward to this one coming out. I really liked the questions, and the whole interview was relevant in regard to promoting the book and giving me real freedom to share my story. It was a good fit for me.

They say timing is everything and the timing of this articles publication was perfect.

Here’s the link to “The Table Read” article: Author Interview Samantha Moss – My Medical Musings

Throughout the year, other opportunities presented. The two I most enjoyed were as a guest on I am Not My Pain Podcast, with the beautiful host Melissa Adams.

A few weeks ago, it was also an absolute pleasure to be interviewed by Dr Frances Henshaw and Rod Morri from The Wound Doctor’s and Co Podcast

Back to Blogging

I think overall the book release has been more exhausting than writing the book. I’ve enjoyed it, and I am still enjoying it, but I’m also a little over it.

I miss doing what I’m doing right now. Simply musing in my blog. Sharing my thoughts, freely and quietly with my readers, as I write.

Blogging is my happy place. I find it so relaxing and it’s also rewarding to interact with readers through comments. I can set the schedule. I can publish immediately to connect to my followers asap or I can think about the best time to publish in terms of timezones etc.

At the moment, I’m six weeks post major surgery, and I’m still too exhausted to overthink anything.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to become a published author. What an amazing achievement and dream come true. I think it will always feel surreal, and it’s a part of my life story now that I will never take for granted.

It even opened up the opportunity during the year to be the editor of a large book collaboration of over 100 authors staring their arthritis stories. What an experience! I think I bit off more than I could chew, but I’m glad I did it as I think editing sharpened my writing.

Keeping It Real With Arthritis

The Excitement Continues

I have other exciting book launch opportunities in the next few months, which I will share with you as plans and details are sorted out. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, I want to thank my followers who have bought my book or had the opportunity to read it through Kindle Unlimited. Your support means so much to me.

Love, Sam xx

Podcast

If you would like an audible version of my blog, please check out my Podcast, Medical Musings With Sam

Medical Musings with Friends

If you’re looking for genuine support, care, understanding and friendship, you are so welcome to join my closed Facebook support forum, Medical Musings with Friends . It’s a safe place to connect with others living with chronic and complex diseases, who truly understand the daily challenges. A warm welcome awaits.

My Book

My book “My Medical Musings”, is published by Imaginewe Publishers and available now to purchase as a paperback or e-book.

Here are the links to online retailers if you would like to purchase the book:

Imaginewe Publishers

Amazon

Koorong

Booktopia

Book Depository

Angus and Robertson

Barnes and Noble

Blackwells

I’m also a contributor at “The Mighty”. You can check out my published articles at My Author Page

I’m a member of the Chronic Illness Bloggers Network the Grace Girls Facebook Group and the Showered In Grace Group

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