By Brett Battles

Last year at about this time, it took everything I had not to stand up and continually pace around the room. It wasn’t so much a smile I was wearing on my face, than the beginnings of a giddy grin. It was less than 7 days until my debut novel would hit the bookstores.

Last year, I didn’t know what to expect. I mean, I’d been planning this day since sixth grade. For God’s sake, part of me expected to I’d wake up on my pub date to the sound of trumpets proclaiming my arrival to reading world! At the very least there would be rose pedals scattered at the foot of my bed. Okay. None of that happened, but it didn’t keep me from floating through the day. What I did find was that just because it was my pub date, didn’t mean all the bookstore had unpacked my novel and put them on the shelves. In fact, I went to one to do a drop in signing that was arranged by my publisher on the Saturday after the release, and the books were still packed in back. I also learned that a book release is not a day, but a process that goes for weeks and hopefully months. While the day itself is special, it’s just the beginning. But I do have to say, all in all, it was a marvelous first week.

And now it’s that time again. This being Thursday, and if we count it, there are 5 days until my next novel, THE DECEIVED, is released. Not only that, Tuesday the 24th is a double day for me: hardcover of THE DECEIVED and the mass paperback of THE CLEANER coming out together. It’s enough to make me dizzy…no, wait, that’s the vertigo that set in a few weeks ago from too much time in the sun. (Seriously, it’s annoying.) But no matter. You get the picture. I’m giddy again.

This time, I think I know what to expect. I know the ramp up. I know it’s not just a day. I’ve been doing what I can on the PR front (some of you probably have already received my newsletter…if not and you don’t want to miss the next one sign up here). I’ve been emailing fans and friends to help spread the word. Hell, I even finished book 3 a few weeks ago so that I could concentrate on the release. (Okay…I finished it because it was due, but still…) Not only that, but I think I’ve figured out the plot for the fourth book in the Quinn series just the other night.

Getting a lot of great reviews already, PW and several blogs. Received news that Japan has picked up the rights for both THE CLEANER and THE DECEIVED. That Russia has picked up THE DECEIVED to go with THE CLEANER they purchased last year. Got my box of books from my publisher, and a box of the UK hard covers that also look amazing.

And here I am again, with that little smile on my face. But is it the same as last year? No, of course not. Nothing is the same as your debut release. But it is damn good. And damn scary. All the hopes and the fears are there again. This is what we live with as writers. Right now I’m approaching one of the great times, but it will be immediately followed by that time when I wonder if I’m doing enough. Tess had often talked about the worries writers have on her personal blog. And she was right. They are all there, all the time.

But right now? This is the good moment. And to tell you the truth, when Tuesday morning comes, I know I won’t be able to help turning my head a little when I wake up, straining to catch a hint of trumpets on the air. And, damn it, I may even go out and buy my own rose pedals this year.

If you’re in the L.A. area this Saturday at 5:00 p.m., come by the Mystery Bookstore in Westwood (1036 Broxton Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024). We’re having my launch party and everyone is welcome. Champagne and snacks! (And Naomi…you’d better be there! Rob’s coming down and he lives a lot farther away than you do. I’m just saying…)