The difference between publishing your first book and your second
By Sarah Nicholson
It is a very different experience publishing you second book. I’d almost describe it as the difference between giving birth to your first and second child.
It’s not that you love one more than the other, or there’s any sort of favouritism going, but second time around you know a bit more what to expect. You are a bit more confident that you CAN do this. Perhaps you don’t take as many photos. Maybe you can become a bit blasé about it all.
I am certainly much more relaxed with my second book. I have grown in confidence as a writer. I have an award to back it up (there are no awards for motherhood!)
I am writing this on the eve of having a rather low-key book signing event instead of a lavish launch party. I have no idea how many people to expect. I’ve handed out flyers, put up a few posters and shared the news on social media – maybe the algorithms will be in my favour, people will see the post and come along.
In many ways I am not as bothered. My book is already out there in a limited way and today I got the most marvellous message from a friend saying how much she enjoyed reading it.
The two books are different, not just the sharply contrasting green and red covers. The first book is a memoir which I really poured my heart out writing. It was cathartic writing about grief and carrying on when your world falls apart. I really believe I have some wisdom to share on the subject.
My second book is still written in the form of very short stories, but they are, for the most part, totally imagined. There is an element of truth in one or maybe two, but I am sure every writer adds a little piece of themselves into their characters. These stories were written for the fun of it and I hope they are received in the same way.
What holds the stories together is the theme of LOVE. Love in all its many flavours, from tainted love to everlasting love – I’ve filled the book with many song titles. That’s the reason for the title - Why is Every Song on the Radio a Love Song?
The subtitle is the LITTLE BOOK OF TINY LOVE STORIES. Which sets the scene for my book signing venue – a little shop in the High Street where I live called The Little Ginger Bee Company. It specialises in eco products, refills and lots of local creativity, including a few books by local authors.
This will be the first book signing to be held there and who knows perhaps it will start a trend! I like the idea of being a trailblazer.
And guess what I actually have books to sign, sounds obvious but I managed to do the launch for my first book without any. You can read about it here https://insearchoflostglitter.blogspot.com/2024/01/a-book-launch-to-remember.html
Perhaps that was the biggest lesson of all I learnt last time around and am not repeating the same mistake.
This time I have books and specially printed bookmarks which include the details of my website – www.sarahnicholsonwrites.com
If you miss the book signing but still want to find out more just look me up – there’s even a little online shop my site.
With lots of love
Sarah xx