As I read this, I thought back to the year I launched my novel. So many good things happened and, thankfully, I was able to experience some of them fully in the moment. But afterwards, after the adrenaline rushes, the worries, the anxieties, the unparalleled joys of seeing friends from every part of my life come out for me to both celebrate and push my book, when things quieted inside and out, I felt those joys sink in deeper. I would both smile and cry when I remembered certain moments. These sustained me as the book traveled on its own small, uncertain journey into the future. This is a very long and convoluted way of saying that the sensation of not being able to fully enjoy some of the things that have happened will turn into something else in the future. I suspect they will always be with you and that you will have a lot more to enjoy going forward.
And working on your next book? That's exactly the right thing to do. That is, after all, as you say, where the joy always can be found. Kudos to you, your team, your publishers, all of you.
Such a perfect description, Betsy. It is all A LOT. I did a lot of crying the week the book came out. Good tears, but I was just so emotional. So overwhelmed in moments. And then it’s very hard to tell the difference between anxiety and excitement. I think you’re right that it will take time to sink in.
And thank goodness for the cozy comfort of the next project!
Robyn, I'm so very happy that you are receiving all the accolades for SEX OF THE MIDWEST! And thanks for continuing to promote our interview on my little corner of the internet. I keep telling people they need to READ THIS BOOK! Hopefully, some of them will listen. DJB
YES! Congratulations on everything! I can't wait to read the new book, and am so excited for all of this! It's beautiful to see you achieve your dreams and be surrounded by the community you’ve created and inspired. Your hard work has paid off, and it's well deserved. Massive cheers! XO
That’s so sweet, Eliza! Hope you’re doing well! And thanks for the opportunity to be in the Playing Authors Anthology. That Hemingway story is still one of my favorite things I’ve ever written, which wouldn’t have happened without the call-out for the anthology. And I got to meet you and Barb and the folks at Tomorrow Bookstore! Such a great and sustaining experience.
Aw, that just made my day! I'm so delighted that your Hemingway story remains a favorite—it's a fantastic piece. It was an absolute joy meeting you and celebrating with everyone at Tomorrow Bookstore. Thanks for being a part of it, Robyn. Wishing you all the best! 💛
Congratulations on the success of the new book! I heard the interview on NPR and bought a signed copy from neat. I have leapfrogged it to the top of my stack....
That’s awesome, Lynn. So glad you were able to get a signed copy shipped from neat. I’m sure Randy told you all about it! We’ve been friends for ages and, in fact, he’s coming over for dinner tonight. It really is a small town!
Robyn! The dark with the light - as a writer, you know how the one always shadows the other. But you have done it! And will keep doing it! Brava and congratulations on your beautiful and smart new book. ☀️
I have always wondered if I would ever know anyone being interviewed on NPR, especially listening to my all time fav - Scott Simon on Morning Edition. BINGO!
How fantastic, Robyn. I am swooning over the both of you...... you giggling with Scott Simon. I am going to play that on repeat forever, or, more likely until your NEXT interview.
Robyn - Finished your book - it was delightful! Enjoyed the characters and small town setting, especially since I know a bit about that small town. I hope it is wildly successful and I am glad to see you are getting some recognition in the "media". Keep up the painting - I always enjoy seeing it. - Dave
This is all so wonderful! I hope you continue to enjoy and savor…
Thanks, Niki!
So thrilled for you!
Thanks, Karen!
Laughter and tears—two things worth living for. And writing about, to provoke them. Nice work.
Thanks so much, Peter. It took me a while to realize that this was my jam in writing, but glad I got there.
I love you. And your book.
Mmwaa! Love you right back!
As I read this, I thought back to the year I launched my novel. So many good things happened and, thankfully, I was able to experience some of them fully in the moment. But afterwards, after the adrenaline rushes, the worries, the anxieties, the unparalleled joys of seeing friends from every part of my life come out for me to both celebrate and push my book, when things quieted inside and out, I felt those joys sink in deeper. I would both smile and cry when I remembered certain moments. These sustained me as the book traveled on its own small, uncertain journey into the future. This is a very long and convoluted way of saying that the sensation of not being able to fully enjoy some of the things that have happened will turn into something else in the future. I suspect they will always be with you and that you will have a lot more to enjoy going forward.
And working on your next book? That's exactly the right thing to do. That is, after all, as you say, where the joy always can be found. Kudos to you, your team, your publishers, all of you.
Such a perfect description, Betsy. It is all A LOT. I did a lot of crying the week the book came out. Good tears, but I was just so emotional. So overwhelmed in moments. And then it’s very hard to tell the difference between anxiety and excitement. I think you’re right that it will take time to sink in.
And thank goodness for the cozy comfort of the next project!
Robyn, I'm so very happy that you are receiving all the accolades for SEX OF THE MIDWEST! And thanks for continuing to promote our interview on my little corner of the internet. I keep telling people they need to READ THIS BOOK! Hopefully, some of them will listen. DJB
Thanks for being such a great PR man, David! Word of mouth is everything when it comes to books.
YES! Congratulations on everything! I can't wait to read the new book, and am so excited for all of this! It's beautiful to see you achieve your dreams and be surrounded by the community you’ve created and inspired. Your hard work has paid off, and it's well deserved. Massive cheers! XO
That’s so sweet, Eliza! Hope you’re doing well! And thanks for the opportunity to be in the Playing Authors Anthology. That Hemingway story is still one of my favorite things I’ve ever written, which wouldn’t have happened without the call-out for the anthology. And I got to meet you and Barb and the folks at Tomorrow Bookstore! Such a great and sustaining experience.
Aw, that just made my day! I'm so delighted that your Hemingway story remains a favorite—it's a fantastic piece. It was an absolute joy meeting you and celebrating with everyone at Tomorrow Bookstore. Thanks for being a part of it, Robyn. Wishing you all the best! 💛
I totally get the stressful part! Wonderful, nonetheless. I'm really happy for you.
Thanks so much, Barb. As you know, it’s a very weird thing for someone who’s happiest alone in a room with words.
Congratulations on the success of the new book! I heard the interview on NPR and bought a signed copy from neat. I have leapfrogged it to the top of my stack....
That’s awesome, Lynn. So glad you were able to get a signed copy shipped from neat. I’m sure Randy told you all about it! We’ve been friends for ages and, in fact, he’s coming over for dinner tonight. It really is a small town!
Robyn! The dark with the light - as a writer, you know how the one always shadows the other. But you have done it! And will keep doing it! Brava and congratulations on your beautiful and smart new book. ☀️
Thanks so much, Christine. It’s all true and I feel like the good stuff is slowly sinking in.
I have always wondered if I would ever know anyone being interviewed on NPR, especially listening to my all time fav - Scott Simon on Morning Edition. BINGO!
How fantastic, Robyn. I am swooning over the both of you...... you giggling with Scott Simon. I am going to play that on repeat forever, or, more likely until your NEXT interview.
Oh, no, I did giggle, didn't I? I still haven't listened to it. Maybe I'll read the transcript.
Robyn - Finished your book - it was delightful! Enjoyed the characters and small town setting, especially since I know a bit about that small town. I hope it is wildly successful and I am glad to see you are getting some recognition in the "media". Keep up the painting - I always enjoy seeing it. - Dave
So glad you liked it, Dave! The recognition is definitely nice. Drop me a line if you come up to Madison!
This is so thrilling to see! Congrats, Robyn!
Thanks so much, Katie. It’s sort of a dream come true.