Contextual Moments Blog
Beginnings
The Countdown
While working through all the “best practices” and advice for a successful book launch, one of the recommendations is to post a countdown. As I think about countdowns, I realize the very act of creating a countdown has layers of emotional significance. (I have to thank my AI intern for some of these ideas.)
Anticipation: Undoubtedly, this is the most indicative of how I am feeling about my new book coming out. As each day draws me closer, I can feel my insides start to murmur. It’s not a full rolling boil yet, but a kind of trembling of the waters. Most people might recognize this feeling of anticipation for a personal event in their lives, like a wedding, the birth of a child, a graduation, or a big vacation. But I can attest, a new book coming out is very much like the wait for a new baby, both in planning and in wondering how it will “come out.” God forbid someone calls my baby ugly.
Best of 2021 But It's 2022
![Best of 2021 But It's 2022 Best of 2021 But It's 2022](images/IrmgardeBrown/cache/images/IrmgardeBrown/proportion/2022_w140_h140/2022_01270519.jpg)
What the? Time is Flying!
![What the? Time is Flying! What the? Time is Flying!](images/IrmgardeBrown/cache/images/IrmgardeBrown/proportion/Concord%20Point%20Book%20Club_w140_h140/Concord%20Point%20Book%20Club_09091233.jpg)
- Sister Jane received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.
- Sister Jane is now available in four major library systems in Maryland (Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, and Cecil). More to come.
- I have made several personal appearances and I have half a dozen book club appearances in the next two months.
- My book is available in several locations in town and I've had people yelling from across a street, "Irm, I LOVE your book!" It's quite humbling.
- Last week, I recorded my first podcast interview which will air Sept 13th.
Launch Party Success!
![Launch Party Success! Launch Party Success!](images/IrmgardeBrown/cache/images/IrmgardeBrown/proportion/launch%20party%202_w140_h140/launch%20party%202_06300158.jpg)
What a Character!
![What a Character! What a Character!](images/IrmgardeBrown/cache/images/IrmgardeBrown/proportion/Edna_w140_h140/Edna_06100912.jpg)
Quite a few “characters” have floated in and out of my life. I’m sure you could say the same. They are the colorful bits; they are the ones we remember for a long time.
Charlie rented one of our rooms on Park Avenue when I was a child. He had what I now know was a trigger finger, his ring finger, on his right hand. He was a heavy smoker and spent a lot of time hanging out on our porch. Gruff and grizzly, most of the time, he indulged a 2nd grader who had lots and lots of questions. And then he was gone.
Miracles as Viral News
![Miracles as Viral News Miracles as Viral News](images/IrmgardeBrown/cache/images/IrmgardeBrown/proportion/miracles_w140_h140/miracles_05200546.jpg)
How Sister Jane, The Book, Was Born
![How Sister Jane, The Book, Was Born How Sister Jane, The Book, Was Born](images/IrmgardeBrown/cache/irmgardebrown.com/images/IrmgardeBrown/cache/images/IrmgardeBrown/stretch/Baby%20Leo_w147_h113/proportion/Baby%20Leo_04170957_w140_h140/Baby%20Leo_04170957_01011200.png)
We read memoirs and articles about writers - we want to be inspired. We attend conferences and subscribe to writer's magazines - we want to be encouraged. We talk about writing, a lot!