by Irmgarde Brown

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.

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by Irmgarde Brown

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by Irmgarde Brown

Here's what's new:

• 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. 

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by Irmgarde Brown

What a wonderful day at the Launch Party. Thanks to all friends and families who made this event such a success. The Price House was a perfect venue for the party as it represents some of the most beautiful Victorian homes in the area. And although Sister Jane does not take place "exactly" in our lovely city, there are many similarities. The biggest laugh of the day came when someone asked me if any of the characters in my book were based on "real people" and I answered, "Everyone!" Streaming event was recorded (fast forward recommended - LOL)  https://youtu.be/UUilOzrg-bw
 

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by Irmgarde Brown

               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 2^nd grader who had lots and lots of questions. And then he was gone.

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by Irmgarde Brown

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by Irmgarde Brown

Which way is the best way to write and publish a book? How many versions of a book are started and cast aside? And why write a book instead of a short story or a magazine article or a blog post? These are just three of many questions that writers and wannabe writers face as we look at the blank screen. 

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! 

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