Cat Michaels, Writer
  • Welcome!
  • Cat's Books
    • Sweet T and the Turtle Team >
      • Just Between Sam and Me
    • Finding Fuzzy: A You-Decide Tale of a Lost Friend
    • Sweet T and the North Wind
    • The Magical Aquarium
  • Cat's Corner: Blogging About Books, Writing, and More
  • Meet Cat
  • Author Visits
  • FREE STUFF in the Kids' Zone
  • Contact Cat

Cat's Corner

Blogging About Books, Writing, Travel, Film & More

Behind the Scenes – A Cat on Book Launch

12/3/2020

21 Comments

 
Sitting here, happy, tired and stuffed-brain, but taking a moment to share insights into my crazy-busy-hectic-happy book launch week with co-author Rosie Russell.

It's been an endurance test of stress management with an attitude of gratitude.
​
Behind the Scenes – A Cat on Book Launch catmichaelswriter.com

Stress Management Roller-Coaster

​Co-writer Rosie Russell and I are over the moon that our new book for tweens, Just Between Sam and Me, debuted on 2 December at #113 in Amazon’s ranking of children’s books about bullying. 
 
But what a journey to get there!


Our tale has been 22 months in the making - delayed by my Covid-stalled muse during lockdown. Plus Rosie and I always fought tech gremlins;  however, nearing our 2 December finish line, those tech gremlins attacked with a vengeance. Of course!

–   Our paperback was stalled in review process, so it was not available on the first day of launch.

–   Rosie’s Facebook account may have been hacked, and she couldn’t access important launch day posts.

–  The day before launch, I started working at 4.30 a.m. because my mind wouldn’t stop spinning about everything that needed to get done. 

 
 – 10 minutes before a podcast interview with Jedli on Reading with Your Kids, a ginormous pressure washer truck pulled up to my neighbor’s house and started pounding out its super-water-shooting motor. I tore out of my office and raced to the closet in the back of our home. Hunkered down by Hub’s shirts in that tight space, the WIFI dropped. Sigh. I scurried back to pressure washer mania. ARGH!

​


I stress over these things,
But
I know.

Yep. Minor first-world problems.

I remind myself to be grateful for the ability to hassle with them.

Keenly aware that millions are
struggling
with serious issues of
health,
finances
and social inequities.


Haunted by the image of a young girl,
crying and clinging to her blankie-wrapped baby doll
being forcibly evicted from their home.


Gut-punched
as I learn of Covid deaths
among family and friends just these past weeks alone.

Teary-eyed
by staggering numbers
of Covid deaths rising.

Sickened
by political divisions battering our nation.


Remembering these things
snaps my launch anxiety
into perspective
​right quick.

​

Attitude of Gratitude 
​

Dad once made a habit of writing down all his blessings, and I Iearned that trick from him.

I will never take for granted having a roof over my head, warm place to sleep, food on the table, or ability to pay my bills on time. Nor my fab family and friends, whom I long to see in person but doing so only over ZOOM these days.

My work on Sam has been rich with a co-writer, launch team, writing pals, and blogging buddies who support my authoring journey. I'd be lost without them. They raise our purr-fect tale of courage and hope for tweens and help it score fab book buzz that makes authors do the happy dance.

Speaking of book buzz ....

Will you kindly bear with me for a moment of shameless self-promotion as I share review snippets that have my buttons bursting? 


​"My daughters and I enjoyed reading this book together. It brought up conversations for us as a family about bullying ..."
 
"... my 10-yr old who is in 5th grade [was] her glued to the text. ... a book my child WANTED to read & ASKED to read."
 

"The book isn't just about bullying. The authors dive into the complexities of family dynamics, school pecking orders, coming of age, and small-town life”

"... tale of triumph which strikes the perfect balance between humans and beloved pets ..."
 

​

​“…powerful, inspiring … tackles the important issue of social bullying in an entertaining way amidst a charming mid-west farm setting.”
 
“… a lovely book showing what friendship really means.”

“…deeply engaging plot and characters ... [that] brought me along a roller coaster of emotions.” 
​

"My daughter who is in 5th grade enjoyed the book and I was able to use the story to teach her about self-esteem, her changing body and what to do when she is being bullied or seeing someone being bullied."

​


Smiling wide here -:D!

One last bit self-promotion, please?
(Promise that's it for the year <wink>.)
​
Behind the Scenes – A Cat on Book Launch catmichaelswriter.com Sam - by Irene A. Jahns

Sam, Rosie and I would be honored

if you'll click below
to learn more about
Just Between Sam and Me

and

where to find a copy
​at your fave bookseller.  

​
​

Find your copy of
​ "just between sam and me"


​btw,,,,We're  running a launch sale through 10 December:
ebook slashed to $.99 US
paperback discounted at $7.99 US




December Bookish Giveaways for Young Readers

Behind the Scenes – A Cat on Book Launch catmichaelswriter.com

​I’m teaming up with an amazing slate
​of 
58 authors
to bring you 
free books and chapter samples 
​
for holiday giving. 


​
catmichaelswriter.com
You'll find something for every
​interest and age level

in this extensive collection
​of children’s books


​for free or at discounted prices ...


​.. including a free download
of the first chapter of 

Just Between Sam and Me -:D.

​

December children's book giveaways



Winding Down 2020
​
Behind the Scenes – A Cat on Book Launch catmichaelswriter.com
Shallotte River Sunset - by Cat Michaels
​
​During the Reading with Your Kids podcast taping today, host Jedli asked what'd I'd be writing next. I’ve had a feel-good women’s fiction rattling around in my head for over a decade. It’s time to get it out of my brain and onto paper.

But not until Just Between Sam and Me winds down.

Then I’m taking off the end of December to watch the sun set over the river, write my Christmas cards, and gratefully enjoy a Covid-Safe Holiday for Two with Hub, And we'll say 'good riddance!" to 2020!

​
I’ll crank it up again in 2021 with the next step on my writing road, whatever that is.
​
I hope you'll stay well
and enjoy special times
to make your heart happy

with your loved ones. 

2021’s gonna be a better year for all of us!!
​

Picture
Subscribe

Picture
Picture

Picture
21 Comments
Rosie Russell link
12/4/2020 01:08:55 pm

Cat, love this beautiful post.

Yes, what a crazy ride we've had. You couldn't have said it better. We are so thankful for all the amazing help and support these past several months.

Appreciate everything you do. Have a relaxing December wishing you the best year to come in 2021.
.

Reply
Cat Michaels
12/4/2020 06:05:31 pm

I feel it is important to mark our occasion and from perspective of what is happening in our wild world today. The writing journey is also wild and launch is beyond crazy, but I’m glad to have you at my side through all of it-:D

Reply
James Milson link
12/4/2020 01:40:42 pm

Congratulations on the new book launch! I purchased a copy yesterday to leave a Confirmed Purchase Review and will have it up shortly. Trying to stay focused on anything going thru the events of this year has been a real trial of persistence and focus, indeed. Well done to have achieved your book launch goal! 🤠 🐻

Reply
Cat Michaels
12/4/2020 06:09:21 pm

Thanks so much for your kind words, James. I must figure out a way to virtual sign it to show my appreciation! The writing road is bumpy, and I am beyond grateful for your support and company -:D

Reply
Julie Gorges link
12/4/2020 04:55:22 pm

Oh, I feel your stresses of a book launch! Why do things always seem to go wrong when it's most important? But SO happy for all your success. The reviews are so awesome - you and Rosie have created a powerful book together that will help kids who are suffering from bullying. As you counted your blessings, I thought about advice I have given other writers starting down the publishing path. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. In other words, don’t make your whole world about writing and publishing or you will go completely bonkers. Have a well-balanced life that includes time for your spirituality, your loved ones, and other interests. Love that you are giving similar advice in your insightful blog! Hope that the rest of your book launch is free from those nasty tech gremlins. Congrats on all your success so far with your wonderful book.

Reply
Cat Michaels
12/4/2020 06:13:43 pm

Love your advice about NOT putting all one’s writerly energy in one basket, Julie. You nailed it with your eloquent advice! I recognize many people grind away at writing when burned out, but I am most successful when I leave it and step away for awhile. I cannot do it alone and am beyond grateful for *your* support and fab advice as a first reader -:D!

Reply
Auden Johnson link
12/5/2020 01:44:44 pm

I feel your frustration. Sometimes it feels like everything's going wrong. As you said, we gotta count our blessings. Congrats on your book launch and your ranking. I'm so happy for you!

Reply
Cat Michaels
12/5/2020 06:38:00 pm

TY, Auden! It IS so easy to get discouraged on the writing road and especially during a pandemic. Let’s both feel frustrated and then count our blessings together -:D

Reply
Julie link
12/5/2020 06:54:47 pm

No book launch in the history of time has gone perfectly smoothly! Just getting a book out into the world is a miracle in itself so huge congrats. Looking forward to reading your next women's fiction creative work.

Reply
Cat Michaels
12/5/2020 07:30:41 pm

Julie, what a wonderful perspective! Spot on -:D. I envy your rose-colored glasses and am working toward getting my own pair. Hope to start the women’s fiction in the new year. Thanks for your company on the writing road!

Reply
Sandra Bennett link
12/6/2020 08:59:41 pm

It's certainly been a rollercoaster of emotions this year, wonderful to see you can still find gratitude in the basics of life's experiences. I do the same and am grateful for so many things this year. Book launches are hectic, exhausting and so much fun. I know I will be taking a break over December/January and you certainly deserve it too. Congrats on the fabulous reviews coming in. Hoping to do my today.

Reply
Anonymous
12/7/2020 11:58:41 am

You nailed book release days, Sandra - hectic, exhausting but full of joy as Rosie’s and my book makes its way to young readers. Taking a break for sure in a few weeks for the hols. It will be lonely this year, but I am grateful for health, family, friends and your company on the writing road!

Reply
Michelle Leslie link
12/7/2020 09:03:34 am

You must be over the moon Cat (and Rosie too). What a long, beautiful journey with thrills and spills at the very end. BIG Congrats!!! The reviews are awesome and I've just ordered a Kindle copy for a friend of mine who's daughter is struggling to fit into her new school. I know she is going to love Olivia and Sam.

Reply
Cat Michaels
12/7/2020 11:53:25 am

Michelle, I hope your young friend enjoys meeting Sam and Olivia AND feels encouraged by the way they tackle their struggles at school. TYSM for checking out our reviews and gifting a copy to a young reader, your feedback puts me over the moon for sure!

Reply
Sarfa link
12/7/2020 09:26:45 am

Congrats on the launch Cat; so exciting! Glad you got around those tech gremlins; I feel your angst!

Reply
Cat Michaels
12/7/2020 11:49:43 am

Sarfa, those tech gremlins can bring you down, especially when stressed during book launching and Covid, I remind myself How lucky I am to even have internet connection these days! Wishing you good health and no tech issues -:D

Reply
Libbie@alifeunfolding
12/7/2020 04:14:29 pm

Congratulations on your book launch! What a huge accomplishment in this year 2020! Off to check out Just between Sam and Me. :)

Reply
Cat Michaels
12/8/2020 05:52:00 pm

Thanks for your kind words, Libbie. It’s been a year or sure! We do our best to stay healthy and happy despite all. Grateful for readers like you, who keep me going. btw....Sam tells me he can’t wait to visit with you in Spring Hope [wink].

Reply
Eiry Thomas link
4/7/2021 07:38:10 pm

It's been a pleasure following each step of your journey, along with Rosie, Cat. Thanks for all that I'm learning from you ⭐️

Reply
Cat Michaels
4/7/2021 07:54:01 pm

Eiry, I appreciate *your* company on the writing road! There is so much to learn on this journey. I am beyond grateful for all I learned from you and others. Happy to have a chance to share what I picked up within this supportive community of kidlit authors.

Reply
Rosie Russell link
4/8/2021 09:34:31 am

Eiry, thank you! Like, Cat said, we all learn from each other and we have learned a lot from you too!
I love our Kidlit family and appreciate them so much.
~Rosie

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Cat Michaels

    Blogging about books, writing, family life,  travel and  more good stuff.


    Meet Cat
    ​INSIDE the pages

    a newsletter for bibliophiles on writing, books and cool stuff readers love
    Be an Insider. Download your FREE e-short story about love and new beginnings today!
    Picture
    I'M IN! Snag my free e-short story HERE
    P.S. We hate spam and keep your email safe.. 

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    July 2022
    April 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Welcome!
  • Cat's Books
    • Sweet T and the Turtle Team >
      • Just Between Sam and Me
    • Finding Fuzzy: A You-Decide Tale of a Lost Friend
    • Sweet T and the North Wind
    • The Magical Aquarium
  • Cat's Corner: Blogging About Books, Writing, and More
  • Meet Cat
  • Author Visits
  • FREE STUFF in the Kids' Zone
  • Contact Cat