What does it Feel Like to Publish a Novel?

is question was put to me the other day by one of my high school students. She saw my new novel on Amazon and said, "Wow, mister. How's it feel?" I struggled for the right words, then settled on, "It feels great," which is true but doesn't quite capture the essence of the feeling. When I see my book on a book store shelf, online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, etc. it makes me feel special. Not in the sense that I am better, deserving or super competent, but just special because I have accomplished something important to me. Some will say, 'with today's technology a monkey could publish a book' (and that has probably happened). And while there are certainly more titles out there, that doesn't make it any less special for me.

Seeing my novel out there on the market being judged or ignored is like giving that perfect gift to someone you care about. And when that person lights up and you know she/he likes your gift, you both feel special. I suppose to a degree it is about getting it right and the feeling that comes with knowing you got it right. Whether I sell hundreds of copies or just that one my mom bought, it feels special because I finally got it right. 

rs
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​https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CRS1GS9 ​