THE LAST SISTER: Debuts Can Be Scary (Courtney McKinney-Whitaker)



My debut novel, THE LAST SISTER, released earlier this month, right after I gave birth to my debut child. So, yeah, exciting times at the McKinney-Whitaker house. We're blogging about fear in October, and let me tell you, beginnings like these are both exciting and scary, which I'm sure you already know or could have guessed because that is not an especially profound observation.

I think most, if not all, authors are a little bit scared to let the world see their work. We might dream about being bestsellers, but deep down we know that comes with its own set of issues. (The more people who read you, the more people to ask who you think you are to go writing a book anyway!) If I'm the only one who deals with this, please leave me in blissful ignorance. Once upon a time, this story about a teenager in Colonial America who goes on a revenge quest for her family's murderers and falls in love with a highland soldier was just mine. Then a few trusted readers saw it. Then a few more. Then agents and editors and booksellers and reviewers and bloggers. Then everyone started asking me if I'd read OUTLANDER because I guess all those 18th-century highland soldiers are alike. (I haven't yet.) And now it's out there. Anyone can read it, and I have no control over who does, how they react to it, or what they think of me as a writer and a person afterward.

This is scary, especially the first time around. At least, I hope it gets better the more debuts you do. All I know is, that if I ever have another baby, I'm going to know not to buy clothes that go on over her head. 

Here's my playlist for the novel, because I do love a novel playlist. If you like the music, I bet you'd like the book.

Enter below to win a signed copy of THE LAST SISTER!


And if you'd like to read reviews, read a sample, or order the book, click here!

Comments

  1. Congratulations on all your good news! A baby and a novel in the same month -- I doubt you are getting any sleep. :)

    Yvonne

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    1. Thanks, Yvonne! We're pretty lucky there--so far she's a good sleeper.

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  2. I cannot even imagine having a baby... and a book out at the same time! Whew! Congrats on both and so looking forward to reading your book.

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    1. As much as we have control over when either of things happen, Jody, I kind of semi-planned it that way. Because I am a crazy person.

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  3. Congratulations on your two wonderful debuts! I sold my first book a few weeks before I had my first (and only) baby. I remember doing all my revisions while holding my newborn in one arm and typing with the other. :-) He's now 7, but I always think fondly of that time. Much success to you!

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    1. Thanks for that visual, Margie! So far, I've been able to work in short bursts while she's not eating--which seems to be basically what newborns do. I imagine it will be an ongoing process of learning how to work in whatever stage she's in.

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  4. Congratulations, Courtney!! I'm happy to hear they baby is a good sleeper! Going to Tweet this post and spread the word about the giveaway. :)

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  5. Congrats, Courtney! And I know exactly what you're talking about. When A BLUE SO DARK, my debut, was getting ready to release, I'd break out in hives every night. Publishing is definitely not for wimps.

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    1. So true! That's why it's great to be involved with a group of writers who have been there and get it.

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  6. OMG< a new baby and a new book!? Wow. You must be floating on air!

    Congrats and congrats.

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