In 100 days, I will be able to say, “I’m a published author!”
My debut novel, All We Have is Time, will be out in the world for anyone to read on February 24, 2026 in the US. Two days later, on the 26th of February, it will hit shelves in the UK, including this stunning Waterstones exclusive edition with sprayed edges and a bonus chapter!
Right now, it still feels far away. Every now and then I get a flash of panic–this is really happening. But I think the full force of it won’t really hit me until January. The US Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are always a rush to the end of the year, but when the ball drops in Time Square on New Year’s Eve, it will mark the end of that busy season and the start of the year I become a published author. When that ball drops, it will be less than 2 months until my book appears on shelves.
It’s one of those things I’m trying to be mentally prepared for without really knowing what it is I’m preparing for. I’ve never done a book launch. I’ve never recorded a podcast. I’ve never done a Q & A. The last time I read an excerpt of my writing aloud to a crowd, I was a senior in high school. So basically, I have no idea what I’m doing!
I think the most similar experience I can draw from is moving half-way across the country. I moved with my family from New York to Colorado eleven years ago with only one visit under my belt, and that was to come out to find a place to rent. We had committed to living in Colorado sight unseen, because we knew it would be a good opportunity. While I didn’t know exactly what to expect, I knew it would be an exciting new adventure. I’ve loved living here ever since.
One piece of advice that I’m trying to take to heart as a debut is focusing on what is in my control, and leaning into the parts of the process that bring me joy. Right now, my favorite part of preparing to debut has been all the connections I’ve made with readers and booksellers and other authors I wouldn’t have met otherwise. I’m looking forward to meeting more new people and enjoying more new experiences in the next 100 days!
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