I wrote a book, y'all!

I wrote a book, y'all!!
YAY!!

It took me a year of blood, sweat and tears.
I decided to write a children's book last January and no matter what happened in my life, I did NOT give up. Most people document their writing process. I would rather document the marketing of this book. My brother has self published a few books and told me he still has boxes of his books in his garage. 
I don't want that. I want to make an impact with my book. 
Change lives. Is that too much to ask?

I remember reading THE BLUEST EYE by Toni Morrison and feeling different after visualising her words. Her words made me feel connected and sad and mad and so many other emotions. I loved it!

My first book is a children's picture book about an African-American boy who leaves his wonderful home in Ghana (and his best friend, Johnny) to move to a foreign country to reunite with his family. At first he enjoys all the attention of being "different" then he gets homesick for his best friend and his home. The book makes a point to show that Joshua's life was sweet and fun in Ghana. He loved living with his father and being with his pet bird, Johnny. It also shows the ways that Ghana and South Korean culture are similar, including the love of dance and drums. 

Today is Thursday, January 3rd in the new year of 2019. 
The book's posters and business cards came this week. 
I started the fb group last week and started to market on social media. 
It is actually starting to feel real. This book is actually happening!

I better NOT have a heart attack when I open the box next week!

So, I'm trying to push through my anxiety in order to create marketing events, book signings, attend festivals, etc. 

In the book, Joshua's father tells him to "be brave". I'm taking that advice. Promoting this book will take me out of my Korean comfort zone. It will force me into social situations that will require me to step up and take a risk. 
Am I ready for this? Can I do this? Is the message of the book so important that I will take this risk. Yes, yes and hell yes. 

Right now, I just want to close my eyes, put my arms out, and dance while saying to myself, "you wrote a book, girl!" 
I feel so much joy right now.