Thankful Thursday - Debut Edition With Photos!
Wow, so thankful!!
MERCY LILY went on sale on October 8th and to my delight,
it's been spotted at Barnes and Noble stores across the country! It's available through Indiebound.com and Amazon.com as well. I went out to celebrate with my husband, some siblings and in-laws. On the way there, my husband spotted this car in the parking lot and I had to snap a pic!
My siblings gave me a beautiful Cross pen with Mercy Lily 2011 engraved on it, a massage gift card, and the teeniest champagne bottle you've ever seen (it's a decoration). So sweet!!
So, so thankful for my family! Without them, I'd be nothing. Zilch. Nada. My husband, Joe, has turned into a one man promo machine and has been hand-selling like crazy. What a guy! He's been bringing home copies for me to sign to people and then returning them to their new owners.
My son, Joe, posted a heartwarming shout-out on his Facebook to me on the day of the debut: Congratulations to my wonderful and beautiful mother, Lisa Rondinelli Albert on the release of her first novel, "Mercy Lily"! Your love and passion for writing has been nothing short of a blessing and inspiration to me, love you Mom! What a guy, huh?! I responded by saying I started this whole writing thing as a way to be a stay-at-home Mom to my beautiful kids, and now here it is so many years later and my book is coming out and he's living on his own, writing his own stuff! (he's a hip hop artist and lyricist).
My daughter, Alex (another talented writer!), keeps me grounded and that's been a big help in the "keeping balance" department. It's so easy to get wrapped up in spending all my "free" time doing authorly things but there comes a time when I need to clock out, watch Funniest Home Videos or go antiquing and just chill. We also seem to hit the bookstore together a lot. Go figure! :-)
Voice Of Youth Advocates (VOYA) had two great reviews:
"Mercy Lily is a quick and enjoyable read, if a bit simple for the complex subject matter on which the novel is based. The conflicting emotions of Lily, the lead character, are described in such a way that any reader can easily sympathize with her inner turmoil, making this story a page-turner, especially because nothing, including both the virtuous and the shameful, is held back. Those who enjoy well written character development should take a look at Mercy Lily. 4Q, 3P. Reviewer: Teen Reviewer"
And a snippet from a long, thoughtful review that really got it: "Teen readers will find this novel both affecting and thought provoking as they identify with Lily's agony and examine their own beliefs."
Last weekend, I attended the Wisconsin SCBWI Annual Retreat where I was able to sign copies for the first time ever and it was so fun! It really felt like coming full circle, having began my publishing journey with this group and so many of these wonderful writers.
I'm also very thankful for my co-workers at the school library and the district I work for. They've been very supportive are working with me to cover extra off days so I'm able to promote and attend events. That's been a big relief!
Very thankful for upcoming events I've been invited to and my upcoming book launch!
Tomorrow - October 21st, I'll be signing copies of MERCY LILY and appearing with Ilsa Bick at the very first High School Friday event during the Wisconsin Book Festival. The Wisconsin Book Festival is a five day event that draw over 15,000 attendees! Ilsa and I will lunch and speak to 150 teens! Should be fun!!
October 27th & 28th - American Association of School Librarians (AASL) convention in Minneapolis, MN. I'll be with my editor, publicity director, and publisher for a reception on Thursday evening and then on Friday, I'll be signing on the Flux booth twice and also signing during the Author Showcase the same day. I'm excited and thankful!
October 31st - Lake Effect Radio 89.7 FM will broadcast a previously taped interview I did with producer Stephanie Lecci. We had a great time in the studio and I'm looking forward to hearing the final version! (She asked some great questions!!)
November 2nd - Official Book Launch & Signing at Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee 7 PM. A short talk and Q&A session followed by the signing. I have some fun and different things planned and hope it goes well! :-)
I'm always open to invitations to speak at events, join author panels, and visit schools or libraries, so please keep me in mind. Thanks!!
Lisa~