The first high was immediate—the outpouring of love and support from friends and family. People who had been quietly cheering me on suddenly became my loudest advocates. I received heartfelt messages, shared posts, and congratulations from people I hadn’t heard from in years. Every well-wish felt like a victory, and for a moment, I was on top of the world. It’s hard to describe the pride of hearing someone close say, “I can’t wait to read your book!” The excitement was electric.

Then came my first book signing, and that’s when the nerves set in. I was so excited for this milestone, but the reality was terrifying. Sitting there with a pen in hand, waiting for people to come up and ask for a signed copy, I felt a rush of anxiety. Would anyone actually show up? What if I stumbled over my words or said something awkward? But when the first person approached the table, something clicked, and I realized they were just as excited to be there as I was. Watching someone walk away with my book in hand, knowing that my story was about to become part of their world, was surreal and deeply rewarding.

After the initial excitement of the launch, I found myself obsessively refreshing sales pages and rankings online. Every sale felt like a mini celebration—proof that people were actually interested in my book! But then I started checking too often, hoping to see a spike in sales or a climb in the rankings. It became hard not to let the numbers consume me. I’ve had to remind myself that this is a marathon, not a sprint. The waiting is the hardest part, especially as I eagerly anticipate those first reviews. I find myself constantly checking, wondering how readers will respond once they’ve finished the story.

This journey has been full of highs and nerves, but through it all, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. Self-publishing wasn’t just about seeing my book in print—it was about pushing myself in ways I never imagined. And while I’m still anxiously waiting for reviews to roll in, knowing that Amber’s story is out there, being discovered by readers, makes it all worth it.