My first book is now out in the world!
The day has finally come! My debut novel, Holding Up the Sky, releases today and I’m officially a published author. Come and see some pretty pictures of the new book and learn more about the journey I’ve taken to get it from that first idea to something we can all hold in our hands!! →
Release day is finally here!
Today is the day, people! My contemporary YA novel, Holding Up the Sky, is officially out in the world and I can now call myself a published author! It’s a little overwhelming to think that this dream I’ve had for almost as long as I can remember is now a reality. To think that this story, which has lived in my head all these years, is now something I can hold in my hands…and that OTHERS can hold in their hands.
It’s a little scary and a lot exciting, but on the whole I’m really looking forward to hearing what readers think of the book! The whole reason I started this publishing journey, and set up my indie imprint Southscript Press, is because I WANT to share my stories with readers. I think it’s just going to take a bit of getting used to!! 😅
Although it feels like I’ve reached some kind of finish line, I know the real adventure is only now beginning and the next few weeks will be just as busy as the last few. If you want to get involved and support this book baby, I’d encourage you to follow me on social media and/or subscribe to my newsletter to find out how!
The journey from start to “end”
A question I often get asked is “how long does it take you to write a book”? Now that’s an interesting question, because how long it takes me to write a draft and how long it takes me to go from idea to published product are two very different things! Looking back, it’s actually taken me eight years to get Holding Up the Sky from that first spark of inspiration to what it is today…
So yes, it’s been a massive journey and an enormous amount of work, but it’s worth it in the end. And by no means has it been a solo adventure. There are so many people I need to thank, but here are a few:
So what is the book about?
A closeted Australian teen learns that there are some things love alone can’t conquer in this novel for fans of Heartstopper, Adam Silvera, and Sophie Gonzales.
Everyone knows Carter Cantwel knows about him: all of it is a sham. The real Carter is an anxious mess still drowning in grief after tragedy ripped his family apart. He’s just gotten good at pretending.
Then he meets Remy. Brazen, charming, and everything he’s not, Remy blazes into Carter’s orderly world and turns his defences to ash. But as Carter juggles new responsibilities at school, old troubles at home, and this boy he can’t seem to stay away from, he starts cracking under the pressure.
With his secrets leaking out and all that he’s worked for falling apart in his hands, Carter faces the hardest choice of his life: succumb to his demons, or fight for the future he never knew he wanted.
But when you’re lost in the dark, how do you find your way back?
What should I do to celebrate my first ever book release? Have you published a book before? Did you learn any important lessons from the experience?
Rebecca Alasdair
I'm an Australian indie author who hoards books, loves dogs and coffee, and has a tendency of staying up all night!
12 Comments
Andrew McDowell
Congratulations!
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks Andrew!! 😊
Andrew McDowell
You’re welcome!
Andrew McDowell
You’re welcome.
Andrew McDowell
Oops. I repeated myself. My mistake.
Alex
Rebeccaaaaaa! I’m very proud of you! Congratulations! You are awesome and I’m so happy for you!! I’m excited to read too – go Rebecca!
That is a tough journey. But, I’m glad you kept going! You did wonderful! 🙂
You worked with some awesome people too. And, I’m glad you’ve gotten so much support also.
Much support and love from me, my friend.
Take care.
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks so much Alex!! I’ve really appreciated all your support, particularly over the last few months. It’s been a long journey, but 100% worth it!! 😊💜
Alex
You’re always welcome, Rebecca! My pleasure :). I’m happy for you! What would you say kept you going during the difficult times? You rock! Take care, friend :).
Rebecca Alasdair
Corny as it sounds, no matter how hard things got, the dream stayed alive! So there was always a reason to keep going 😁
Alex
That’s awesome 🙂 I’m glad your dream stayed alive :). Keep up the nice work. Take care :).
Tomas
Glad to see your first book out, especially as someone who’s been following you for years. I guess what you should do now is to allow yourself one day of rest – here in the Northern hemisphere, it’d be the perfect time for a blanket and a chocolate, though I guess that’s different where you live. I hope the book finds a lot of happy readers.
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks so much Tomas!! I’ve really appreciated your support over the years! It’s finally starting to get a bit warmer here so clearly it’s time to go and bask in the sunshine or something 🌞