revelation: getting kicked off the oscar stage & happy 1st anniversary

If the Acknowledgements section of my book Devious Web was a speech at the Academy Awards, amplified music would no doubt usher me off-stage in record time. Looking back a year after my publish date of October 15, 2024, there’s no doubt that I extended heartfelt appreciation to everyone who was part of my publishing journey (absolutely everyone!!)!  I’m surprised I missed thanking the garbage collector for taking away my crumpled book drafts.

The geyser of appreciation sprouted from how surreal it was to finally publish a novel and how truly fortunate and grateful I felt. Initially, like many other writers, I had imposter syndrome and was reluctant to use the monicker ‘author’ on social media or as an email auto-signature.

Then I was amazed to attract positive reviews from Publisher’s Weekly BookLife Reviews, Midwest Book Review, and mystery novel bloggers as well as from readers who have posted on Goodreads, Amazon, Chapters Indigo, Barnes and Noble, and more.

And it was mind-boggling (still is, frankly) to see bookstores worldwide stocking my book, from Canada and the U.S. to the UK and Europe, Australia, and beyond (shoutout to distributor Simon & Schuster).

Now a year into this publishing adventure, with over a thousand readers and listeners—and growing— I’m like, “Heck ya, I’m an author!”.

To be honest, writing the book was the easy part. Who knew that the publishing process itself and book promotion would take such a significant investment of time, passion, and money?

Then came the audiobook, released in early August this year, that had to match the novel word-for-word. Countless hours of listening and proofing were involved, but ultimately it was incredible to hear my characters brought to life by narrator Justin Smallbridge.

The main takeaway from publishing my debut novel is that it’s been a great ride and being an author has opened new doors—and I’m not just saying that because the cover of the book shows my lead character about to enter a boardroom!

Through publishing I’ve met many people I would not have encountered any other way. Like the downtown Toronto bank manager who took an hour of his time to tour me through not only the safety deposit vault I came to fact-check, but other secret chambers housing art treasures and artifacts as well.

I promise to keep acknowledgements in the sequel to Devious Web much more succinct! Meanwhile I’d like to thank the best Academy:  my readers, listeners, and supporters who have made everything worthwhile. It’s been a remarkable experience so far and I’m looking forward to the next chapter!