Figuring out my way in uncertain times
There were a lot of things I did and thought I was going to do when I first announced my agent had sold my debut novel, The Myth Maker, last fall. There was a quick turnaround requested to meet publishing timelines, so edits started immediately as did cover design. One thing I needed for my publisher was a headshot and that was not something I was looking forward to! In a panic, I went to a makeup counter, had my color matched and bought…well…everything.
I’m not a makeup expert. I had eyeliner tattooed in the early 2000s that hurt more than any of my other ink, and lasted about six months. After that, I took two six-week classes, learned that I can’t pull off a cat eye or a smokey eye, and failed at figuring out where to highlight my cheeks. Makeup remained the occasional thing that I played with when I felt like it, but not part of my daily routine. Beyond a few swipes of mascara on occasion, I’m usually bare-faced, but that wasn’t going to do for photos. So, I did the natural look and put everything away when the photos were done, figuring I’d be needing it later.
I thought about that pile of makeup today. The perfectly matched foundation, the light-loving primer, the creamy blush that is closer to the right color than I’ve had for a while. The mascara that makes my eyes itch after a few hours but still haven’t thrown out. It’s all still hanging out in the old-school Caboodle in the bathroom. Since doing the photos with my husband, I’ve done my face up twice. Trying to figure out creative ways to promote a book with the current state of the world is getting more complicated for me, and the makeup is the biggest reminder that my plans are changing. They’re in freefall really.
Even as a traditionally published writer, most of the marketing for The Myth Maker is on me. I thought I had a solid plan but I’ve decided to change direction with some things. I’ve been growing my online community and coming up with ideas to celebrate once the book is on shelves. Keep up with me here and on my socials for updates. Later this week I’m going to give away another advanced reader edition of The Myth Maker on my Bluesky page to celebrate 1,000 followers there. I don’t know that I’ll be breaking open the Caboodle any time soon but I’ll keep being excited about finally getting this book out there, even if I do most of it from home.