Exactly two weeks ago, on a casual Friday night, I shared with you the news about the publication of my book, a coming-of-age novel that also goes new adult called SANTIAGO – Chronicles of a Young Traveler. Just like that, without a pre-launch campaign. But I can tell you that, although very little time has passed since then, I have received much support and constructive criticism – I am open to that too – from friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and strangers. I have sold books too, which fills me with joy. It has been an avalanche of excitement, illusion, curiosity, and even nervousness. It is a strange feeling, but it is also enjoyable to know that my book is being read in countries and cultures so different from mine.
A lot is going on behind the scenes, other literary projects, other genres, other travels, more stories, and so much more to come! But everything in due time, one step at a time, because the rush brings fatigue, and believe me, I get enough of it at my night shifts. But these two weeks have precisely reminded me of what many authors I met at writers’ conferences told me. The hardest part starts the day you publish your book. It doesn’t just apply to debut indie authors like me, but all authors in general. What about the marketing, photos of the book, or pictures of the author? Will it be available at bookstores? Did I mess up with something I wrote in my book? Press release, publicity, reaching to media, when the print copies of my book will finally arrive in Panama? Still on their way, by the way, and all that in two languages. I won’t deny it; although I am getting help in this process, it’s still a lot of work, but at least I’m enjoying myself while I’m doing it. I would not change a thing about this process. All is moving on.
Meanwhile, I’m trying to get also my modest platform Zibarna off the ground. And what is Zibarna? Is it a blog? Is it a brand? Or is it a publishing house that plans to make books? Like the typical answer in a multiple choice test at school: all of the above. You can read the first blog on this page. I wrote more about it. But back to that writers’ conference, it was in one of them in 2018 when I knew I wanted to do Fiction, new adult, and coming of age novels. They allow you to create, entertain, deliver a message or do it all at once. There are no limits when it comes to writing—but remember that Fiction is often an expression of how we see reality. The coming-of-age genre came to me naturally because when I started writing, I realized I was doing it for myself but the one from 15 to 20 years ago. In the process of becoming an adult or early adulthood, our criteria are often formed. Many times through our life experiences, but in many cases, books can help. They give you ideas on how to deal with problems, what might be a good idea for you and what might not. Books can change lives.
So, I am free this weekend!. I plan to work on Zibarna , study (a medical topic, yes, I still have to do it), start reading a new book, go to the gym, meet a friend, talk to family back home, and for moments, maybe, just lay down and do nothing. But as always, keeping things flexible and leaving time for spontaneity.
If you are interested in buying my book, go to the Books section – and click on “Find a Retailer”, very easy! and do you want to get in touch? Please write me at hello@zibarna.com or send a direct message through Instagram at e.rioslasso. I would love to hear from you!
That’s all for now!
Hugs
Eduardo
