If you're wondering what an author feels like during release week -- in particular, debut novel release week -- then let me clue you in on my experience.

It may seem like author life is all sunshine and rainbows. And, well, it is a lot of the time! Dreaming up worlds and characters and mashing it all together on the page is really what living the dream feels like to me.

But what about the other side of author life? The side that crouches in the corner like a wild animal, running on little sleep and twice as many cups of coffee as she usually drinks?

It's me. I'm the wild animal in the corner.

The weeks leading up to the release of my book, August Moon and the Gold-Laced Secret, have been full of excitement, yes. At the same time, I've been flooded by waves of self-doubt, nerves, and perfectionism. Sharing a story you've written in, some ways, feels like sharing your journal with the world.

In my books, as I'm sure is the same for other authors, there are pieces of myself scattered throughout. The older I've gotten, the more my writing has separated from being a clear mirror image of myself. But it still reflects some of my own thoughts and feelings.

And it follows a person I've created. A fictional child, and in my opinion, she's pretty darn cool with her fearless determination and willingness to carve her own path. The worries creep in when you wonder how the world will perceive this story that has so many pieces of you.

Anywho. I'm elated to be sharing this story. I've been dreaming up tales of treasure hunts and adventures for years and years.

I may be nervous. I may feel like I'm bearing a piece of my imagination's soul. I may feel like I could hyperventilate at any moment. I may be hiding in a corner Friday morning downing six cups of coffee.

But I'm ready! Well, ready as I'll ever be.