It's All About The Fans

It was 1 week ago today when my most anticipated novel, Amaryllis, released into book stores. In the writing industry, the opening day is the most crucial. It's the day that publishers watch sales with a magnifying glass. When a novel is placed on a book shelf, whether it stays parked or is sold quickly, determines future book deals. Not only is the author's own publishing house watching sales, other publishers are watching the numbers as well. You see, if an author's book fly off the book shelves on opening day or during the 1st. week of its release, publishing houses smile, they want you and they come after you. A great book means great business in the publishing world. Twice this past week, my publicist told me that I was in high demand. My calendar is filled with book signings, book club meetings and book fairs. But I can't take the credit for anything. It was my fans that placed their orders for Amaryllis months and weeks ago. It was my faithful readers that flooded the book stores on April 1st. to make sure they had their copies. It was reported to me that Amazon.com has sold out of Amaryllis, backorders have been placed. So, I send out my heartfelt thanks to all of you who are spread out across this country, for causing 5 Borders stores to sell completely out of books on April 1st. Special thanks to those of you who reached out to me from N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Michigan, California, Tennessee and California. I appreciate Ellowyn B., who e-mailed me stating that she couldn't wait to relax in the tub and enjoy Amaryllis, her exact words, "It's Amaryllis time". My girl, Cortney, who cheated on her book club and read the book early because she just couldn't wait. Kimberly N., girl, you read the book in just 1 day? Valerie D., you said your daughter thought Amaryllis was even better than A Man's Worth. Taryn, who makes me feel like the Terry McMillian of Christian fiction. Nyisha, you rock! Drusilla & Kara, who found me by chance. The Black Pearls Book Club, the (IWO) Intelligent Women Only Book Club. Phyore, you and I have been waiting on this forever. My publicist, Denise, you've completely taken over my life but I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you so much for working tiredlessly. My cover model, Latoyia, you fit the description of Amaryllis perfectly. (Yes, she's a real person). To all of my readers, my fans, my followers, and my supporters, y'all did it. Thank you, thank you, thank you and May the Lord bless you all.

Nikita