Look what just happened? My book came out!
The Big Ol' Bike is officially out in the world. Aaaaaaaaah! I'm still pinching myself. This project is something I've been working on for nearly two years, trying to find the time around my husband's work schedule and my days home with the kids. I've had to utilize the quiet moments once the kiddos zonk out quite often. There have been a lot of late nights spent writing, editing, drawing and painting. Then, bleary eyed the next morning, I'd wonder, why the heck did you stay up until 3am just to get some writing/painting done?
The answer is: because I had to. :)
There's no other answer really. It's in my heart to write and create, and a lifelong dream to get my work published. So, I find ways to make it happen. It's not always easy being a writer, illustrator, wife, and a stay-at-home mom. It takes a lot of balancing and juggling. Sometimes it can be difficult, even stressful at times, depending on what life throws my way. Some days I do better than others. Haha. That's why I'm so thankful for the support and love of my family. They've made so much possible.
I try my best not to get swept away in the fast-flowing river that is writing. Putting words down on the page can be an exciting, engrossing, and consuming adventure. It can suck you in like an addiction, where all you want to do is write. I know I've certainly felt that way at times, especially after I won a couple contests. It really energized me, but also captivated a lot of my time. So, what I continually remind myself of now, is that the writing will always be there. I can get at it whenever I'm able, but my family is the priority. Always. My boys will only be little once, and I don't want to waste any of that precious time. Remembering that always keeps me on track.
Cue the balancing act that so many writer mom's do. Well, working mom's in general, really. When you're working and not with your kids, the mom guilt is real. But, it's important to remember that there will always be ups, and downs, and roadblocks. But as long as you keep trying your best and strive to find a balance that works for your life/family, then the rest is gravy. So, to all the writer/working mom's out there, you're rocking it! Never forget that.
BOOK NEWS
The Big Ol' Bike is soon to be available at BookLocker.com (a great choice for American buyers) and Amazon (all versions), and everywhere else books are sold. It will go live on other sites in the next few days, but it is currently available for purchase on Barnes & Noble RIGHT NOW! :)
Click on the book cover above and it will take you there.
If you click the book cover in this blog post, it will take you to the book on Amazon. For my fellow Canadians, simply click over to the Canadian site to check it out. :)
This is a great read for kids around the ages of 7-10. It's filled with humour, adventure, and emotion, as it delves into themes of bullying, friendship, family, and finding confidence. The Big Ol' Bike is also a fun family read. I've heard some really great things from adults who've read it, and thoroughly enjoyed it. So, consider picking one up for your family and/or friends.
It's the perfect size to fit into any Christmas stocking!
And, if you are kind enough to buy a book (thank you!), please consider leaving an honest review. It really helps the book gain exposure, and I'd be forever grateful.
BEFORE YOU GO...
If you'd like to get a taste of The Big Ol' Bike first, you can read the entire first chapter on the main page of my website: www.rachaelclarkewrites.com. Just click the red button below the cover to read. :)
Stay tuned for the announcement of my online Book Launch, which will be held on my Facebook Author Page here: https://www.facebook.com/rachaelclarkewrites.
And lastly, don't forget The Big Ol' Bike Colouring Contest closes in 4 days! November 30th, 2020. Go to the main page of my website to download your colouring page and view all the wonderful entries posted so far. Have your kids (or grandchildren, neices/nephews, friends, cousins) complete their masterpiece and send it back quick to enter! Don't delay. You could win one of 3 signed copies of The Big Ol' Bike.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you all have a Happy Holiday Season! I know it can be hard, but try not to let Covid get you down. Hold your loved ones close, enjoy the quality time as much as possible, and stay warm. Blessings from my family to yours.
Rachael Clarke
2020-11-25