“There’s a stubborn energy about,” said a friend who knows about such things.
I released my first published book last week. After almost two years, this story about the wine country, love, and change made it out of my small world into the larger one. My reactions were, more than anything, tiredness and hesitation. I decided quickly to postpone coming to the States to introduce the book. Everyone I knew agreed, almost unanimously, that it was a good idea. The trip was to be too close to Christmas, it’s too much of a busy time. My Rome signing event got postponed until the spring for reasons beyond my control.
It felt strange. Since knowing the book was going to be published I assumed I would immediately fly somewhere and start promoting. Putting on the brakes made me pensive. Made me feel like I should be doing something – all jittery and anxious.
Because it’s so much easier to let panic take over and pretend you CAN control something rather than admitting the truth is exactly the opposite. Because if there are moments intended to reinforce our fragility and lack of control, this was one of them.
And then came a girl named Sandy.
There are so many emotions I want to convey here and I feel incapable of doing any of them justice – which makes me question myself as a writer. It feels decadent and wrong to introduce a book when the city I as born in, the city I love more than any other, was so assaulted and decimated and left hurting and struggling to move forward. It feels wrong to even be thinking about it. My mother had to leave her home this week. My friends in New York and New Jersey are suffering – either they’re trying to help friends and family or they need help themselves. Life is reduced to a rudimentary struggle in the heart of my home town.
It wasn’t completely lost on me that one of the sub story lines in my book has to do with a flood that ripped through Pennsylvania in 1955 and left dozens dead and thousands homeless. I felt overwhelmed by the emotions attached to the losses of that flood, the last truly devastating storm that Northeastern Pennsylvania has seen, as I watched with horror as Sandy ripped a sharp chisel through the entire area around the parts that flood Diane destroyed in 1955. It all felt like too much.
Then Amazon put my book on sale three days ago, and immediately classified it as out of stock. I went outside and yelled and cried. I felt helpless and worried, selfish and small. What right did I have to worry about my Amazon stock situation when people had just lost everything they have ever had? When people are dead and livelihoods are destroyed?
Yesterday, we drove into the wine country. I needed a break from the computer and Amazon and the storm and the destruction and the worry and confusion. And as we strolled through the medieval village of Serralunga d’Alba, with castle walls that soar into the air and cobblestones that will challenge any heel of height at all, I realized something.
It’s the perfect week to introduce a book.
Because doing it this week means I can make the release of True Vines a force for good.
First of all, I am going to give away an autographed copy of True Vines.
It will be sent to you with love from my hill in Bella Piemonte. Just comment on this blog post before November 17th to qualify to win.
Second, I am going to donate to ShelterBox USA and ask you to do the same.
Shelter Box is the organization that provides first-response temporary shelter for natural disaster zones, and is on the ground in New Jersey, Staten Island, and all the other areas hit by Sandy. It is an absolutely amazing organization. I’ve given money to Shelter Box for other disasters and think that they are one of the most important, relevant charities for disasters of this type. I’ll start with a $50.00 donation. If you donate, post it here! Let’s see how much this post can generate for Shelter Box. Share this post on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, or email it to friends.
True Vines is now available on Amazon (both in Kindle and paperback – they’re listed separately as of this post) and in paperback at Barnes and Noble (Nook is still not up, but should be shortly). If you have an iPad, download the Kindle app – it’s free and the best way to read books on the iPad. It’s still listed as out of stock at Amazon, but as people order it, Amazon will place the automatic orders in the system, and the books will arrive.
Thank you for your support. Let’s help New York and New Jersey together! And don’t forget to comment to win an autographed copy of True Vines.
Dear Diana , I am sending you prayers and a hug.. prayers for you and your family and friends that are suffering due to the horrendous devastation … I totally understand where you are at regards your book and its release. Take care x
As usual you turn a sad situation into a positive one Diana. Through the release of your beautiful book, we will be able to donate to Shelter Box and try to help others. Think of all the good you will be doing and one day, when homes, businesses and all but the bad memories are restored, you will look back and think you helped rebuild too. We will certainly make a donation (although we do not have much, we know there are people far worse off than ourselves). Every little will help to make a difference.
Such a creative response, such an excellent channeling of resources for the most basic of needs: to feel we can make a difference in our own way, from anywhere in the world to those who have been so “uprooted” by the force of Nature. How I would treasure having an autographed copy of the novel by a woman and friend I much admire.
I also am donating $50 to the charity you mention – with enthusiasm, support, caring and love.
Well I might have to get this on one of the Kindles here if I don’t win because I really want to read your book. I will be sure to check out the charity as well and see about making a donation. I’ll be sharing as well.
I marvel at the sheer goodness that is manifested in the wake of a disaster and, at the same time, muse that this seems like a grand gift following great adversity. Most people stop to give thanks for what they have, reach out and help someone wherever they are, keep going in spite of the personal toll and just generally unite – regardless….regardless of whether they have enough, have the time or know the person. We remember our common humanity – that cannot make it all bad, even if we cannot comprehend the cost of the gift. Heartfelt thoughts to you and all affected. Renee
You are an inspiration. Thank you.
A beautifully written post, Diana– here Stateside we are all feeling the same way but you have made a wonderful and heartening turn. I look forward to reading your spanking new and brave novel! xxxxj
Diana – this is such a heart-felt post – I am sending you HUGE hugs and what an epiphany which will make the book even more special – especially to those of us who follow you. Donating all the way from Australia and good luck with the book – it WILL do well. F x
Diana,
I can picture you yelling and screaming at Amazon from your hillside in Italy with Max wondering what the heck is going on. I wanted to comment to let you know I’ve been checking in to see what’s happening with your book and am glad it is available for download. I’m heading over to Amazon now so don’t put my name in the drawing. You’re a master at turning your frustration into a positive. Something for me to learn from….
Sue
Please send me your book
I imagine a book launch/release is somewhat like a wedding day. You dream about it in excruciating detail. You think how you want it to be, how it should be perfect. You think how it’s “supposed” to be, again, perfect. There is a lot of anxiety and pressure. A lot of details, lot’s of things out of your control. It feels momentous and of course it is. But…
Just like a wedding day, it is just a small, tiny part of the equation. It’s all the days after the wedding/book launch that really matter. It is you offering your heart to the reader, forever, in the form of the story you wrote. Regardless of whether it rains on your wedding day, or Amazon is a douche about your book launch, the important stuff still stands. Your words, from the heart. Your readers, connecting with and enjoying what you wrote.
I have been waiting to hear how the launch of your book was going – and of your travels. The decision to postpone your trip and now the effects of Sandy – my heart felt your pain through your words. And, I agree, it was and is the perfect time to launch your book!!! My thoughts are with you in this process. And, I would be honoured to have a book autographed by you. Thank you as always, for your wise and honest words.
Diana, I was in the middle of writing you last night how we had been spared some of the worst of the Hurricane here in Massachusetts and how my heart goes out to those who weren’t. I hope your mother and friends are okay. It had seemed that this new Nor’easter was winding down when, bam! The electric transformer at the end of the street blew in the high winds. Computer down – email lost. Lights out. Pays not to count your chickens before they hatch in New England.
I preordered your book through Gemelli Press and can’t wait to get it (I am impatient when it comes to books). Your teaser chapter has me so ready to read it! I am so sorry your plans were delayed – I was looking forward to seeing you in Boston if you came here. I am with you on how incredibly disappointing it is when something we have so looked forward to is changed. I bet the next steps will be worth the wait!
You are one amazing woman! Congrats on your book being published and a big hug to you!
What a beautiful post and what a great attitude! I love your way of looking at a “negative” situation and turning it into a “positive” one. Congratulations on your novel: I can’t wait to read it!
Diana,
1955 Hurricane Diana, let us all not forget history as we go forward into ever increasing tumultuous times. As you stated, priorites. Centered.
After a year plus living in Italy I have learned that “nothing is normal” and that time is best thought of in seasons and not days or weeks. When the season is right you will go on your book tour. It is not the season now.
Thank you for your blog, I would love to read your book.
I am originally from Long Island so I totally understand! Facebook has been a great way to keep up with friends and family as they struggle to get their lives back to some semblance of normal. I’ve heard of shelter box before, what a great way to help!
Hi Diana,
I’m from NY, specifically Long Island. The hurricane has left so much destruction here too.
There are amazing things happening though. The storm took away things but has strengthened the communities, neighborhoods, families, churches. People are out helping each other. Getting outside and cleaning up, not waiting around for someone else to do it. They are helping individuals, opening up their homes to others. My Volunteer site had too many Volunteers and not enough placements.
This is just too good. I feel we are blessed. We have hope, determination to overcome. We are not afraid to move forward.
I say all of this because although it may not be the perfect time for a book tour, it may just be a perfect blessing to stay home, relax, promote via computer and by giving back as you are doing.
This may be the perfect introduction. I haven’t read your book yet but it sounds like an inspiring story. It sounds like exactly like what people need to read now. Let your book be that book of inspiration that people share to others in their time of need. Your book can tour an alternative path, just as you made your way to owning and operating a B&B in alternative way. Blessings to you, and congratulations on your book.
Oh how helpless we can feel when what we have anticipated simply doesn’t happen whether it happens to be a hiccup in our own plans or the devastation wreaked by nature. What I found so inspiring in your post is the way that calm reflection can help change perspective and that can help in making the best of whatever happens.
donated $10 by texting SHELTER to 20222
I love your blog and am looking forward to reading your book! Thank you for your thoughtful and inspiring posts…
It is exciting to have the chance to have an autographed copy of True Vines : )
I have been traveling a lot lately and haven’t been able to read what you’re up to, and I seem to have missed you : ) many kisses
Diana come down under and launch your book in Brisbane!!
I know how hard it can be to put aside the anxiety and emotional overload especially when your loved ones are going it so tough. How perfect that you found this strength of spirit by driving to the wine country….it gave you something back, love and reassurance that all will be well and you will continue to inspire.
sending love
lisa x
I wanted to read your book and will be buying it and gifting it this Christmas if it is available to give, and if not afterwards.
Your words are only superseded by your grace.
If indeed you come to Australia to promote, I will be lining up with many others to meet you.
Blessings to you.
Michelle
Diana,
I can understand your frustration. This book is a part of you and like a child, having it going out into the world-out of your control, is scary.
I adore your writing. I was just thinking of your book today and was wondering when it would be out.
I can’t wait to read it!
Kel
You have all been most kind in your comments! Thank you. I’m two days late announcing the winner. I’ve used an on line automatic random number generator and it has chosen….. number 8! Francesca, congratulations! And thank you all for your help with Shelter Box!
I just got my copy of your book that I had preordered, can’t wait to read it!