How do you Celebrate?

Every time one of my books comes out I swear I'll do something special to celebrate it. This time, I tell myself, will be different. I won't just flop into bed, grateful for sleep after a marathon of writing, editing, formatting, marketing...  At the very least, I will get up, get dressed up a little and go out to dinner. 

But the truth is, I probably won't. 

Writing a book, whether it's your first or your last, is a tremendous accomplishment. Bringing it to market, feels a little like a miracle.  I'm so proud of the work I've done and that I'm doing. So why am I so lousy at celebrating my own accomplishments? 

Well first of all, I'm usually so riddled with guilt about all the other stuff I've neglected in order to get the book done. The list is long and includes laundry, parenting, wifing, daughtering, cooking, cleaning, sleeping, exercising, being a good friend and not clipping the kittens claws once a week and harness training them like I swore I would.  I'm too disappointed in myself for not being superwoman to celebrate my book. 

Then there's the awkward question of WHEN to even celebrate. When the final draft is done? Done and edited? Or is it when the book is fully formatted and the ARC copies sent off? Maybe that's too soon, too. Maybe you should wait till launch day? Or is it even later than that? Maybe I should be saving it up and planning some kind of "official" event like a launch party. 

Cue exhaustion...  My bed is looking VERY rewarding. If I could just sleep for a week and someone else could trim the cat's claws, I might feel more like going out to dinner. 

Perhaps I just need a little help planning. Or some ideas - please feel free to hit reply and share some with me. 

One thing's for sure - The Witches Catalogue of Wanderlust Essentials is a book worth celebrating. It's my most ambitious title yet, with the most complex and satisfying plot, and I'm rather proud of it! I really can't wait to share it with all of you. 

And in the meantime. I have some great freebies and goodies for you this week...