We are one week out from the release of my debut novel, Sitting on Top of the World, and for this reason, I am feeling all of the feelings. Thrilled that a childhood dream is coming true but also questioning Is it really? (I mean, anything can happen in a week.) Ecstatic for people to read a piece of writing that means so much to me but also terrified that people will read a piece of writing that means so much to me. (What if they hate it?) Motivated to continue writing but also too nervous to write. (Did I mention my book releases in one week?!)

Because of these conflicting feelings that add up to the actual definition of “basket case,” I think it would behoove me to focus on some other things, get my mind off of my book and release day. So here is a list of things that are helping to keep my mind occupied:

1. Fit in Pink fitness challenge at Miss Fit Arlington — I don’t think I’m alone in admitting that I’ve accumulated some weight — and bad habits — over the past year. My excuses include Covid and all that happened because of it, menopause, and depression. But I’ve started a 21-day fitness challenge to kickstart a lifestyle change that I hope will stick.

2. Turtles — These cute little friends will always help me escape everyday stresses because they are just so darned entertaining. The pond behind our house is my happy place, but today one of the large red-eared sliders wandered into the pool and we had to perform a rescue mission. All is well now.

3. Silly photo apps — Lately everyone seems to be doing the turn-me-into-a-Disney-cartoon thing on a photo app called Voila. But I am more excited about the Renaissance photo feature, because it looks to me like if I were a 15th-century woman, the dark circles under my eyes would be fashionable (see photo below).

4. Book launch party — Wait, I’m back to thinking about the book again, but I have to share this. I’m having a book launch party and ordered a banner that I can use at the party and for future book signings, and it is mind-blowingly cool!

I think the moral of this story is that you can’t escape the feelings for long, so let’s just embrace them! I’ll update you when Sitting on Top of the World is officially out in the world, but for now it can be preordered at https://www.amazon.com/Sitting-Top-World-Cheryl-King/dp/1954403690/