Post-Text Appeal-Release Reflections

I ramble about what it's like being a published author and how things feel oddly... the same.

TEXT APPEAL has been out in the world for a whole month(!!) and it’s wild to think that a year ago, this book that has consumed so much of my headspace for so long didn’t even have a cover (and the title was different!). And now, it’s a whole real book that people have on their shelves, eReaders, phones…everywhere. It’s pretty flipping awesome. But also, it feels a little bit the same as before—aside from the fact that I see my book on store shelves and in bookstagram reading round-ups! (Authors: do you find yourself scanning bookshelves in booksta and BookTok videos to see if you spot your books’ spines? Does it ever stop??)

Because my brain simply cannot right now, but the Internet tells me I need to market my book, blahblahblah, ugh, I’m taking the easy way out with a recap of the last month! Sorry, maybe next month I’ll have something exciting to share 🤣

Thank you to everyone who has bought or borrowed Text Appeal, recommended it to others, shared photos, reviews, and favorite lines, and cheered me on during this whirlwind of a month 💜 you're all beyond fab. My notes of gratitude are very delayed due to a family emergency happening during launch week, but having all of you screaming excitedly about my book was so welcome when things were hectic. Things have settled, emergency over, and I appreciate the support from everyone.

Release Month Recap

I had a fantastic launch event at Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, Vermont—the house was packed and if I ever question how much local and not-so-local support I have, I’ll just look back at the photos from this incredible night. The one, the only, the amazing Audrey Ruoff drove ALL THE WAY TO VERMONT to join me in conversation for this event. Both IRL and internet friends made hours-long treks from all over the damn place to celebrate with me. (I’m pretty sure it was for more than the cookies and Swiss Rolls I scattered around on the table like I’d run out of time and the cooking show judges were making their rounds… but Swiss Rolls are awesome, so maybe it was that?)

amberrobertswrites

A post shared by @amberrobertswrites

I hung out at Phoenix Books in Rutland, Vermont for Bookstore Romance Day and made the store’s Top 10 Bestsellers list for multiple weeks (once in the #1 spot!)

pwpics

A post shared by @pwpics

I put all of my nerdy thoughts on paper (er, in document?) to create a list of romance book recommendations based on D&D class.

I signed books on the floor of my favorite bookstore, Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, Vermont, during their grand re-opening weekend—click through to see why signing from the floor was a must! (And, keep an eye on Instagram for news about an exciting event happening at Bear Pond in October.)

amberrobertswrites

A post shared by @amberrobertswrites

I got to hang out with some seriously amazing authors for an episode of First Date on the Reader Seeks Romance channel.

And, I shook the cobwebs out of my brain to resume tinkering with a manuscript that’s incredibly special to me.

Bits and Pieces!

What I’m Reading: I just finished an ARC of Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley and you are not ready for this absolutely perfect book. It releases March 5, 2024!

I'm currently between books but I'm getting the side eye from my Netgalley shelf so I think it's time to really work through those ARCs.

What I’m Writing: I’ve torn an existing manuscript to the studs and am rebuilding it piece by piece. Maybe it’ll become something beautiful. Maybe I’ll pull on one too many support beams and it’ll come crumbling to the ground. That’s called “suspense,” so I hear.

What I’m Listening To: I took a long-ass drive to Yale this weekend for the Popular Romance Fiction Conference, and my driving music shuffle landed on Tool and Misfits more often than not. Might swap to the Gilmore Girls title theme song on repeat for the vibes.

The Obligatory Self-Promotion

My debut novel, TEXT APPEAL is out now! If you’ve read it, I would be forever grateful if you reviewed on your platforms of choice—and while I love hearing the things people love about my book, please keep my mental health in mind and do not tag me in any negative reviews. I’ve curated a review-free space so I don’t happen upon the negative reviews accidentally, and I would love to keep it that way!

Choose Your Own Adventure

Add to Goodreads | Order from your preferred retailer

Request at your library | Surprise Destination (not book related!)