They don't tell you in MFA creative writing school what to expect if the miraculous happens and you get published. Yes, it's totally miraculous, a feat against all odds, it seems. I remember being awed by anyone who'd written a book, regardless of whether they had an agent or publisher. The fact that someone had slaved away, creating a whole book without stopping at page 70--where I usually get stuck--but have learned to push on through, was mind boggling. So here I am with about a month to go before publication, and I'm as nervous as can be. Not about the book coming out. That, I can't wait for! I'm nervous about saying and doing the right things, from my bio and book launch to bookstore and library appearances. I'm a novice. I guess I've done the hard thing--writing and getting my book published--but now I face the unknown, and this unknown is more frightening to me than a blank page. I love a blank page. I guess that's how I should start thinking about this experience. I have this blank publication page and soon I'll be filling it with new faces, new voices, and new experiences. I will certainly let you know how things fare.