Sending LEISHA’S SONG Into the World

When I became pregnant with my second child, the obstetrician asked me how my first delivery went. I said, “Frankly, I found it to be one of life’s more horrifying experiences.” His face dropped, and he cleared his throat. I’m quite sure he didn’t like my answer. But what he didn’t ask me was how I felt afterward, which was that the discomfort (okay, hour upon hour of pain) was well worth it! At the end, I got my beautiful, amazing firstborn who has added such joy and meaning to my life—and why I was more than willing to get pregnant again to welcome my wonderful second child into the world.

I once heard a writer saying that releasing your book into the world is a lot like giving birth. I’m not so sure about that. Hopefully, sending Leisha’s Song into the world this month will not be nearly as agonizing as childbirth.

But I’m certainly experiencing a lot of excitement as well as anxiety about the book’s release this month. It reminds me of how I used to feel as a dancer just before the curtain went up. Hours and hours went into preparing for each performance, but I could never predict exactly how it was going to go—or be received.

Leisha’s Song has been such a passion project for me. I absolutely loved writing about Leisha and Cody and worked hard to make this novel the best book I could write. And ultimately, that’s all I have control over.

I have to admit, though, that when folks have responded positively in response to advance copies of the book, I’ve felt great! One reader on Tik-Tok reported she almost missed her subway stop because she was so engrossed in Leisha’s story. Another said she loved the book and needed “a Cody” in her life. And a lovely Foreword review of the book felt so validating.

I know that this book will not be everybody’s cup of tea, and its reviews will certainly not all be glowing. But you know what? If I can touch even a handful of readers’ hearts, it’s more than enough.

Feeling grateful.

4 Comments

  1. Marty Stiffler on June 6, 2021 at 5:43 pm

    Having read this blog, more than ever I can’t wait to read the book. Congratulations on another published YA novel. Based on your past work, I have no doubt it’s going to be engrossing and extremely well-crafted.

    • Lynn Slaughter on June 7, 2021 at 3:59 pm

      Your support and encouragement means so much to me, Marty!

  2. Lynda Rees on June 7, 2021 at 12:59 pm

    Congratulations on your release! I’m so excited to be able to read Leisha’s song.
    Lynda Rees, Author

    • Lynn Slaughter on June 7, 2021 at 3:58 pm

      Thanks so much, Lynda!

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