This week’s guest blogger is Elaine Fraser, author of the Beautiful Books: Beautiful: beauty tips for the soul, Too Beautiful: more beautiful tips for the soul; also the author of the Beautiful Lives Series: #1 Perfect Mercy, #2 Love, Justice (Out Spring 2014), #3Amazing Grace. Find out more at: http://www.elainefraser.co
Elaine is offering a copy of her book, Perfect Mercy, as a giveaway. Just comment on this blog and you will be entered into the draw!
My first book, Beautiful: beauty tips for the soul came out in the summer 2004. I had a beautiful book launch at a rose farm in the hills of Perth, Western Australia.
The sun set over the roses as the pianist played jazz tunes, wine was sipped and friends and family surrounded me.
After a busy year of working as the principal of a primary school, I was exhausted, and the night passed by in a happy blur.
Signing copies of the book felt embarrassing—as if I were playing the role of an author in a play. However, this wasn’t make-believe—it was real. Seeing the book in the hands of 
over a hundred people was thrilling.
Afterwards, getting orders for the book from bookstores, being invited to speak at schools and going on to sell out three print runs of the book all felt amazing.
However, opening the package of advance print copies— three weeks before the launch— was magical. Inhaling the new book scent, and seeing my name in print was a moment I will never forget.
There was a book, filled my thoughts and ideas—with my name on it, and it was beautiful.
We have those moments in life we cherish— graduation day, wedding day, the birth of a child, climbing a mountain, our first kiss, traveling to exotic locations—but the moment when you see your book in print for the first time is priceless.
That was lovely Elaine. Congratulations on following God’s heart for you and doing it so beautifully. Your books are named well – because you are so beautiful inside and out. What a thrill indeed to see your book in print and to hold it in your hands.
May God continue to bless your writing journey and bring much fruit from it. Thanks for sharing.
It certainly is priceless Elaine – that moment when your advance copies arrive. It somehow makes it real, a dream come true at last after all the hard work. I have read a couple of your books and enjoyed them immensely. Have loaned my copy of Perfect Mercy to a young friend and I’m waiting to hear what she thinks of it. I’m sure God has big things in store for your books. May God bless you heaps as you use your gift for His Glory.
Yes! Ahhh pretty surreal to hold them for the first time. 🙂
What beautiful scenes you’ve painted in my mind, Elaine. Love your account of those experiences – what a gorgeous series of publications! Thanks so much for sharing a little of your journey.