Tag: YA FIction

Books

From Doubts to Delight: My Book Launch Story

Mona Alvarado Frazier

The book to read is not the one that thinks for you but the one which makes you think.

Harper Lee

On June 6, 2023, I delivered a healthy new book weighing in at 376 pages and 1.05 lbs. The name had been changed three times since inception, but last year we settled on The Garden of Second Chances.

Throughout the writing and publishing journey, there were countless moments when doubt crept in and self-belief wavered. But, each doubt conquered became a stepping stone towards the delight that awaited me.

With the support and encouragement from my writing group, I pushed through, embracing the discomfort and challenging myself to grow as an author.

My family and friends celebrated with a garden party filled with flowers, purple-hued drinks, appetizers, and cake. Laughter filled the air and we danced, celebrating not only the book’s release but also the triumph of navigating the challenging eighteen-month publishing process while maintaining my sanity.

After the party, I had to buckle down and practice reading sections from my book daily. Let me tell you, it was nerve-wracking recording myself and listening to my voice.

But I progressed. I had to really believe in myself and put in the effort to give an effective reading. I lost count of how many affirmations I went through that month, but somehow, I made it through.

Book reading at Timbre, Ventura alvaradofrazier

Just a week later, I had book readings at an indie bookstore and Barnes and Noble. They turned out way better than I could have ever imagined. The support and engagement from the attendees blew me away. It was such a humbling experience, and it filled me with a deep sense of gratitude. Knowing that my writing resonated with others and made a connection, well, it’s something truly invaluable.

To celebrate this milestone and recharge my spirit, I embarked on a rejuvenating trip to Catalina Island, where the breathtaking views provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation before the next endeavor.

If you’re curious to catch a glimpse of the celebration and book readings, I shared some memorable moments on Instagram reels. Feel free to visit my profile and see the excitement.

I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your support and for being a part of this incredible ride.

Remember, my friend, never be afraid to chase after your dreams, even when doubts try to creep in. Take chances, step outside your comfort zone, and watch the magic happen.

A few articles I’ve written are on the following websites:

Teens and Intimate Partner Violence: 12 Red Flags for the School Library Journal.
The Inspiration Behind the Garden of Second Chances for Women Writers, Women’s Books.
Author Q & A’s with Deborah Kalb

I had a fun podcast interview with Christianne Meneses Jacobs. You can catch it here.

Thanks for reading. Until we chat again, keep dreaming big and making your own mark on the world!

Hope, The Garden of Second Chances, Debut YA Book,

Countdown Alert: Just 7 Days until The Garden of Second Chances Release!

Mona Alvarado Frazier

Hey there! Can you believe it? We’re only a week away from the highly anticipated release of The Garden of Second Chances. The excitement is real, and I can’t wait to share this incredible novel with you. ( A reader’s word, not mine, but I’ll take it, lol).

By the way, have you heard of the word “Anxcited”? I made it up, but it perfectly describes the mix of anticipation and excitement I’m feeling right now!

In other news, the Goodreads Giveaway has officially come to a close, and we have our 10 lucky winners. How awesome is that? But there’s more good stuff coming.

My friend, Mia Wengen, who happens to be an amazing children’s book author, is running a fantastic Rafflecopter Giveaway. I assembled a list of Middle Grade and Young Adult books that deal with one of the subjects in the novel: Intimate Partner Violence. This is subject that affects many young people, and sometimes, having a book that deals with this area can be helpful in opening up a conversation with someone.

You have a shot at winning a signed copy of the book, along with some cool customized bookmarks and custom stickers. Only 2 winners will be selected, so make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity!

By the way, Mia’s website, Pragmatic Mom, is an absolute treasure trove of kidlit resources and captivating books. Be sure to check it out and dive into a world of imagination and wonder.

Check out the Latino Book Chat if you’d like to catch a podcast interview about me and the book. I’ll be with the host, Christianne Meneses Jacobs, on June 7, 2023.

Now, let’s shift gears and talk about something equally important: my upcoming book launch party! I can’t contain my excitement as I look forward to celebrating this long, rocky, but exhilarating road to publishing my very first novel.

The support from my writing group and family (especially Mom) has been phenomenal, and I’m grateful for them every step of the way on this journey.

Wish me luck and send me good thoughts as I present my first reading and author signing at Timbre Books and a signing at Barnes and Noble, both in Ventura.

I’ll post photos and reels of the party on Facebook and Instagram (except no embarrassing ones) to show you my unique book cover earrings and the cool decorations my daughter came up with for the party. 

Thanks for reading!