The McNifficents Launches in One Month!
and now, dear reader, I need your help
Dear friends,
In one month and three days, THE MCNIFFICENTS launches into the world.
They say the books you write feel like your children. Only you, as co-creator (with a few amazing, trusted collaborators), know how much time and energy and love you poured into what is now a fully formed creation. It has a name, a personality, an ISBN number!
And after all of that, you just never know how the world will receive it. Sometimes it’s something only a mother can love :)
Truly, launching The McNifficents into the world feels like my child is starting kindergarten. She looks up, gives a smile, and lets go of my hand. And then my heart walks away from my body. It’s a day of rejoicing - look at her go! and also high anxiety will the other kids like her? Will she be okay?
I calm myself with these oft-repeated phrases (b/c the amygdala is constantly freaking out!)
You’ve done your best
Be proud of that work
Let go and let it be
It really does help. Dan Pink’s research says that using “You” coaching words rather than “I” is often more internally motivating. Hm.
Anyway, I’m really so excited for you to read about this funny, endearing family. The Amazon blurb describes it as Secret Life of Pets Meets The Vanderbeekers Series (you can preorder while you’re there :).
Fun fact: I was querying The McNiffs before I was querying THE UNFORGETTABLE GUINEVERE ST CLAIR, but fate brought Guinevere into the world first. And now, dear readers, it’s McNiff time.
Let me introduce you to the Cast of Characters:
Lord Tennyson, distinguished miniature schnauzer and the children’s nanny
Annie, age 13, the oldest and most responsible McNiff; can be…boss boss
Mary, aka, “Naughty Mary”, age 11; modeled directly after my mother’s childhood
Ezra, age 9, finding his voice…and a snake; chaos ensues
Pearl, age 6, sweet and timid; finding her courage!
Tate, age 4, idolizes Pearl; speaks with the most darling lisp
Sweetums, age 18 months. Sand thrower, tail puller, goodness it’s lucky she’s cute
The parents:
Mr. McNiff, fastidious drama teacher; sings and tap dances his way through life
Mrs. McNiff aka “Honey” her self-preservation is gardening and chemistry. She has a vague recollection that there are six children home for the summer.
Thus the need for the schnauzer nanny.
And now, I come to you for help.
Please consider pre-ordering THE MCNIFFICENTS today.
With your purchase, you receive an endearing story and my gratitude + a signed bookplate and bookmark (ask and I will send)!
If you cannot purchase right now, please consider other ways to help:
Ask your librarian(s) to order the book
Add the book to your Goodreads shelf (Giveaway coming!)
Recommend THE MCNIFFICENTS to librarians, schools, book clubs, summer reading programs, and bookstores that you frequent
Do you know 1-2 people who would be interested in reading and reviewing? (please get in touch!)
Share the book on Instagram and Facebook. Your recommendation is golden
Thank you so much. The McNiffs and I surely do apprecate you 😘
Amy ❣️
I would love to see you…
June 20, MCNIFFICENT BOOKS LAUNCH PARTY Morgan Hill Bookstore, New London NH, 6pm (preorder for this special event and get a signed book, bookmark, and an exclusive hand painted story map by yours truly)
Gibson’s Bookstore (week of June 27, TBA) book signing with author Kari Allen!
July 1, 2023, 2pm Wellesley Bookstore, Meet & Greet Book Signing, Wellesley MA
Would you like to host or connect me with your school, library, book club, or bookstore? Be in touch - we’ll have so much fun.
Good News and Story Links:
Publishing: Caroline Rose Starr speaks truth here! Publishing is no joke
For the Love of Young People: Attention Seeking Behavior
🎉 Insta love: Let’s be friends on Instagram
📚Just Finished: Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J Krosoczka. LOVED IT
Just Started: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. FABULOUS
What are you reading?
My advance copy is ordered!