The best review I ever got came on June 20th.
June 20th was my announced release date for ‘The Broken’, the book that has been taunting and haunting me for literally years. The release was late—almost three days late which was totally my fault. But before the release the “reviews” started coming in. I mean dozens of messages from readers who of course hadn’t even read it yet, wanting to know where it was, whether it was still coming out, and most charmingly, offering me alternative platforms where I might have more control over when a book goes ‘live’.
Now, some may consider that an enervating experience, having so many people have expectations of you at the same time. And it is, somewhat. But honestly, more than that, it’s flattering. Humbling. Because not only were people eager to read the book, but they all added that they were convinced, before having read a single word, that it would be worth the experience. Like ... what?! How? This is not a humble-brag, I honestly don’t quite believe I’ve written anything to deserve that level of assurance.
But I thank you for it. Over and over again, thank you. To the person who told me she set her alarm for midnight plus one minute to go check for the book’s availability. To the person who sent me a link to Book Funnel gently suggesting I could earn more royalties by not depending on Amazon. To the person who wrote me three long paragraphs sharing her own story of abuse and redemption. To all of you posting on my Facebook wall and in Conversations with Creatives, and DM-ing on Twitter, and using that ever-present fiending junkie meme to comically express your impatience. And to my dear friend, Lily Java who acted as hype woman and camp counselor to folks wondering where the doggone book was, without once texting me, “Nia, WTF?!” as I know she must have wanted to. I appreciate it all.
It was the best review ever.
'THE BROKEN' is AVAILABLE NOW:https://t.co/EWcKjCd9r2
I’m sure I had other work todo I have been IN THIS BOOK, and i love it. Didn’t know I needed to know more about Devin and Harper and SE but is there more ? lol. The Afterwards series maybe my favorite. Will there be more healing, more Phoenix, more of your amazing prose and wisdom ? We hope so and we thank you for your amazing gift and sharing it with us.
You are so deserving of the praise you received prior to your release. I remember when I first came across Commitment. I was so enamored with the way you told the story. It was refreshing. Still is.
I can‘t wait to read it. I’m doing my reread of Makayla and Jamal’s story now.
I read everything you write like my life depends on it.
I consider The Commitment and Afterwards series classics and have been vested in all the characters since first reading them. Devin has been one who needed his story told, and I am so excited to hear his story and follow his journey to healing and wholeness. You are a master story teller, and I don't doubt this story will be outstanding. Congratulations in advance!
As one of the many lovers of your work who has been waiting literally since the moment I finished ‘The Takedown’ for this book….I can honestly say it was definitely worth the wait. And beyond that now I understand why the journey to complete it took the time that it did. The depths of these characters to be explored couldn’t have been easy to work through, let alone put into a coherent structure. The story told with these two is….I don’t have the words because I’m not a writer lol. Anyway, thank you for the book and the characters. I’ve finished but still haven’t really put the book down yet. Just enjoying the words and feeling too much.