"So...how does it feel to be a published author?"
Wine Convo Generator is officially out in the world!
Happy Thursday, y’all.
I’ll answer the question momentarily, but first, I want to say THANK YOU.
Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered, posted the book on their social media accounts, and ran it all the way up for me on Tuesday. I was completely overwhelmed with so much gratitude and floating from the time I finished my 5:30 AM workout until I fell asleep.
Many thanks to my dear friend L’Oreal of
and my sister Llyoandra for taking a midday trip with me to one of my favorite wine shops to raise a glass and capture some content.It’s still quite surreal that I’m a published author, and I’m doing the very best I can day after day to absorb the gravity of this milestone while using this moment as inspiration to keep moving forward.
The best way I can describe the feeling of being a published author is like a rollercoaster ride. Leading up to March 12, I was tick-tick-ticking up the incline–holding on to the handlebars and nervously bouncing my feet anticipating the drop. Emotionally, I was all over the place (PURE. CHAOS) but did my best to keep breathing and trusting the good that was to come.
Tuesday was the drop (literally and figuratively), and it immediately felt like a gust of wind blowing in my face. Smiling, laughing, giggling, enjoying the sunshine, and trying not to throw up. Full of twists and turns, my publication day felt like a combination of my birthday and Christmas – everyone is celebrating you, singing your praises, sharing encouraging words, and buying the one thing you’ve always wanted. The day tasted of yummy chicken nachos, gorgeous 2016 Juve y Camps Grand Reserva Cava, and Moet Champagne, and I felt like a queen.
And then, there was yesterday.
The entire day felt like an emotional hangover (many thanks to my friend Dom for giving me the exact language) and to be honest, it took me out. While I was (and still am) very grateful for this milestone, the overwhelm overwhelmed me, resulting in a bit of an existential crisis.
(Dramatic, I know.)
The lesson here: moderation is key with everything. After I recognized how I was feeling, it was so important for me to take a step away from social media yesterday (shoutout to my dear friend Channing for reminding me to do that!) and not feel compelled to stay glued to The ‘Gram. As grateful as I am for the love, I don’t want my worthiness to be tied to likes, clicks, and comments.
I share all of this not for sympathy or pity, but to express honestly what this first-time author process has been like for me. I will continue to learn from it (this is the first of many books) and give myself grace as I navigate. I am enough, and there is so much greater in store for me in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Today, I confidently can say that I’m on the other side of those very big feelings, and I’m excited to keep promoting and sharing the book in fun and joyful ways all year long.
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If you haven’t purchased your copy, click here to grab yours! And please, keep sharing your copies on social media by tagging me, Chronicle Books, and using the hashtag #WineConvoGenerator.
And if you’d like to see Wine Convo Generator on the shelves of your local bookstore, give them a call and let them know!
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CELEBRATING WINE CONVO GENERATOR
TONIGHT, MARCH 14
WINE & KARAOKE @ Tribe Supper Club
I’m warming up my vocal cords RIGHT NOW! No need to RSVP, just pull up and be ready for a good time! See you soon!
MARCH 25
WINE & CONVERSATION @ Bronzeville Winery
I’ll be in conversation with my friend and fellow sommelier Derrick C. Westbrook! Tickets will drop soon, so be on the lookout!
MARCH 28
OFFICIAL WINE CONVO GENERATOR LAUNCH PARTY @ Easy Does It
This is going to be the celebration you don’t want to miss! The party is free, but the wine tasting will be $10. RSVP HERE.
WINE-ish NEWS + EVENTS
Fine Wine Series presents High Notes in Washington, D.C. on April 12
My favorite boy band got back together last night and sang their new song AND YES I AM UNWELL! 😭
For VinePair, writer Shayna Conde explores how Black bartenders and restauranteurs are getting creative with bar programs
To know Chicago is to love its taverns.
Take the time. Feel the things. Celebrate your work.
Proud of you, CC.
Hi Chasity and received my book and well done! Been in the wine biz all my life. Perfect for a gift. Lots of clever & fun things to say and the convo generator is a cool idea! Cheers, Tim