Being an Autistic author (Happy release day!)

Yesterday I was getting my nails done and the nail tech’s next appointment walked in and started chatting.

My mom apologised for taking so long as I was getting a lightning bolt on my ring fingers, as its as reference to my debut novel. I was getting it to celebrate the release of my book today.

“Let’s have a look.” The lady said, and I lifted my hand to show her. “What does it mean?” She asked.

“Erm.” I found that I couldn’t speak. I’ve had a stammer since I was two and I was already nervous for the release of my book, so found that my anxiety came out.

My mom (god bless her) tried to explain to the lady that I’m autistic and sometimes find it hard to speak and she was SO understanding.

“My son is autistic as well.” I instantly relaxed and she told us about her life.

“It’s a reference for her book that’s coming out tomorrow!” My mom said proudly.

“What’s your book about?” The nice lady asked me.

I stared at the nail tech (who I’m comfortable with) and said in a small voice.

“It’s a historical fantasy with an autistic main character.”

“Oh wow really? How old are you?”

“I’m nineteen.” I told her standing up as my nails were done.

“That’s really impressive that you’ve published a book at nineteen! Where can I buy it?” I smiled and told her, and realised that I made my first in person book sale.

It made me realise that even if I’m autistic I can be successful. Marketing is a HUGE part about being an author and I knew it would always be something I find difficult.

I find it easy to do online, but it was a lesson that there are times when I’m going to explain in person.

I have a huge event tomorrow I’m going to and my parents have prepared me to let me know that they will want to know (as my parents have told them about it) so I guess this is a message that sometimes selling a book is hard, but remember to be proud of it, and think of all the people it is going to help.

On that note, my paperback edition of my debut novel is available to purchase on Amazon, and the eBook is available everywhere 😊

A Purpose in the Past by Daisy Valentine

(Here is a pic of said nails.)