Sharing the News

OK, it has been two days since I shared the news here that I had published Bridges of Skills and that it was listed on Amazon.com for sale.  Both the paperback and the Kindle ebook version are available.  I already have two sales of the Kindle version (per the stats this morning).  I know one of them was my mother, but I am not sure who the other purchaser was. My hope is it is someone who will enjoy it and want to tell others about it.
I was already out of my comfort zone just in putting the book out for others to review and comment on.  I am praying that most of the comments and reviews will be positive.  Fear of rejection is what has kept me from sending these manuscripts to book agents or publishers.  So sharing this the way I have is far beyond what I thought I could do.  Yet as scary as it is for me, and as out of character from much of my past, I have found a great deal of joy in sharing this accomplishment with others. 
Last evening our ward had their annual Friends of Scouting donation drive kickoff event, a chili/soup cook-off.  At first I was hesitant to say anything, but when a friend asked how things were going at work I found I had not trouble saying although my work week had been tiring, actually completing the steps to publish a book and list it on Amazon.com had made my week exciting.  She was so excited for me, and promised to look for the book this next week to read.  I ended up sharing the news with about six of my friends and got the same reaction.  When told what the book was about, two of the ladies told me they would probably order it in the next week.  One of my friends, who I have just begun to really get to know, told me how much she admired me for handling so many challenges and still keeping a good attitude.  She said she couldn't wait to read about some of the skills I feel are useful.  
I posted the news on my favorite social media site in two family groups.  That was where my mother read about it.  So far I have only received to comments back, but then I know many in those group are not online on a regular basis.  So now it is time to share it one more time, with my online friends. I considered waiting until I had the second book online but I decided that there were enough friends who would share in my joy that waiting to share was falling back into my fear of acceptance by others.  So share I will, and as a second book is unfolded, I will share again.  While I learn new ways of sharing, I vow to enjoy the moments.