Two weeks ago today, I received some startling news. The kind of news you don’t expect, but wonder how it happened so fast. I stared at the screen in shock. I didn’t know what to make of it. Was it someone’s idea of a joke? Had I driven someone so crazy that they had lost any and all means of critical thinking?
Once I had settled into my chair, and after a few comforting hugs from my wife, the realization slowly seeped into my head. This was real. This was unexpected. This is Freedom Friday.
After a few deep breaths, a couple of episodes of lip biting, more deep breaths (uh-huh, I needed oxygen), I read the screen again. It said:
“Fiction writers thrive here as well: thousands of bloggers are currently participating in National Novel Writing Month, including many published writers. In October, for example, horror writer Jack Flacco celebrated the release of his latest ebook, Ranger Martin and the Zombie Apocalypse.”
I blinked several times to make sure I read it correctly. Yep, that’s what it said. Now, I was sure. The quote came from WordPress.com News and Numbers: The October Hot List.
I sat there with a blank expression on my face, vacant eyes, and an open mouth.
Until…
…the chair shot from under my legs and I leapt for joy, pumping fists in the air as if I had just scored the game winning shot in overtime during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Seriously, folks, I actually did that.
Once I regained my composure, I placed my hands on my hips, and caught some air. I didn’t know what being a part of The October Hot List meant until I checked my Amazon account several days later to find sales of my book had spiked by a sizable quantity. I could only attribute the surge to the mention in the post, which, by the way, had 875 Likes at the time of this writing.
Coupled with the exposure on the other social networks (Facebook, Twitter), even today, I still roam around bewildered by all the attention my book has garnered since release.
Nevertheless, I will forever remain grateful to all those who have supported me during this time of harvest. It’s one thing seeing my book hit the distribution channels, but it’s another thing watching it grow into something you never imagined possible.
Looking to God 
Yea!! So happy for you. All those hours of writing and now you get to enjoy the results.
How cool is that?!?!?! Congrats!! ~Gina
So happy for you Jack, it’s great to share in your success.
What a great feeling. Congrats
Nice one Jack 🙂
Congratulations. You deserve it
Congratulations! Maybe one day I’ll finally be able to read your book. I do love a good zombie novel. 🙂
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
That is SO cool! Congratulations, Jack. Your book is awesome!
!! 😀
That is so awesome, Jack – congratulations. I can’t say how well-deserved I think it is. (and I think I saw a comment about a hypothetical movie deal – Ranger Martin would be perfect as a movie!).
All,
Thank you everyone for all the kind words. I’m at a loss. I really don’t know what to say.
You are the ones making RANGER MARTIN AND THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE a success. You are the ones who have spread the news and made me sit and stare at the screen. You are the ones keeping me up at night because of the excitement I have in seeing what tomorrow holds.
I’ll keep appreciating you for as long as I humanly can.
Thank you again!
Jack
Reblogged this on Sean Hoade — Puttin' It Out There and commented:
This couldn’t have happened to a nicer zombie guy…
Congratulations, Jack! 😀
Congratulations, man. I saw that and I picked it up today. Bravo!
Congratulations, Jack!
As I am already reading…I consider this well deserved. 🙂
I saw you mentioned in the WP article and smiled. I didn’t realize at the time that it was such a monumental mention! I’m so pleased for you and agree with Jerry that a little more celebration may be in order – I don’t think flinging the chair across the room to jump up and down and pump your arms was enough. 🙂 Congratulations, Jack!
Congratulations!!! 😀
This is one of my favourite Freedom Fridays ever. *amb goes back and re-reads description of leaping fist pumping* Scratch that. This IS my favourite Freedom Friday ever!
That’s awesome! Congratulations Jack!
So awesome, Jack! Congrats! Well deserved- when’s the sequel coming???? 🙂
Hello there! Congratulations! I wish you all the success and legions of fans you deserve!
Oh, that’s spectacular! Congrats!
Ahhhh!!!! So exciting! Congratulations! Absolutely 100% deserved. I’m glad you and your family get to experience this amazing time together. May the recognition keep rolling your way! 😀
It must be amazing indeed. Congratulations, Jack. 🙂
Outstanding! Good job!
How awesome! I’m so happy for you! Congrats! 🙂
Congratulations!
Jack,
Now there is a visual, “…the chair shot from under my legs and I leapt for joy, pumping fists in the air as if I had just scored the game winning shot in overtime during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.”
I would have added running around the lawn, while fist pumping, and High-five to anyone that crossed my path. But, that is just me.
Congrats for the success on the book. Some day, you will have to share you pre-publish process. Many of us would probably like to see how you did it.
Enjoy the many moments of success.
-Jerry B.
I am very happy for you
Was it a ‘horrible’ shock!
Twitter: @charlesosewalt
Website: http://www.charlesosewalt.com
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Congrats. Not many first time indie authors can claim all this success. It’s so totally worth the celebration.
I see a movie deal coming up 🙂 congratulations, Jack and when I do a review of the book, remind me to mention the WordPress Hot List