And Just Like That, Spring Was Gone
Author Janice Bangs
Dear Flock,
Just a few short months ago, after wrapping up the long and occasionally nerve-wracking journey of publishing my first picture book, I finally held a copy of Mama Duck's Lost Duckling in my hands.
This was a story I'd been carrying around for more than twenty years. Like a lot of creative projects, it spent far longer in my head than anyone would recommend. But this spring, it finally made its way out into the world.
What I didn't expect was how quickly things would take off.
Over the last few months, I've collected a handful of milestones that still feel a little surreal: wonderful reviews from Kirkus and Readers' Favorite, reaching #1 in my category on IngramSpark, ten author appearances around the Pacific Northwest, my first podcast interview, and a return to my old stomping grounds at AM Northwest for a live TV interview.
And then there was social media.
As someone who spent thirty years in television, I thought I understood media. Then I found myself trying to figure out Instagram algorithms, filming duck videos, and celebrating a comment that somehow received 40,000 likes. Life is strange.
One of my favorite moments came when the global FedEx media account gave a shoutout to my "book unboxing" reel the same week they delivered my first printed copies. Apparently even shipping companies appreciate a good book launch.
The numbers have been exciting, but they were never really the point.
What matters most are the moments when I meet young readers at bookstores and events. If a child leaves a little more curious about the natural world, notices a turtle nest, or asks a grown-up a few extra questions about the ducks at the pond, then this book has done exactly what I hoped it would do.
When spring began, I was deep in pre-launch jitters and wondering whether anyone beyond my family would read this story. As the season ends, I'm feeling grateful, encouraged, and excited for what's ahead. There are still a couple more bookstore events on the calendar before spring’s end, and plenty more adventures for Mama Duck in the seasons ahead.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Now, on to summer—and hopefully a little less time spent refreshing social media statistics.
With gratitude always,
Janice
5-Star Review from Readers’ Favorite
