Last Monday, on the eve of my debut novel’s release, I was trying to figure out how to celebrate. Word on the street is most release days are anti-climactic. I didn’t want mine to be. I wanted it to be memorable. So….
We went on a book hunt!
My very first sighting! It was in the regular romance section at Barnes and Noble.
Number one bestseller at Family Christian! Or maybe the man working temporarily swapped out Courageous. Toe-may-toe, Toe-mah-toe, really.
At the park! (Brogan’s favorite part of the day)
Ending the night with a Daddy-Mommy date that involved great conversation and fried pickles.
Since I knew my book wouldn’t make headline news, we decided to take the initiative and make the day special in our own way. I have to say, it was heavenly. One of the best days I’ve had in a long time. Because one of my lifelong dreams came true, sure. But mostly because I spent the day laughing and celebrating with the two people I love most.
That was on Tuesday.
Fast-forward to Saturday, May 12th. The day of my book launch party.
I had no idea what to expect. An article came out in our local newspaper that morning advertising the event. Books-A-Million ordered a hundred books. I thought that seemed like a lot. My husband thought it was too little (you have to love his optimistic thinking). I was a little nervous and a lot of excited.
The poster on the door. Thanks Amy Haddock!
Walking in with the truffles
I love the set up Books-A-Million provided!
My very first party-goer. I think the truffles drew her in. Marketing 101: Bring Chocolate
Here comes the entourage! B-man in his fedora (he wouldn’t take it off) and Aunt Peggy. Everybody in the world should have an Aunt Peggy. Sorry folks, she’s all mine.
My Dad. He’s pretty darn proud. 🙂
One of my junior high girls made me a cup!
It got busy fast!
People chitchatting in line.
Meanwhile, my son finds more fun things to do with his cousin, Ben.
And there’s the empty rack. We were sold out by 2 o’clock. The event was scheduled from 1-3 pm.
I felt bad for the people who came wanting books, but had to leave empty-handed. Turns out, I have incredibly supportive family and friends. Not only did they come, but they invited lots of friends. I’m pretty sure my mom invited her entire gym. People in the Quad Cities sure know how to help a girl celebrate!
If you don’t live nearby or you couldn’t make it on Saturday, I have good news! I’m having another launch party. This time online. I’ll be joining three other amazingly awesome debut novelists. There will be live video and lots of really cool prizes! It’s tomorrow evening. Check out the official invite for details. I would absolutely love to see you there!
Let’s Talk: How was your weekend? What did you do?
For a chance to win a copy of my novel, Wildflowers from Winter, hop on over to Sarah Forgrave’s blog and Cindy Wilson’s blog. Sarah gets me to confess that I was mistaken for a boy for a third of my life and Cindy writes a lovely review of my novel.
Come on, fess up. Who used to watch Saved by the Bell? In my preteen days, Zack and Kelly were the bee’s knees.
I dare you to watch these two and not smile…
Rory Gilmore and Logan Huntzberger. Sigh. Why did Gilmore Girls have to end!?
My new favorite! Just started watching Friday Night Lights and I’m in love with the relationship between Coach and his wife. In. Love!
Most of us get cleaned up for church on Sunday.