I had a book launch in Owen Sound recently for my newest Bella Books lesbian romance novel, “The Song In My Heart.”
And it was fun. My songwriter/collaborator, Elaine Dark, gave a spirited and talented performance. She sang five songs, including three or four of her own originals. We had cake, we had stuff to give away (what’s not to like about free stuff and cake!), I signed lots of books that people generously bought. Oh and I read part of a chapter too (excruciating as that part often is for me!).
But. The really cool part of the evening? The people who showed up. Yup, they were what made the night special. They were my friends, except for the ones who were strangers, but who I now call friends. They were friends who didn’t have to show up to support me, but they did. And while the cake was pretty good bait, as was the free concert by Elaine, I’m pretty sure most of the attendees simply wanted to support a local author and friend, as well as a talented musician with local ties.
Book launches are not much fun when people don’t show up (trust me, I know this from experience). But this group was the best ever. They not only showed up, but they asked insightful questions during the Q & A and they were full of enthusiasm and L-O-V-E. They made the evening fun and one I’ll never forget.
For those of you reading this who made it to my book launch, thank you so much! For the rest of you readers out there, I urge you to go to book launches when you get the chance and support talent and hard work. And most of all, I urge my fellow writers to get working on your own novel so that I can return the favour and go to YOUR book launch!
