The Traveling Launch Party was a success, and fun was had by hopefully all. I know I had a great time. Night One was at Fox Tale Books, a wonderful independent bookstore in Woodstock, GA. They had the window all done up with my books and blue sparkle stuff and it looked really cool.
We walked inside and were greeted by yet another display. And yes, seeing my books in the windows and on display like this totally rocks.
After a bit of socializing with the Foxes (the lovely gals who own the shop), it was time to set up the food and get ready for the guests. I had planned quite the spread for the evening, with some yummy snacks and a cake.
The cake. Funny story here. I went to Publix with the book jacket in hand and asked if they could put it on the cake. The conversation went something like this:
ME: Can you put this on a cake?
BAKER: Yes, but we're not allowed to due to copyright.
ME: It's my book, for my book launch party.
BAKER: -stares at me dubiously-
ME: -flipping open the cover- See? There's my picture. I can show you my driver's license.
BAKER: Let me ask someone. -goes to speak to head baker, both return-
HEAD BAKER: We can do it, but you'll have to write a letter giving us permission.
ME: Okey dokey.
I wrote the letter and everything worked out. It's nice to see that they take copyright images seriously, but it cracked me up that I almost didn't get my own cover on a cake!
Guests started arriving, we joked and laughed and ate, then the Foxes tossed me up in front of everyone to talk about the book and writing in general. We had a great discussion, lots of good questions were asked, and they had to drag me off stage so I could sign books and let folks go home.
Day two sent us to Barnes & Noble, for a more traditional book signing. I recruited my neighbor and a few of her friends to do hair braiding and face painting for the kids, and set up shop in the back.
We also had some chairs set up so folks could hang out and chat after they got their books signed, and we had a nice informal mini-party going on all morning. The girls even went poaching for children when the face painting slowed down and brought back more customers. Spiders were big, and there were lots of cheeks with arachnids on them.
I got to meet some other bloggers and readers (Hi Kritsa!) face to face, and see some bloggers and readers I've met before, who even drove in from another state to see me! (Hi Sarah, and Kayelee!) It's always fun to meet folks I "see" online and put a person to the name.
We wrapped up and went home, tired from all the fun, but in good spirits. Next time, I need to remember to take more pictures.
Next signing is over at:
Saturday, October 23, 2010, 2pm
Hall Book Exchange
1854 Thompson Bridge Rd.
Gainesville,GA
They're doing a
24-hour read-a-thon for charity, so if you're in the area, stop on by that day.
