My First Ever Book Launch Event

When I arrived at Lion’s Mouth Bookstore ahead of my event, I was stopped in my tracks before I reached the counter. Sitting in a chair near one of the shelves was a young woman – reading my book. I had to resist the urge to squeal. I instead backed away slowly so as not to disturb her and took another route to the counter. The young woman ended up not being able to stay for the event, but she did buy a copy of Wherever Would I Be.

I get such a rush whenever someone purchases a copy of my book – because this is the DREAM! But there’s something extra rush-worthy when it’s a complete stranger. They aren’t buying the book because they know me – they are buying it purely because they are interested in the story. 🥰

To say I was nervous about this event is an understatement. Even after having repeatedly practiced the sections I wished to read, my hands shook in the moments leading up to start. But much like Lea in the story, once we began, I was too preoccupied to be nervous. I read the passages, I answered questions – my friend Jen and a woman named Joan realized they knew each (Joan was Jen’s teacher when she lived in Green Bay). And Green Bay finally got some much needed rain (I sure do love reading when it’s raining out).

I’m so thankful to Amy at Lion’s Mouth for hosting this event – and for every single person who came and listened, whether they came because they knew me or not. I have no doubt that I will be just as nervous the next time I do this – but it helps to have one under the belt. (Though I still don’t think, even with this launch event, that it has truly sunk in that I have a book out in the world!)

And just in case anyone is worried I might be getting a big head, this is the face I had to deal with when I came home to – Shevy will for sure be keeping me down to Earth:

There are plenty more events at Lion’s Mouth this month and beyond, as well as several book clubs to check out: