Overheard in . . . my email

Congratulations!

A very good friend once made it a goal to celebrate all of the big and little successes in life. As part of this, he threw an amazing party for the launch of my book, Betting Jessica, earning him best fan ever status for life.

But celebrating a book launch is not as simple as it sounds. For one thing, there is the anxiety about putting it out into the world in general. Nail biting anxiety over what people will think and the all of the work that comes a long with a book launch.

Another reason it is complicated is that it feels anti-climactic. That work I just mentioned kid of takes away from the whole grand conclusion thing. I wake up tomorrow, release day for MOLTO MAYHEM, and there is still more to do... and then on the next day and the next.

The way I have managed this feeling of being overwhelmed by the promotion period is to do something fun as part of every launch. 

For Betting Jessica I had, of course, the wonderful surprise party thrown by my friend. But for Untangling the Knot I went on a hilarious campaign to learn how to kick a field goal like my hero in the book. I also worked hard to incorporate one of my favorite causes, Comfort Zone Camp, into many of my promotional events. It made it so much more fun to think about the good that could come from letting people know about this wonderful organization that helps children heal from the grief of losing a family member.

This book, although it tackles issues of grief and religion, is really all about the food however. Well, the food and wine and setting of Italy. So I figure my launch should include some fun plans around these things. One plan I have is to combine readings with a wine tasting challenge where the wine steward must pair a wine to match the food in the book.

And, of course, while there are many wonderful Italian restaurants in Seattle, I think it is appropriate that I celebrate the release tomorrow at one of my favorite's - Lucia - in Green Lake. Stop by my table and say hi if you happen to be in Seattle tomorrow, Nov. 18th. I'll be the one biting my nails.

Here's to many, many, more celebrations of Journeys Inspired by Love.
Deanne