The Launch

The book launch for my first novel was a night of innocence and revelations and joy, of pride and congratulations and joy. Everything was perfect.

People asked about the story, the characters, the time it took to write the book, about where I got the idea. The conversations were easy and I signed about forty books, only forgetting a couple of names.

I chose two selections from the novel to read, a few pages from chapter two and a few from chapter five. It was the first time I read the story out loud to anyone and I felt the power behind the words more than I did when they were lying flat on the page. I looked up after the first reading and everyone looked back at me, leaning forward silently. I thought something was wrong, but found out later they were wanting and waiting for more. It was absolutely silent for a few seconds before someone clapped and there was a little nervous laughter. After I read the second time, I raised my glass in a toast to all the incredible people who came to be part of that special night and wish me well.