I don’t talk about my husband much in this forum. Even though the focus is mother-daughter book clubs, he’s usually there in the background supporting what our daughters and I do in book club and cheering me on as I promote book by book. Well he absolutely outdid himself when putting together a book launch party with my dear friends Ellen and Margaret. Ellen was kind enough to offer her home for this event and invited people she thought would like to know about Book by Book. I invited old friends, neighbors, new friends, writing partners and of course, all my mother-daughter book club members.
The party was a chance for me to kick back and actually celebrate Book by Book. Most everything else around the book has been focused on writing it and now promoting it. But having an event totally focused on the fun aspect was a welcome diversion. But I was in for a surprise as well. Midway through the festivities everyone gathered around while my husband, Randy, gave a few opening comments. It was so gratifying to hear him say how important he thinks mother-daughter book clubs are and how proud he is of me for writing this guidebook. We talk about it everyday, and I think of him as my biggest cheerleader. But it wasn’t until I heard his words to everyone else in the room that I realized how much he supports what I’m doing, and I’m so grateful to have that.
The surprises weren’t over though. When everyone had said what they wanted to say, including my daughters, who talked about why book club was important to them too, Randy surprised me by bringing my mom out. I was floored! My mom lives in Louisiana, and she dropped everything to fly to Oregon and be at my party. It couldn’t have gotten any better. Needless to say I was on cloud nine for days after the event, and to some extent I still am. The launch party gave me a chance to have fun and get re-energized about mother-daughter book clubs.
Here are a few pictures from the event.
Wow! Can you believe Randy found someone who could actually get the image from the cover of my book onto a cake? It was a great tasting cake too.
Me with Christina Katz, the best writing coach in the world.
Mother-daughter book club novelist Heather Vogel Frederick was there too!
After the party. Ellen and her daughter Franny. My daughter Madeleine, my mom Catherine, me, and my daughter Catherine.
November 2, 2009 at 10:48 am |
I’m so happy for you! What a truly special event!
November 2, 2009 at 3:14 pm |
Aw, shucks. Thanks, Cindy. The party was tons of fun. Thanks to Ellen for hosting such a great party!
November 3, 2009 at 12:28 pm |
I think it is wonderful that these kind of events happen – I feel like I am living a million miles form such things. I live in rural France but will be moving to Canada next summer. There are so many wonderful things about France but book clubs in a small provencale village are not one of them! I will keep writing for now and enjoy them by proxy!
November 4, 2009 at 8:08 pm |
What a great party, and a great way to launch your terrific book! You have a WONDERFUL family — and it was such a fun surprise having your mother there. I wasn’t the only one who shed a few tears when she surprised you!