Every step of writing and publishing my book was a learning process for me. Having never written a book before meant that every stage of the work was my first time! My book launch was no exception. I actually googled, “Why have a book launch anyway?” The answer made me smile…to celebrate! That’s all I needed to know.
Planning and executing a book launch wasn’t about book sales or marketing. It wasn’t about creating a buzz about the book or an event to advertise its release. It was about celebrating! It felt a bit funny to plan an event that would celebrate me, but after the process I’d been through for the last 4 years or so, I really wanted and needed that party! May Day seemed like a fun day to launch a book. Once the date was set, I gathered a group of close friends and asked them to be on my launch team. We found a location, planned the dessert buffet, decided on the decorations, and I invited folks to come.
I invited my friends and family, the ones who had supported me throughout the years of writing. I invited old friends I hadn’t seen in years as well. I retired my business during the lock down of Covid-19 and didn’t get to properly say goodbye to my special Healthy Weigh family either. I hoped they’d attend.
The event was more than I hoped for. I signed about 200 books, hugged a bunch beautiful necks and took a lot of pictures. Many of the books I signed had already been read. Those friends took longer to tell me just what my book had meant to them. It was an emotional few hours.
While I signed books, the beautiful dessert buffet was being sampled. Many of the delicacies were inspired by the dandelion theme. It was delightful.
When it came time for the program to start, my son Bennett introduced me. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place, including mine. I had the extreme pleasure of introducing my family, thanking my helpers and honoring my four redeeming ladies. I shared a bit about the process of my book writing and read an excerpt from the book too. It was surreal.
After a few more selfies, more nibbles of the luscious desserts and some meaningful conversations, the evening came to a close. It was official…my book had launched. It was the perfect celebration.
With a grateful heart,
Letha