Last night I was the special guest of the best party of my life. It brought out friends I hadn’t seen in years and was attended by people who became fast friends. I had the time of my life.
You may be wondering what it is that you missed if you could not have attended. It was the Book Launch Party for my newly released novel ‘Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen,’ and it couldn’t have gone any better than it did.
It’s success is not due to my part of the evening, though I do have to say that I may have contributed (being the author of the book), but it would not have gone as well as it did without the amazing help of some wonderful folks.
In not any particular order –
Evan Dales, my husband and staunch supporter even when things may seem bleak, thank you so very much for being there. Without you we would not have had the commercials and book trailer playing on the big windscreen. Without you we would not have had sound for the reading. Without you we would not have had any video taken of the event. And without you we would not have had Marshall Dane to play two amazing sets for us. Thank you. I love you!
Irith McConnachie, my Marketing Goddess. Some would say marketing manager, but you have done such magic that only a Goddess could do. I am extremely blessed to have you in my life and for all the help and support you give me.
Stephanie Herman-Winkler, my Publicity Goddess. You have suffered with technology to make things work. You indeed are a great treasure to me and I value your friendship. Thank you so much for all that you have done, and you looked stunning in your corset.J
Mike Winkler, my Tech God. Thank you so very much for your wiring and technological expertise to make things work when it doesn’t appear that they will. Mayhap, with your help, Evan will stop losing his hair.J You are indeed a treasure.
Marshall Dane – When Evan told me he met you at the Canadian Musician awards and that you agreed to play for the Book Launch I was really happy. When you came in with your guitar and began to play for us I instantly became a fan. I am very lucky to have had you play at my event and I look forward to the day when I can say “I had Marshall Dane play at my Book Launch and I have the video to prove it.J” You really made the evening. Without you it wouldn’t have been so successful.
We arrived at the Fox and Fiddle on Yonge Street at 4pm to the surprise that some folks were already there, upstairs on the patio! It took time, but we got the whole area settled and set up. When 5pm showed up people began to arrive. More and more folks flowed in and I was grateful that we had the upper patios for our needs.
Many folks headed to the patio for dinner and I eventually was sent up there too. Gotta feed the author so she doesn’t pass out, right?J While I waited for my food to arrive, I had the wonderful opportunity to move from table to table and talk with folks.
After dinner more folks arrived and more mingling was done. It was wonderful to see so many new and supportive faces. Even my parents and in-laws came out. More books were sold and then it was time for Marshall to play his first set. My goodness he is incredible! If you can, you MUST get his CD. What a wonderful performer and he charmed everyone.
Then it was my turn to perform. It was my first public reading of my book and I had tried, without success, to figure out what part of the book I should read. I had asked several folks who have read my book their opinion. Eventually I left it to Irith to request her favourite part. I read the first love scene between the Angel and Jeanie. It went really well.
Then we had the raffles. Three little ‘goth kits’, two bottles of wine and a fencing lesson for four were raffled off. I’m really happy that the person who really wanted the fencing lesson won it. I’ve never seen anyone so excited! I hope you enjoy, Brett!
Marshall played again for us (thank you Irith for convincing him to do another set;) and it was great!
With so much entertainment we went for a break before the bloody cake cutting ceremony.J Marshall was swarmed by lots of lovely ladies buying his CD and lots of folks bought my book. Photos were taken as more folks arrived. Then it was time for the cake to be cut.
I have to admit I’ve never cut a cake with a sword before. I was contemplating using a nice over handed swing, but that would have made a mess. I did it gently. The rest of the evening was filled with sugar filled pixies J and socializing.
Much praise was sung about my book from folks who had already read it, which made me blush or laugh. I think the funniest was that someone got completely turned around and lost on the TTC Subway because she became so engrossed. In every case, I was happy to hear that folks were enjoying it, making those who have not yet read it want to read it.
I’m writing this the day after the party, in a futile attempt to recover, know that this Launch is just the beginning. I have to get the energy going again because in 4 more days I’ll be at Polaris23 as a Notable Guest and from all that I have heard about it, I should expect it to be amazingly busy and loads of fun.
Cheers!
Karen Dales
Author
"Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen"
karendales@thechosenchroni
