After 30 years of dreaming, planning and researching, 4 years of writing, editing and agonizing, and only one month one week after my 40th birthday, I celebrated the arrival of my book I’ll Do It Myself on Sunday, December 10th. I purposefully did not call it a “book launch” as that would preclude me from having a launch at a later time at another location when other people are able to attend. After all that work with my left thumb, I am all for celebrating as many times as I can get away with!
The impromptu celebration was well-timed as my friend’s sister, who is an executive chef, catered a large company Christmas party the night before and she gave us some of the leftovers! I would like to be able to publicly thank this angel; however, her client does not know they essentially sponsored my event, so she will remain “the unnamed angel”. Thank you, the food was awesome!
The event was intimate with my godfather Uncle Od and my husband Darrell giving touching toasts. (Darrell, as for your question, please give my poor thumb time to recover before I start the next one, ok?) Suzee did an excellent imitation of my speech therapy on the floor, which Jan caught on videotape. I hope to make that video available online as soon as it is edited.
And, of course, numerous books were sold and a few were signed. I was actually scared to sign directly in the book. One wrong, involuntary movement, the pen could go flying across the page and, in my eyes, ruin the book. For a few of them, I was able to type an inscription, print them on self-adhesive labels, sign them and stick them inside the books. Worst case scenario, I would reprint a label or two. But, with a houseful of people, I didn’t have the luxury of time (and a few moments of peace to figure out what the heck to say) to type out labels. I did what I had to in the moment: faced my fears and signed my “GWH” in brand new books. It seemed to work, much to my surprise!
After an evening of sharing good food and good wine with good friends, I felt like how my kitty Faith looks – totally contented, reflecting upon the fact that I am now a published author, although that might take some more time to fully sink in!
Thank you to everyone who joined me in celebrating the arrival of I’ll Do It Myself. This milestone will be preciously treasured for the rest of my life. Although there will be other books, which Darrell will make sure happens, there will never be another first book, my firstborn.
Tuesday evening, I received an email:
Hi Glenda,
I couldn’t put your book down - I’m finished it already! I am so in awe of what you’ve had to go through. You have so much strength, dedication and courage… and you’ve sure needed it! Thank you for sharing your story with us - and like Darrell says, I’ll be waiting for the next one!
All the best to you Glenda,
Lorraine Carol, Online Business Manager
My first book review! Thank you, Lorraine, one step closer to all of this sinking in.
