Today is the BIG day
June 13th 2008 21:30
I guess some girls look forward to their weddings where you get to have a day you've been planning for a year in a white dress, hold a bouquet, get the bling on that impatient fourth finger and say I do as if all of this is one of life’s greatest achievements. I have to confess, I’ve never had such fantasies. It's not that I didn't have my own fantasies, they just did not involve vows and seating arrangements. I have as long as I have loved books, fantasized about having my own book launch. A book seems something truly worthy of celebrating – the culmination of years of lonely introspection, endless days in front of an unforgiving computer screen, despair at plot elements that just won’t click into shape, and that wondering time and time again, if there aren’t easier ways to pay the bills.
Well, it hasn’t been years, but it’s been weeks of preparation for my book launch this evening. I bought a lovely cheap dress from the Tree of Life that matches my fabulous new winter boots, and my friend Lisa spent four long hours at my house on Wednesday making my hair purple and shiny because apparently good hair is essential at a function of this nature.
My friend Kelly who is a marvelously creative events co-ordinator took one look at my book cover and said, ‘ok, our theme is blue with butterflies.’ So there are going to be LOTS of little butterflies. Everywhere. On the tables, in and amongst the food, on the walls, wherever you look. And we have 100 mini cupcakes, iced in blue icing with little butterflies made out of some confectionary perched on top. There is no deficit of effort that’s gone into the preparations for this event.
Things Without A Name
Unfortunately given that I am not Jodi Picoult and therefore not in the league of authors whose publishers pay for their book launches, I have very much had to rely on the generosity of the Randwick City Council Library Service, which has championed my new book with an inspired enthusiasm, as if I really were the next Jodi Picoult. I have also had to do all my own catering and use up a good chunk of my new book advance in doing so.
Preparing food excites me at the best of times, but with 200 rsvp’s I have to admit I’m feeling a little nervous. Are three kilos of smoked salmon enough or will people complain they were underfed? Are 150 mini bagels going to do it, or will everyone want three bagels? How much champagne do you order for such a crowd? Should one rely on the fact that people will get smashed because there’s free booze, or will everyone act with the decorum such functions inspire, and only have a single glass of bubbly? I know I should be thinking about my speech and what to say tonight when I have a captive audience of book buyers, that I should be taking in the thrill of the moment, but the truth is I can’t stop thinking about the pickled cucumbers and if we have enough.
I'm off to make smoked salmon bagels. I'll blog again when the mess is tided up.
www.joannefedler.com
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Comment by AmyHuang
Project Job Search
Travel Debate
Travel String
Love Adventures
I am sorry I am a bit late in reading this, but I hope it all went well? You must be exhausted by now! I actually saw your book in the local Dymocks the other day and I was so excited coz you've already shown us the cover here first
Do you get to do some R&R now? Or is there much else to do for the new book?
I think even if you are not Jodi Picoult, you are still an inspiration to me
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Though, of course, if the local library dishes out 300K next time, it will be only what you deserve.
Have fun!
Michaelie
Comment by Jayne Kearney
Writers In Writing (and other writing)
So sorry I couldn't make it. I'm just in from work. By the time you read this the launch will be over. I'm sure it was a fabulous event in keeping with the fabulous-ness of your beautiful book. (Which I have finished reading. I shall post my review on Orble soon)
My thoughts were with you today as I eyed off the gorgeous silver butterfly pendant I have been coveting.
Hoping there was enough champagne and smoked salmon for all,but I'm certain that just a few words from Things Without A Name would have left the audience sated (and simultaneously hungry for more!).
Jayne
Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief
Comment by JP Shaw
Sassy Ink Author
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