If ever a book launch party came at the right time, it was last night. We’re all craving normalcy, peace, laughter, friends, and oh . . . how my friends turned out for this night to celebrate my new book, Exploding Hushpuppies! It’s always more difficult for me to speak in front of a hometown crowd, but there’s no better place to feel loved.
I was fearful the RAIN, COVID, HUMIDITY (in the middle of November – how weird!) would keep people away. With yet ANOTHER hurricane in the area, it’s warm, muggy hair-frizzing weather. Will we have 20 show up? Maybe 10? William Stitt, owner of Bill-E’s was cooking up hushpuppies for everyone (delicious and authentic, by the way) and he was trying to get a head count.
70 people showed up, and the hushpuppies flew! The hard cover edition of my book sold out, and so many of the soft covers sold that Page and Palette Bookstore ordered more before midnight! I was signing books as fast as I could for nearly two hours! Stacy from Page and Palette was a huge help and so organized!
The venue at Bill-E’s was perfect because it was open air and the tables were spread out. Many people wore masks, except for when they ate and everyone was comfortable.
Here I am with Karyn and yes, I had show-and-tell with my childhood teddy bear. He illustrated a story I told about how God surprises us with things he knows we’ll love — often before we even know ourselves. He gives us things we’ve never asked for (like a writing career) because he knows how much we’ll love them. — My Dad gave me the bear before I was even old enough to ask for it. He somehow knew I’d love it, and I did.
If you are local and couldn’t be there last night, you were missed. But there are two more local opportunities to catch me and get books for yourself or holiday gifts and one in the Atlanta area.
The Downtown Fairhope Christmas Open House will be Sunday November 22nd from 1pm-5pm. Stores will be open and overflowing with holiday cheer. I’ll be at Page and Palette with other local authors to sign our books and say hello.
On Tuesday, December 1st, Page and Palette will host an author’s chat for me at 5pm. It will be an interactive time with questions and talk about books, writing and all things Hushpuppies! If you are an aspiring writer, or just love to read, come join me for that fun time!
Thank you to all who joined me last night. Your support and encouragement is full of love and joy for me!
Order Exploding Hushpuppies from the publisher.
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