For my most recent book, The Lost Language, I had allowed myself to entertain such extravagant hopes of its reception by the world that I was doomed from the get-go to disappointment. There was no level of critical acclaim or popular adulation that could match the love I had for this book, the book of my heart, my best book ever!
Many early readers did love the book and said so both privately and publicly. But I was still spending far too much time moping and sulking that very few people - none, actually - were saying that this was the best book ever written in the history of the world. I no longer cared about making a huge fuss over the book. Why bother?
But I knew I owed it to the book and its publisher at least to make an effort. So I did. I lined up a total of six events for the book. Some authors line up sixty events for theirs, but six was a lot for me. And you know what? Each of the six events was WONDERFUL!
On the actual pub date for the book of October 19 I did an in-person reading/signing at the darling children's bookstore Second Star to the Right in Denver. It was the store's first in-person book launch since COVID, and it was for MY BOOK! Oh, the joy of REAL LIFE!! Of reading my book to actual human beings sitting there beside me (plus those attending on ZOOM - something for everyone!).
For The Wandering Jellyfish, the brand-new, off-the-charts-adorable children's bookstore in nearby Niwot, Colorado, I presented an evening author salon on "Writing the Verse Novel." Bliss!
Next I did an online event with the bookstore owned by my sister and brother-in-law in Nashville, Indiana, Fallen Leaf Books. The ZOOM format meant that a cousin in New York City could attend, as well as far-flung friends I know only because of our shared (fanatic!) fandom for the Betsy-Tacy series of Maud Hart Lovelace.
I was privileged to give a dinnertime talk about my book to the School-Family Partnership program for Title I schools in the Jefferson County school district. There I came away marveling at the commitment of brilliant, caring educators to make their schools true places of equity, diversity, and inclusion, as symbolized by this stunning piece of art - made from broken crayons! - created by the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students of Weber Elementary under the supervision of their amazingly gifted art teacher, Joy Worcester.
I had yet, however, to be able to talk with kids who had actually read my book. I did that outdoors last weekend at the wonderful BookBar bookstore on Tennyson Street in Denver. These three readers, all bright, insightful kids who adore reading, gave my book its first reviews from the audience it was written for. One said the book was "brilliant! flawless!"; another said he had read it twice; and the third said it was "enthralling." What more could any author ask for?
That afternoon I joined other local authors with new books out who are members of SCBWI (the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) for a Big Birthday Bash hosted by Second Star to the Right. Cupcakes! Candles! Singing "Happy Birthday to Books!"
Then last night was the final event, in person at my own treasured hometown Boulder Bookstore. Friends from my old writing group, friends from my new writing group, friends from my book group, neighbors, and even the woman who had been my younger son's daycare provider 30 years ago (!!!!) came to rejoice over the book with me. When I arrived, I was told that someone had sent a dozen roses to the store, and it turned out be my extravagantly supportive agent, Steve Fraser, who loved the book from the very beginning.
I am so glad I roused myself from my grumpy slump and forced myself to celebrate this book of my heart. I'm still not sure where the writing path will lead me next - more on that to come (spoiler: it's going to start by leading me to . . . .Paris!). But right this minute I'm grateful that the writing path led me here, to this place, at this time, to share my book with these people - and that there were so many fabulous indie bookstores that helped me to do it. Indeed, this morning I was so excited about whatever the future will bring that I ordered a dozen more of my (new) favorite Pilot P-500 pens!
Hooray for celebration!
