Wolf Pit, the second book in the Purple Door District series, has officially been out for two months now. I didn't write about the launch in December because I wanted to wait for the second Iowa City launch to happen first. I'll say this, it was so much easier preparing for it this year than the first, if only because I had two wonderful establishments, M & M Bookstore and Sanctuary Pub, who took care of things!
The downside? I wasn't even sure if my books would make it back from the printer on time, but fortunately, I was able to show up with my novels in hand.
The book launched on December 14th, 2019, almost one year to the day of The Purple Door District. I held the event at M & M Bookstore in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I can't sing enough praises about the store. Ursla Lanphear and Terri Leblanc always make me feel at home. They set me up at the front of the story, so I was basically the first thing people saw when they walked in!
I adore my new table display. The banner looks great, and I love the purple and black colors that flow through the pictures, the covers, and the table itself. I couldn't believe how well the purple table cloth (*coughshowercurtaincough*) actually went with everything else. Though still surrounded by cool colors, the table somehow feels brighter now (and no, that's not just because of all the added lights, haha).
The first launch, I had a cake to share with everyone, but I went a little further this time. I actually got the cover printed on the cake, and it went over really well with everyone! The whole white section was devoured before the end of the day, which left the cover part for me to enjoy over the next few days.
I mean, look at that detail! Yummy!
I had a nice turn out of both devoted and new readers. Some people just happened to stop by for books and met me. And when there weren't people around, Terri was happy to introduce me to a bunch of new books, which I almost walked out with. You can't leave that place without a book. I'm so glad we were able to support each other with book sales. And, if you're still looking for a copy of The Purple Door District and Wolf Pit, you can get autographed copies off of their shelves!
Between awful Iowa weather that basically shut down the city in January, and myself being burnt out, I waited until later in February to host the second launch, this time at Sanctuary Pub in Iowa City. Sanctuary is a special place as The Writers' Rooms hosts The Parchment Lounge (the best Room), our all-genre Room, there every Monday. We also do readings on 5th Mondays. JD and Molly were both great about letting me reserve the red room (a private section of the pub) for my launch.
Best of all? My dad got to share the special day with me.
This was the first time family was able to make it to the book launch. While last year was incredible, I couldn't deny some sorrow that I couldn't share it with my loved ones (and no that's not meant to send guilty vibes towards them). It just made this launch that much more special. My dad was there to help me set up, hear me read...and try to untangle a bundle of necklaces. Whoops. He's been such a great supporter of the books since the beginning and has even talked to customers about it and helped introduce me to more readers. I'm really lucky.
The turn out was fantastic. Many of my fellow writing friends, and those from The Writers' Rooms, showed up to support me. I had a family friend visit, and my fellow sister-in-crime came, which just made my night. The reading went well, even if I stumbled over the word "seashells" more than I care to admit. No matter how many times I read this book, I always manage to trip myself up. This is why I need someone else to do my audiobook!
At the end of the reading, I gave away a few gifts, including a journal, a Wolf Pit tumbler, Tess's necklace, and a sand jar. All-in-all, it was a fantastic night, and I'm beyond thankful for the support everyone offered. I couldn't have done this without them!
I think one of the coolest things was having JD shout, "Say, Wolf Pit!" when he took a picture of us. To hear someone say the name of my book like that was awesome. Somehow it made it more real.
I love doing these launches. For one thing, they help me set a deadline of when to get the book printed, so I'm not hemming and hawing over it. Second, it gives me the chance to celebrate with people I care about. Third, it allows me to feel pride in myself for accomplishing something like this. And fourth, it's nice to actually know I'm going to sell some books. Authors go back and forth on whether they should host a book launch, but I say, why not? If you have an establishment ready and willing to host you, and you have people who will be happy to show up, then why not celebrate?
Writing a book is no easy feat. It takes months (sometimes years) of researching, plotting, writing, and dedication to come out with even a draft. Some authors have asked if there was a point in celebrating when they finished another book (shouldn't the first one be the biggest celebration?). Of course it's something worth getting excited for! Writers deal with enough struggle and rejection, they should take every opportunity they can to rejoice over what they accomplish. Don't belittle yourself because you think it's "just another book." Be proud!
Once again, thank you to everyone who attended the launch and who continue to support me on this journey. What's next to come? Well, book 3 will go into full production hopefully in April. I'm finishing up outlining and some structuring before I really get started. And, I'll be working on Fates and Furies, the parent series, with my co-author AE Kellar. If there's any launch I'm looking forward to the most, it's the one with her when we can celebrate our main series finally being out to the literary community.
Big things are coming!