My First Book Launch

Last year, the Chesapeake Chapter of SinC, my local chapter, put a call out to its members for short stories. The topic? This job is murder. When I write short stories rarely have I written by prescription, and in this instance that wasn’t necessary. I had already written the story, “Lucky In Death,” but I hadn’t yet found it a publishing home so I submitted the story. The submissions were judged blindly, mine to favorable outcome. Judges/writers Ellen Crosby, Dan Stashower and Sandra Parshall picked the top fourteen stories for inclusion in Chesapeake Crimes: This Job Is Murder. Bestselling and award winning writer Elaine Viets wrote the anthology’s forward.

Wildside Press published the anthology earlier last month. It is also now available on Amazon. I love the cover featuring the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The cover’s colors are a bit ominous in fiery red-oranges with darkened beach and waters foreshadowing its murderous stories.  

(Seated at left: Karen Cantwell, Harriette Sackler and David Autry; Below-Shari Randall)

One Page More bookstore in Arlington, VA sponsored the book launch, my first, on Sunday May 20th. Because the tiny bookstore lacked space, a nearby events room of an apartment building housed the launch. I think the room used for a book launch is important. The room’s large open kitchen with a long counter was helpful since the chapter’s members brought food, a buffet of sorts. Although a table was used for the buffet, the counter not only allowed for overflow food, but its barstools provided extra seating, which I’m pleased to say we needed. The room’s first floor location enabled access ease, and its large windows eliminated claustrophobia and darkness that often occurs in hotels where interior rooms are used. The room ended in a cozy fireplace (not needed in May) around which sofas and chairs were arranged.

I mention the room’s features because they helped alleviate my fright. Speaking in public usually makes me weak in the knees. The light airy space of the room took my sweaty shivers away. I had agonized over what to say about my story. The one minute descriptions were meant to entice the audience into buying the book—preferably on the spot at One Page More books. (I bought the chapter’s first four anthologies published prior to my becoming a member.) As soon as I sat down on one of the sofas by the fireplace, I felt at ease as if I were surrounded by friends. What I had written came off well when it was my turn to speak, and then the only thing left was the eating, the signing and the talking—all enjoyable—and found that I was at a party of friends.

                                                       Donna Andrews and Jill Breslau

A few years ago, when my first short story was published, I was flushed and embarrassed at signing books. I like my words to speak on the page for me since I’m a private person. Shining in public isn’t my forte. The signing is getting routine now, and I often ask for signatures as much as I give them.

To those of you who have not yet had the pleasure of a book launch, choose the room wisely and don’t sweat it. Enjoy it, and know you’ve earned all the rights and pleasures of being an author.