It’s been over 2 months since pub day and what a whirlwind it’s been. It almost seems as if selling and promoting 26 Seconds are harder tasks than actually writing the book! Early on, I had decided that I would forego a book launch. The reason? Fear. I hate admitting that. But as many of my author-friends across the country were posting about their successful book launches, my publicist was struggling to secure a venue. How was that possible? I wondered if this was a sign that there was no interest. When the Village Well finally agreed to host the event, my thoughts shifted to fear that no one would show up. Images of me sitting in an empty bookstore haunted me for weeks.
But on the day of the official book launch, I was floored when folks trickled in, in small groups and began filling the room. People had shlepped across town after work on a weeknight in LA traffic. I was greeted by friends and colleagues some I hadn’t seen in over a decade. People from my professional network and those from the writing community all banded together for a night that celebrated this milestone. They all came out for me. My heart was full. It still is.
I’m grateful to my conversation partner, award-winning author, and dear friend, Lisa Cheek, who ventured into some very thoughtful and insightful discussion which made for a rich and vibrant dialogue. The book signing gave me an opportunity to hear how 26 Seconds had touched those in attendance. Their eyes would often well with tears as they shared the emotional connection they found in the book. My book. My writings.
At the end, my fear was for naught. It was a magical evening where I was blessed to get a glimpse of how 26 Seconds is no longer my book. It now belongs to the world. Where it’s always belonged.