Dragon Speaker book launch

I was nervous and anxious this past week leading up to my (and Erin Thomas’ and Deb Ouellet’s joint book launch). It was my first one, and I didn’t know what to expect. I got everything prepared…

And then today, the day of the launch, I started feeling excited instead of anxious. I knew what I was going to say, I had the fruit and chocolate platter ready, and prizes, and my stuffed dragon, and handouts. I was prepared! (My fellow writers were bringing other food and drinks.)

I went–set up things with Erin and Deb–and I had a *fantastic* time! It was actually fun–which I didn’t expect (laughing). It felt SO good to see other writers there, especially those who came for me. Another Story BookShop was *wonderful*–they had our poster up on their sandwich board along the sidewalk, with a chalk drawing of a dragon on it; our books nicely displayed (to which we added bookmarks); a table all cleared for us–even with a tablecloth!–for us to lay out food; and they were accommodating, welcoming, and overall lovely people. I highly recommend them if you’re in the Toronto area.

sidewalk sign outside Another Story BookShop (credit: Kali Munro)

Dragon Speaker books laid out at store (credit: Debbie Ohi)

And the launch itself got packed full of laughing, talking people–which makes sense, since there were three of us authors celebrating together.

Dragon Speaker authors: Erin Thomas, Cheryl Rainfield, Deb Ouellet (left to right)

I forgot to ask someone to take photos for me (lesson learned, I hope) but the wonderful Debbie Ohi has put a few on Flickr.

Debbie Ohi, Cheryl Rainfield (left to right) (credit: Debbie Ohi)

I DID get a photo of the beautiful cake that Erin Thomas’ mother made, with the covers of all our books on the top, as well as a photo of all three of us authors before the crowds came. As more photos come in from other people, I’ll share those, too.

Dragon Speaker cake with all three covers on it

One thing I found–it helps to have good family (I don’t have family)–for good cheer, for moral support, for knowing you can count on them, for filling up the space and helping it feel lively, for help with extra tasks and bringing things. But I was so grateful and glad for every person and friend who came–it meant a lot to me.

All in all, it was a wonderful launch–thank you so much to everyone who helped make it so!

Here’s a photo of all three of us authors and the illustrator of the series!

Debbie Ouellet, Charlie Hnatiuk (illustrator), Cheryl Rainfield, Erin Thomas (left to right)

Dragon Speaker launch, Cheryl Rainfield (credit: Kali Munro)

Cheryl Rainfield, Claudia Osmond, Abby Osmond, Stacy King (credit: Debbie Ohi)

November 28th, 2009