It happened, the launch of Sour Fruit my debut novel.
Elbow deep in smoked salmon and bubbles isn’t a bad way to spend your Saturday evening, having to do a speech and not vomit over yourself with nerves is less fun, but I didn’t choose the author life the author life chose me.
But you’ll be happy to learn I kept the corroding carrots firmly in my gut, and mingled like a charming raincloud; drip drip dripping delightful quips all over the shop. You should have seen me, working my way through the various social groups of my life. Hugs and kisses for The Family section hold up near the beef canapés, dirty jokes for The Friend section near the bookshop's small kitchen, work chat for The Fellow Unbound Writers hunkered down near the till, and excited squeals for my Book Club Ladies near the front window. It was a glorious un-televised, ‘This Is Your Life’.
It was genuinely humbling to see so many people turn out for my little book, I mean they could have just been there for the free bubbles, but who am I to judge. I'd navigate a canyon of pissed soaked adult nappies for free booze. But since I didn't catch people shoving bottles of prosecco down their knickers and quickly waddling out the door, they must have been there for me.
So I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone that came, plus all the lovely messages from people who couldn't make and I wonderful shout out for my local bookshop which put up with our frankly outrageous middle-class canape binge.
I could get used to Book Launch Parties. Damn it! Guess I need to write the next one.
PS: Got an amazing present from two fabulous ladies, it's a gorgeous pen with my book's unique ISBN on it. *Squeal*
