How The Book Launch WentMarch 17, 2010

Oh, my goodness. It went past how-much-fun-do-you-think-I-can-stand right to THIS IS MORE FUN THAN DOWNHILL-SKIING WHILE KNITTING.

I've never skied downhill while knitting. I think that would be a mighty dumb thing to do, and I'm not encouraging anyone to do it. However, I think it would be FUN, and I can imagine (because I'm a big imaginer) that last night kind of felt the same way. (Of course, I think that winding balls of yarn REALLY FAST on the from the swift to the ball-winder is almost the same kind of thrilling, and I don't drive more than 70mph, so I might not be the person to talk to about excitement.)

But because you might not have been there (but 96 of your friends were! WOOT!), here are some pictures:

 

Me, outside Bookshop West Portal. FABULOUS place to launch a book.

 

Look at everyone! I was so wildly nervous they could probably hear my heart beating in my ears at the back of the room...

 

But then I started reading, and it was fun.

Lisa, Julie,and Sophie, of the PensFatales.

 

Before people lined up to get their books signed. And they really did! Line up, I mean! I signed for a long time. It was AMAZING and overwhelming and wonderful.

It was one of the best nights of my life.

 

Sisters and Gaynelle, my mother's best friend, who did a marvelous job of standing in for the little mama.

It was a wonderful, wonderful night. Oh, I love all this. Thanks, y'all, for being part of it.

Comments

[cordeliaknits]

Officially entering the contest! I blogged about your wonderful book, and I passed it around at two different knitting groups last week! Everyone was enthusiastic, and I think my LYS may order some copies to sell in the store too!

So glad the launch party went well. You deserve it!

[Lynn in Tucson]

Congratulations, Rachael! That's really marvelous!

[Gwen]

Wooooh! Wonderful!

That sounds way more exciting than most/anything I do!

[Suzanne]

I am so happy for you!!! Talk about a dream come true!! :)

[Kate]

I've never seen a bigger grin! So glad you had a great turnout - you deserve it! :-)

[Deborah]

Well, you looked gorgeous, and what fun!! I loved the book. Don't have a blog to put it on. As yet. :)

[Romi]

So! Cool! It looks like a wonderful time and you are positively glowing! Congrats and hugs to you. :) Only wish that I could have been there. xoxo!

[KnittingInMind]

and a fabulous dress too!

Congratulations!

Did your face hurt from all that smiling?

[Anna]

Oh my gosh, look at your fabulous vintage dress! You look so beautiful and so proud! Way to rock the book launch. It's such a huge and wonderful accomplishment. Congratulations.

[chantelaine]

You deserve it! I'm actually reading your book and I love it. ...And it makes me practice my english! Congratulation!

[eileen]

yay! congratulations Rachael! knitting MFAs unite!

[Cindy/Snid]

Many hearty congratulations!!! Wish I could have been there (but life has other plans for me these days). Nice to Lala front and center. Looks like a great night and I can't wait to read the book :)

[Sylvia]

Sooo, what part(s) did you read aloud??? DH likes the super smiley photo of you at the table.

[Jadielady]

I am hoping to see your book at my Target soon! If not, I'll go to my local store and ask them to order it.
I wanted to say though, I had a bit of a giggle earlier, when I googled something entirely not knitting related, and 2 of the image results were from Crazy Aunt Purl's blog, and a picture of you! (I was looking for a picture of a purse)

[Cincinnati Speech Therapy]

I love your book cover. What a nice turnout - that is so cool - someday :-)

[Terri]

Congratulations again. I was so happy to be able to attend, it was such a fun evening! Everyone had a fabulous time and your reading was great! Applause, applause!!

[Mary Ann]

WooHooooo! I asked our local library to have your book! It's in! More publicity for you! They will read it and then go out and buy it!

[Erika]

Yay! Look at you, all famous author-y! I'm working my way through it, a little bit at a time, and really enjoying it!

(I remember when I was in my teens, I had all the free time in the world, and could easily read several books a WEEK. No more, I'm afraid!)

[Jennifer]

Yeah! What a great experience. I loved seeing Lala front and center to cheer you on. Yippy! BTW, last night I was looking for a good book to read and I thought, "I should re-read Rachael's book" Congrats on your book and tour. I hope it only gets better and better.

[Miranda]

That picture of you at the table -- what a million-dollar smile! Congrats on your big night!!

[ailikate]

You look beautiful, and I wish I could have been there. I am 3/4 of the way through the book (which is open on my desk right now, because I cannot put it down, even while I'm stealing a few minutes to see what's been happening on the internet). Skiing while knitting does sound thrilling, but I think you'd have to do it with really chunky yarn and big needles, to avoid dropping stitches.

[margene]

Congratulations, Rachel!! I can't wait to read the book.

[TMK]

Congrats, Rachael! So bummed that I couldn't be there. But I sent good thoughts. -Kathie

[Mariko]

Dude, I am SO happy for you! Cute dress! And I loved the book!

[Kendra]

Rachael, you look beautiful!

I received the copy you sent me from Wendy's blog contest (inscribed to me and my dog - love it!) yesterday and tore through the first 14 chapters at lunch. Not much time to read last night so I'm only about 2/3 way through, but I'll finish it today.

I'm really enjoying it - I like your writing style. And I got all nostalgic for you when I met Clara. :-)

Looking forward to your second book - I'll BUY that one.

Kendra

[Emy]

I am amused that I am the only person in the chairs who is NOT in the group picture. Heh.

[wonju]

My baby boy was there. He was so happy for his the best selling author aunt Rachael. yay!
He also thought she was very beautiful, I think. ^^

[Lisa R-R]

Congratulations!
Lisa in Toronto

[Amanda]

So awesome! You look absolutely radiant, and that dress is va-va-va-voom! Being a published author suits you!! CONGRATS!