Book Launch!
My Lucky 23rd Enigma
Greetings and Blessings all and hope all is well in your world. Today, the weather is bright, warm, and filled with the promise of brighter and warmer days, even as we draw closer to Christmas and its chilly cloak.
It's now exactly 10 days since I celebrated my book launch party on 23rd November at the wonderful October Gallery in London, UK. I chose that date because of my interest in The 23 enigma and The Law of Fives (2 + 3 = 5). 23 is considered at times a lucky number and my two daughters are my lucky talisman. One was born in November and the other, on the 23rd. What better combination than to hold the launch on 23rd November, especially when my ancestors endorsed the date?
And what a glorious evening it turned out to be despite the fact that the delayed trains congested London road gridlock almost ruined my timetable; or that the author I was supposed to be in conversation with on the day, pulled out at the last minute that morning. Was I angry? Yes! Was I disappointed? Hell yea! This was someone I considered a friend and just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that he could let me down so spectacularly and for a reason that in all honesty, was rather flimsy. But hey-ho! The universe showed me why my daughters were my talisman.
The two young women rose to the occassion in spectacular fashion, with my filmmaker/scriptwriter daughter, Candice, being in conversation with me, while her sister, Carmen, manned the booksales table with her boyfriend, Josh. In the end, it was a blessing that the other person pulled out, as I doubt he would have achieved the amazing feat my daughter pulled on the night. Our conversation just flowed seamlessly and it was all joy and excitement.
I was glad that I had opted to make my launch a cosy celebration with loved ones and writing peers I cherished, and through the evening, I felt wrapped in their warm embrace. Having been to some launch events where the author is usually hidden away until they're introduced into the stage, I was determined that every single guest was personally welcomed and hugged by me on arrival, and gratefully thanked for honouring my invitation and attending despute the incessant rain. I wanted them to feel seen and valued and I think it made them relax pretty quickly and enjoy the night. I received flowers, cards and even an amazing gift of a personalised horror-themed bag!! What else can a girl ask for🤗
Under the pumped up vibes of Fela Kuti’s Afrojuju music, red and white wine flowed freely with the soft drinks, tea, coffee, sandwiches, cookies and doughnuts. Guests could nibble on kitkat chocolate in their individual swag bags and some even won prizes from the raffle draw. Dressed in my themed T-shirt, I did a reading from the book and discussed my writing journey. The Q&A session was lively and engaging and during the intermission, all the books were sold! Yaaaah😆
This meant I spent a long time signing books and taking photos with my guests afterwards but I loved it! I even made my very first TikTok video with the irrepressible V. Castro😁 My awesome Titan team who organised the launch, especially my editor Cath Trechman and my Publicist, Bahar Kutluk, did an incredible job of ensuring everything went smoothly and joyfully. I owe them an immense gratitude for all their support. Every writer should have a Cath and Bahar by their side and on book launch events, they should also have my two awesome daughters Candice and Carmen and Carmen’s young man, Josh, to guarantee the success of their launch party.
As I rode on the train back to my city after the event, tired but buzzing with excitement and happiness, I offered a silent thanks of gratitude to my ancestors and the universe for a job well done! This particular 23rd Enigma all came together in the end to become a very lucky one for me!
I hope you enjoy some of the photos from the event and please support WHERE THE DEAD BRIDES GATHER today by buying your own copy. Till next time, do stay safe and well, and thanks again for subscribing to my blog.
