Here I am with the American Fork Children's Chamber Choir and their director, M. Ryan Taylor. They sang some beautiful old Southern gospel music and also sang my original song, Lead Me On that inspired the novel. If you're interested...click on my trailer link on the side bar. It is the song in the background.
The Intergenerational Ukelele Band played a rousing rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot and even had the audience join in the song!
Me and my sweetie (who was dressed in a bow tie to run the old fashioned candy counter)...with my oldest in the background. We have no idea how she got so cute. She could have quite possibly been switched at birth :o
old fashioned candy counter in full swing - that's my sweetie and son busy handing out treats.
I smiled like this ALL day. Couldn't stop.
People came .... hooray! I had horrible dreams the week before that no one would show. What a relief!!!
We had a prize wheel that really made the event fun!
Here is my dear friend and her daughter who I shamelessly begged to run the prize table. They did a great job!
The Kings English, our local indie, came down as the bookseller.
It was a magnificent day and I am ever grateful for a community that reached out and shared it with me. Once in a lifetime experience!
34 comments:
Thanks for sharing these photos and your experience, Tess! So happy for you. :)
Congrats! What a special time! And your family is beautiful. :)
Oh, Tess, you and your family and your community are beautiful. Thanks for sharing these joyful photos.
It was wonderful. You really know how to throw a party! Can't wait 'till the next one!
Sounds wonderful. How did you promote the book signing?
Tess, I am looking forward to reading this one...right up my alley.
I would love to win a copy.
Sheri - thanks, it was great fun.
Dawn: what's neat to see is how the kiddos get into it. that was a special part of the day.
Tricia: I did feel joyful :D
Diana: thanks for coming - it was so fun meeting you!
Martin: I invited community groups like the children's choir and ukelele group to perform and then told them to invite their families. I also hooked in with the library so we had an opportunity to invite the various teen reading groups. I also sent an actual invitation flier (not just email) to every single person I knew and had my sweetie put them up all around his work. A little bit from here and a little bit from there and it all came together to make a nice party.
Gail: I'm sure I'll have future give aways - I gave also arranged for personalized copies through The Kings English bookshop (link on the FAQ page of my website)
Congrats Tess!! Looks like a great party.
Oh Tess, thinking of those kids singing your music almost made me cry. So glad it was such a success. And I'm so glad your book is in the hands of children.
So many great ideas for a launch! I just read the article about you in the Daily Herald--I'm also a Utah author. I loved reading your inspiration behind the story. I'm looking forward to reading your book.
It was a wonderful party, Tess! I'm so happy I could attend and support you. You are AMAZING. :)
Oh Tess! It looks like you had a fantastic time. Your smile says it all. Congratulations on a great launch!
This makes me want to stop being an introverted reader/writer and go be social! =)
*waving* Hi, I'm new to your blog, but excited about the release of your book. Yay!
This looks like the most fantastic party! The music, the games, the prizes, the support of family, friends and community. You had it all!!! Congrats!
Wow it looks like such a fun time. Thanks for sharing the pictures!
You have such a warming smile! I'm glad you have such a wonderful reason to show it off. Congrats again! :)
Megan and Caroline - thanks, it's been so amazing sharing this ride w/ you and the class of 2k11 this year. man, did it go fast or what?
Rachelle - thanks for coming by!
Glam: thanks, friend. It's 2am and I am finally FINALLY feeling human and also terrible about being too sick to go to your launch. :/
Sharon: my jaw hurt from smiling all day like that. I'm not complainin' though.
Crystal: welcome! yes, it's good to be forced out of our little writer rooms from time to time. scary, but good.
Mary: thanks! it was a lot of work to prepare but so very worth it.
Anna: will you post pics of your launch? I can't wait!
DL: aw, thanks!!!
Tess - wish I could have been there! It looks like you had a wonderful day.
I hope the year continues with many more great successes.
Wow, what unbelievable creative ideas you came up with for your launch. And your hubby is adorable with that bowtie. And, your smile, well, the smile just says it all. Hold on to that, the thing that made you smile. Despite all the ups and downs, that's what matters.
Love and HUGE congrats,
Gae
Congratulations on such a huge turnout and for having so much fun with it! Thanks for sharing the experience with us.
Congratulations on your achievement and on the wonderful day of celebration. The smiles speak volumes, no words necessary.
You have a beautiful family, a beautiful family for a beautiful lady.
I’m just stopping in to say hi. Hope you have a great Week!
It was a great party. I'm glad I was able to stop by for a little while, and my son thought it was great too.
Sadly, I haven't read your book yet, due to the fact that my son kidnapped it into his room and won't turn it over until he's done. But eventually, I will sneak in there and get it back. Can't wait!
Very, very cool! Congratulations again, Tess!
Amy
Tess, I am late to the launch party, but just wanted to say congratulations! It looks like an awesome event. Wish I could have been there!
Congratulations! I'm looking forward to reading your book.
Popping over from Sharon's to say Hi! Great photos - looks like a great time :)
Of course people came to celebrate such an amazing book with such an amazing author! Thanks for sharing the photos, and congrats again!
Thanks for sharing in the fun all!!
Congrats!! What an awesome launch party! Every author should have at least one day where they can't stop smiling. :)
Congrats Tess! I'm glad it was such a great success.
WOW!!!! These are fabulous pics. What a great turnout! Congrats!
Wow, looks like an awesome launch! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you :D
It was so fun to see you and your family!! The kids thought it was a lot of fun too.
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