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Twas the Night Before Book Launch...

Posted on 2009.08.31 at 22:01
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Tomorrow is release day for THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z.   One of the bloggers who interviewed me this week asked about my plans for the big day...September first.  My mind raced...

I'm supposed to have plans for the release date?  Well...I guess I'll probably get up and have coffee.  Wait...are we out of creamer? I think we're out of creamer. Need creamer. Let's see...what else...? I did get my new sneakers, finally, so I'll probably go running.  And hey...September first is a Tuesday, right? I'll need to get J to cross country practice, and I have to get groceries because we were away over the weekend and there's not much in the fridge...even if we do have creamer, which I doubt.

Finally, I had the sense to talk about my upcoming launch party at Flying Pig Books, how we'll have the Great Tree Identification Challenge for kids and Nonna's famous funeral cookies.  But that's not until Saturday, September 5th - five days after the fact.

Here's a secret about launch day.  That magical day your book is released into the world.  That day you've been waiting for forever and ever, or at least it feels that way.

Not a whole lot happens.

The witty eluper  illustrated this in what I thought was a particularly witty account of the release day for his YA  novel BUG BOY.

It reminds me a little of my tenth birthday. I remember getting out of bed, knowing that everything was different, and yet I felt just the same.  How could that be possible?  I was ten!  TEN!  I was a decade, all by myself!  Shouldn't there have been fireworks or marching bands or something

Despite the lack of a parade, it was a great birthday, and I went to bed that night with the knowledge that I'd crossed a milestone. Double digits.  I'd never be just nine again, and just the quiet knowing was enough.

I expect that's sort of what tomorrow will be like.  The party will come later -- and we'll do some fun stuff here online, too, including a big contest and giveaway for book clubs -- but tomorrow will be that quieter milestone.  What will I be doing on release day?  Maybe that morning run. Definitely the groceries.  And then a little hiking - because the leaves are just starting to turn, and a mountaintop in the Adirondacks seems like as good a place as any to celebrate a book about fall.



Comments:


Newport2Newport
newport2newport at 2009-09-01 02:45 (UTC) (Link)
Wishing you a wonderful Publication Day, full of natural beauty and unexpected surprises of the best kinds.

Congratulations. xo
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 12:01 (UTC) (Link)
Thank you so much, Melodye! When I first joined, LJ a few years ago, you were one of the very first people who friended me, so seeing your name here made me smile. (And I do love the Tinkerbell twirling!)
cindy_pon
cindy_pon at 2009-09-01 03:06 (UTC) (Link)
i stalked amazon rankings and
ran all over the internet half naked
screaming LOOK AT ME! i think i said
so after dinner.

it was very frenetic and very draining.
and i never left the house or changed
from my pajamas. ha!
cindy_pon
cindy_pon at 2009-09-01 03:06 (UTC) (Link)
and CONGRATULATIONS!
i am the first to have an interview
w you for the debs stop. =D
it's on my website and LJ!
aseret_black
aseret_black at 2009-09-01 03:12 (UTC) (Link)
Congratulations! It must be a special thrill when your book is launched into the world.

Do you buy yourself a keepsake like a special pair of earrings or necklace and look back on the day? I started that for special landmarks and I'm glad I did.
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 12:02 (UTC) (Link)
Oh that's a great idea! For now, I'm just going to go hiking and pick up some leaves. Thanks!
crissachappell
crissachappell at 2009-09-01 03:17 (UTC) (Link)
happy book birthday
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 12:02 (UTC) (Link)
Thanks, Crissa!
Janni Lee Simner
janni at 2009-09-01 03:21 (UTC) (Link)
Happy release day! At least raise a glass of something-or-other in acknowledgment of the day.

I think the actual day of release is sort of this strange mix of exciting and scary and trying to get it to sink in that the book is really out even though everything is the same.

I got up in the dark and flew to Vermont on my release day for Bones. Sort of gave it a subdued sense of adventure that seemed quite fitting. :-)
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 12:03 (UTC) (Link)
And I think I got to see you at KW right after that waking-up-in-the-dark day! Thanks for the good wishes, Janni!
Marivee
marivee at 2009-09-01 04:04 (UTC) (Link)
COngratulations, Kate! I'm looking forward to reading it! :)
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 12:03 (UTC) (Link)
Thank you!
Laurie Beth Schneider
idaho_laurie at 2009-09-01 04:09 (UTC) (Link)
I ordered my copy two days ago, Kate. Congratulations!
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 12:03 (UTC) (Link)
Thanks, Laurie! I so hope you enjoy it.
debbieduncan
debbieduncan at 2009-09-01 04:31 (UTC) (Link)
Happy pub day! Though I do NOT remember anything special about the day my picture book launched...it was 15 years ago - which was practically pre-Internet. It was definitely pre-blog, pre-Twitter and other social media. So you can be sure that your online buddies will be cheering for you and GIANNA, wherever we may be. And we'll also buy the book.
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 12:03 (UTC) (Link)
Thanks, Debbie! Yes, it sure is a different world we live in today, isn't it?
authortarakelly
authortarakelly at 2009-09-01 06:34 (UTC) (Link)
I have it on pre-order. Can't wait to get it!! Congrats :)
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 12:04 (UTC) (Link)
Thanks, Tara!
Jeni Bell
jeniwrites at 2009-09-01 10:01 (UTC) (Link)
Enjoy your launch day cup of coffee this morning! (With favorite creamer, I hope.) Congratulations! Jeni
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 12:04 (UTC) (Link)
It turns out we do have creamer...I think it's going to be a very good day. Thanks!
rascofromrif at 2009-09-01 10:59 (UTC) (Link)

Congratulations!

Wow, the big day is here for you and Gianna Z! Enjoy the hike, indeed seeing fall leaves is JUST the thing to do today. I'll be thinking about you and Gianna Z---all best wishes! And do buy something special to remember the day or perhaps pick up a special leaf, press it and frame it to remember this super special day.
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 12:05 (UTC) (Link)

Re: Congratulations!

Thanks so much for the happy launch day wishes!
Jo Knowles
jbknowles at 2009-09-01 11:13 (UTC) (Link)
Have a WONDERFUL day, Kate. And I think you will find that you will hold that quiet, special feeling of (I'm 10!) inside again.It's the perfect way to describe it. It's a personal kind of magic and feeling of accomplishment, I think. Only you know how hard you truly worked to reach this moment. Enjoy every second!

xoxo
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 12:05 (UTC) (Link)
Thanks, Jo - How did I just know you'd understand that feeling perfectly?
Liza Martz
lizamartz at 2009-09-01 12:10 (UTC) (Link)
Happy Launch Day, Kate! Treating yourself to a hike sounds like a perfect way to celebrate Gianna's official entrance into the world!
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 23:07 (UTC) (Link)
Thanks, Liza! We had a gorgeous morning - photos to come!
carriejones
carriejones at 2009-09-01 12:53 (UTC) (Link)
It has to be a wonderful day because YOU and your writing are so wonderful! I am so happy for you.
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 23:07 (UTC) (Link)
Thank you, Carrie!
Becky Levine
beckylevine at 2009-09-01 14:07 (UTC) (Link)
Kate, I feel like I already know so much about your book--can't wait to read it. Which means you've been doing a fantastic job launching it already. Treat yourself somehow today, maybe even just sit for 10 minutes of quiet and realize what you've accomplished. Congrats!
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 23:08 (UTC) (Link)
Thanks, Becky~ My daughter and I spent some quiet time on a mountaintop listening to crickets and cicadas today, which felt just right.
Kimberley  Little
kimberleylittle at 2009-09-01 14:19 (UTC) (Link)
I already ordered two copies from your Flying Pigs last week and can't wait to get them! Enjoy today, Kate!!!
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 23:08 (UTC) (Link)
Oh yay! I will sign them for you this weekend & then I'm sure they'll be right in the mail. Thanks, Kimberley!
jeannineatkins
jeannineatkins at 2009-09-01 14:28 (UTC) (Link)

congratulations!!!

Sending you bouquets of brilliant leaves. um, virtually. What a great day!!!
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 23:08 (UTC) (Link)

Re: congratulations!!!

Thanks, Jeannine!
sachaw at 2009-09-01 14:29 (UTC) (Link)
Congratulations Kate!!
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 23:09 (UTC) (Link)
Thanks!
(Anonymous) at 2009-09-01 15:42 (UTC) (Link)

Congrats

Savor the moment! Congratulations!!

Melissa
@Melissawrites and @imaginationsoup
http://imaginationsoup.net
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 23:09 (UTC) (Link)

Re: Congrats

Thanks, Melissa! It's been a lovely day, and I so appreciate your good wishes.
robinellen
robinellen at 2009-09-01 16:20 (UTC) (Link)
I'm so thrilled that your book is finally here (officially) -- I just enjoy it so much, and I can't wait until tons of kids get to enjoy it too!!
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 23:10 (UTC) (Link)
Thank you so much, Robin! Your review meant so much to me.
gailschirmer
gailschirmer at 2009-09-01 17:34 (UTC) (Link)

Happy Birthday, Gianna !

I'm so excited for you today that the blog comments make me want to cry.(with joy) and I'm so happy to know you enjoyed your tenth birthday. What kind of cake did we have ? Love, Mom
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 23:10 (UTC) (Link)

Re: Happy Birthday, Gianna !

I believe that was the ocean liner year, no? Or maybe the chocolate castle?

Thanks, Mom - Love you!
eluper
eluper at 2009-09-01 19:27 (UTC) (Link)
YAY! Happy book b-day! Best wishes for your book now that it's out there in the big wide world!
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 23:11 (UTC) (Link)
Thanks, Eric! I'm so looking forward to our event together in Glens Falls!
kellyrfineman
kellyrfineman at 2009-09-01 20:41 (UTC) (Link)
Happy release day!!
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-01 23:11 (UTC) (Link)
Thanks, Kelly!
Katherine Quimby
wordsrmylife at 2009-09-01 23:50 (UTC) (Link)
Many happy returns of the day, Kate! (Why shouldn't book launches be like birthdays?)

Funny, I had the same kind of 10th birthday. I wonder how common that is?

Edited at 2009-09-01 11:51 pm (UTC)
Kate Messner
kmessner at 2009-09-02 04:54 (UTC) (Link)
I think maybe it's that TEN just feels so huge and looms so large during your single digit years. How can that one day possibly live up to it?

(In fairness, both my tenth birthday and my book launch day ended up being pretty special. I just celebrated over cupcakes with two writer friends!)

Thanks for the good wishes!
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