Art, Craft, and Graft

Whew! The book is launched and I am wrecked.... Partly from standing all evening in much higher heels than I'm used to, in the effort to look nice, and partly through major cooking and preparation for the event. I overestimated the numbers, so I've lots of crisps over(not a problem, I've a birthday coming up) and a good deal of the wine. Most of the other food, some brought by my daughter Rachel and my friend Jane, was gobbled up by a wonderful crowd of friends and acquaintances.
The book was launched by Victoria Mary Clarke and John Joyce, both introduced by my husband (no problem to him, a life in amateur drama and toastmasters helped out!) The talks were about as different as two talks could be - Victoria, who has written about contacting her own angels, 'channelled' them for us and we were given warm messages of encouragement; then John gave a very clear run-down of what is required to get a book out there - art,craft and graft. Goodness, is he right!
Then I gave a short speech of thanks to everyone who ever helped, read a piece from my book and then a description of the meaning of the plaster angels in the Unitarian Church, and then we played the 'book trailer' video. That was when the roving microphone's batteries died, so as I hadn't thought to bring speakers, we were holding the laptop as near to the fixed mic as we could! There were a few laughs, so someone must have been able to hear!
Sales were brisk, my great son Andrew (watch this space for his forthcoming zombie novel...) was salesman, and each book was given to its new owner in a bag printed "authl.it/h8", so friends can easily find it online; and most exciting, one guest works in Sweny's Chemist, of James Joyce fame, and he will be stocking the book. So Dubliners: hurry down to Lincoln Place to secure your signed copy!
Pictures were taken by my 'official photographer' best friend Jane.

 With fellow authors Grace Wynne-Jones and John Joyce

 My son Andrew Gordon acting as book salesman

 John Joyce and Victoria Mary Clarke, who both spoke to launch the book

 Me, reading from Despite the Angels, and below, with fellow members of the Dalkey Writers' Workshop

Z is for...

1)Zeitgeist: I looked this up as it is such a lovely word, and find it means ‘the cultural trends of a particular period’. I’m hoping that the present zeitgeist may expand to include writings about spirit guides and past lives, so my novel will be in fashion. But my son is writing his first novel, about Zombies, he really IS in the Zeitgeist! Watch this space....

2) This is the last day of the A to Z challenge and I am off on a short break with my Mum and my daughter. We aren’t going anywhere beginning with Z, (actually we will be visiting the Alhambra, so full circle round to A!) but I hope to fit in a few zzzzs. We all need them after this busy blogging month!

3) Zingiber is the botanical name for ginger, which makes a wonderfully relaxing bath. Fill your bath with hot water and add at least a cupful of powdered ginger. Soak as long as you want - you’ll find the ginger warms you even as the water cools. Afterwards, wrap up in a towelling dressing-gown, and feel the heat seep into your bones. (put your hair up or it will fill with gingery grit!)

Have a good night’s sleep!

Goodbye for now, and thank you for visiting. Please come back, I’m not going off-air , though there will be a short break!