The official launch of my first book exceeded expectations. Despite the inconvenient circumstances (daughter with chicken pox, last minute Plan B set/props), I was blown away by the crowd that came to support. Both close friends and acquaintances, coworkers from years past, even my hair stylist and the local librarian - all showed up for me. 

Did I stumble over words from nervousness? Yes.

Did I worry about what people would think of my writing once my book was finally out into the world? Of course. 

But did I enjoy it?  Yes!

At the launch, I spoke about my writing journey. How, in some way, it started when I was six, completing a coloring contest for the local newspaper.  How my grandmother was my cheerleader, the one person who, on her deathbed, told me two days before she died, "you have to write that book." I think she understood my passion for expressing myself through writing and how important it was for me to finish something I'd started. This book may not be the unfinished novel I'd written 80 pages of years before, but it is the finished product of my love for the written word.