Marguerite
Active Member
G'day folks.
It's been another cool day here with the occasional drop of rain. My friend's book launch went well although I was a bit panicked when I found, three hours before, that all the signs that had been put up had been almost immediately removed by local hooligans (we think). So no advertising! I rushed around putting up signs and balloons so people could find the place, and telling everybody I met who I knew, to come to the launch. So we had about 30 people there, including the local newspaper woman who I don't think likes me very much. Then one of my very flamboyant journalist colleagues turned up with two bouquets - one for the author, and one for me! He very publicly presented us both with our flowers, kissing us on both cheeks (he's very French) and saying some very complimentary things about my work. It was interesting to see the reaction of the newspaper woman. I was grinning inside and out. I then was asked to give a small speech which I had written a few days before as a brief review of the book, so I could ensure that the newspaper woman would at least write something decent in her few sheets which she puts out once every few months. Then as I gave my speech, I noticed the latest copy of her paper - she had given an advance copy to my friend. When I had the chance, I read it - my speech was in there (unattributed) plus two chapters from the book. An entire page of an 8 page newspaper, and newspaper woman had written one sentence of it only, which was "Here are two sample chapters..." So if she dislikes me, right now the feeling is mutual.
I'm happy for my friend - she sold quite a few books, the launch was well received and hopefully there will be ongoing sales for her. There will be another launch in the city, she hasn't told me when yet. Maybe after Christmas.
Tomorrow is another day at home in the village. Probably church to begin with (take the swimsuit, if the sun comes out after church a few of us will got for a swim) then we'll look around some of the local art galleries. I have more bookwork to do, but there is a sense of relaxation about it now that the rush is off with the launch past.
Enjoy your Saturday.
Marg
It's been another cool day here with the occasional drop of rain. My friend's book launch went well although I was a bit panicked when I found, three hours before, that all the signs that had been put up had been almost immediately removed by local hooligans (we think). So no advertising! I rushed around putting up signs and balloons so people could find the place, and telling everybody I met who I knew, to come to the launch. So we had about 30 people there, including the local newspaper woman who I don't think likes me very much. Then one of my very flamboyant journalist colleagues turned up with two bouquets - one for the author, and one for me! He very publicly presented us both with our flowers, kissing us on both cheeks (he's very French) and saying some very complimentary things about my work. It was interesting to see the reaction of the newspaper woman. I was grinning inside and out. I then was asked to give a small speech which I had written a few days before as a brief review of the book, so I could ensure that the newspaper woman would at least write something decent in her few sheets which she puts out once every few months. Then as I gave my speech, I noticed the latest copy of her paper - she had given an advance copy to my friend. When I had the chance, I read it - my speech was in there (unattributed) plus two chapters from the book. An entire page of an 8 page newspaper, and newspaper woman had written one sentence of it only, which was "Here are two sample chapters..." So if she dislikes me, right now the feeling is mutual.
I'm happy for my friend - she sold quite a few books, the launch was well received and hopefully there will be ongoing sales for her. There will be another launch in the city, she hasn't told me when yet. Maybe after Christmas.
Tomorrow is another day at home in the village. Probably church to begin with (take the swimsuit, if the sun comes out after church a few of us will got for a swim) then we'll look around some of the local art galleries. I have more bookwork to do, but there is a sense of relaxation about it now that the rush is off with the launch past.
Enjoy your Saturday.
Marg