Party! Party! Party!

I love a party as much as the next 46-year-old father of two young kids who never gets enough sleep. I like to throw back a few beers, talk over loud music until my voice goes hoarse, and pretend that I'm not going to be awoken the next morning at an ungodly hour by one or both munchkins jumping on my bed.

I'm just not used to being the reason for the party.

But before I published my book, a collection of short stories called, (C)rock Stories: Million-Dollar Tales of Music, Mayhem and Immaturity, my wife and her mother talked about having a launch/signing shindig for me. And I agreed it would be a great idea. I still think it's a great idea, although it seems a bit weird.

Being held this Saturday, April 16th, the party celebrates the fact that after 10 years of on-again, off-again work, I finished my first book. It's also a good excuse to get together with people I haven't seen in a long time, as well as those who I see more frequently.

And, of course, sell (and sign) some books.

It's going to be similar to my wedding day, in that I'll know almost everybody there, and they'll all be there to see me. I don't always know how to handle congratulations and praise (and, who knows, maybe the odd brickbat), but, hey, there are worse problems in the world, right?

I'm trying to not get too anxious about reading in front of the 45-50 people who will be there. I've recorded a few short readings and posted them on Facebook, but sitting in front of my computer is much different and much less stressful than standing on a stage with a microphone.

I think I'm going to read from "Son of a Son of a Tyler," a story about a guy who claims to be the bastard son of Aerosmith front man (and "American Idol" judge) Steven Tyler.

I'll report on the event in my next post, which likely won't come for 10 days or so, as my family and I are going to NYC for four days next week.
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Published on April 14, 2011 09:32
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message 1: by Lindsay (new)

Lindsay Mawson Good luck with the party! You deserve it after all those years of working on the book. I, too, am not great with taking praise--I usually just shrug it off with a shy, "oh, thanks" (does that seem ungrateful??).

Don't worry too much about reading in front of your guests--I'm sure they're more concerned about hearing the story than anything else (I'd be worried I couldn't get the tone of voice right, or my dyslexia would get the best of me).

Definitely going to have to put your book on my to-read shelf!


message 2: by Dave (new)

Dave Thanks, Lindsay.


message 3: by Elisabeth (new)

Elisabeth Nelson Can't wait to hear about the party! Have a good time in the city!


message 4: by Dave (new)

Dave Well, I'm in New York, using Doubletree's Internet access. The party was fantastic, way better than I could have imagined. Held it at an Irish bar (The Skellig) in Waltham, MA, and the food was really good, the turnout was impressive, and my reading went amazingly well.

AND, I sold 33 books!


message 5: by [deleted user] (new)

The party was great. It was a perfect match of setting and material.

33 books -- awesome!

One thing I envy about younger people -- they don't appreciate how nice a smokeless bar is.


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