Peek Inside: Surviving Sue – Launch Party
Book signings, launch parties. Fun stuff! Now that I’ve crossed that threshold, “Surviving Sue” is officially in the world. The opportunity to celebrate with friends and family was wonderful and overwhelming. Join me as I share a few photos and insider info.
The Venue Matters: The launch party location couldn’t have been more perfect. Known as “Barrington’s White House”, the 1898 Classical Revival mansion has been painstakingly restored to its former glory as a venue for celebrations of all sorts. Thank you to my dear friend Laura for all of her advice and wisdom about the venue…and everything else. 
Fun fact? I was a frequent visitor to the house when I was a punky high school student. The house fell into disrepair and the ramshackle shell that remained was subdivided into small businesses, one of which was a Xerox copy center that I frequented often. Late assignments and all…in the pre-digital age when actual hard copies of everything were required. Including homework. 
Thanks to community-minded preservationists, the old girl was lovingly restored a few years ago. This week I stood in the corner of the foyer several times and I swear I caught a glimpse of my sixteen-year-old self, reflected in the old lead glass.
The People Matter: My terrific publisher and his lovely wife attended. What I didn’t know until a few weeks ago? We have mutual, longtime friends. (I’m talking 30+ years). Chit-chatting about my book with my friend Irene, she casually noticed the name of the publisher on my book. “Wait, wait, wait!” she screamed. “Your publisher is ‘Rick’? Like – our friend Rick?” Life is not random. There are layers there that could commandeer this entire post, so I’m moving on. Here are a couple of photos from the signing table. Meet my author friend, Bruce, publisher Rick and one of our guests, Tammy:
Friends who love you will text you on your big day to send encouragement and it wasn’t an idle remark when they say they’d be there if they could. I felt it. My phone was chirpy all day as I received text messages and calls from dear ones who’ve been important parts of my life and are proud of me. I loved every single outreach. Friends who are family…mostly chosen family in my case… show up with bells on. Dear friends who know me and love me anyway…opening doors, providing support, reminding me that my book is worthy, impactful. I had a circle of smart men and women around me doing just that…in the planning stages and during the event itself.
Friends who drive hours and hours just to attend…just to offer an embrace and a whisper, “I always knew you could do this.” 
Friends who realize you forgot to sign their copy of “Surviving Sue” and request drive up service. A new-fangled book signing method? Pancake house parking lots! Why not!? 
Magic Moments…when our daughter said she also wanted to speak at the event, to talk about the importance of “Surviving Sue” as a tool for intergenerational healing, I was nervous. I’d already packed a box of tissues to have on hand, just in case. Between her remarks and the loving goodness from my dear ones Laura and Linda? Sucking back tears isn’t one of my talents and I ought to learn how not to contort my face in public. Thank goodness for the hubster (Paul) and ‘dear daughter’ (Delaney). Aren’t they adorable?
Food and Fellowship Matter. Although I was too busy and anxious to eat, the caterers were amazing. Food and friendliness galore. Even better? I had beautiful encounters with catering staff members who also bought books. “Your story touched me as you spoke. My family has challenges, too. I can’t wait to read.” Micro-bursts of meaningful conversations unfolded as I signed books and wished readers well. Overwhelmed by the interest and connections we humans make as we forge bonds over shared experiences.
The afterglow is real. Thank you for your continued interest, for reading and for sharing reviews and comments (on the “Surviving Sue” page). I’ll have some good news to share soon about the eBook, so watch for that.
Vicki 
P.S. My post on Heart of the Matter this morning is all about an empathy moment that followed the festivities...a reminder about simple, everyday goodness and the importance of caring for one another. 
