Last Friday night, I celebrated the launch of my second novel ‘Echoes of Drowning’ at the most incredible venue in the Wiltshire countryside – Burderop House.
This venue is my grandest by far! In the past, I’ve used hotels and a business centre.
I was joined by many of my friends, and people who have previously bought my books on the night to celebrate with me. The whole evening was absolutely joyous and I’m grateful to everyone who came along.
At one point in the middle of reading a section of the book to the audience, I paused (for dramatic effect for what was coming next), and the complete silence in the room almost threw me. You could hear a pin drop everyone was so quiet. It was a weird moment, to realise that all of these people were focussed on my words that had come from my imagination.
So, why do I have a book launch, because several of my bookish friends don’t bother?
5 reasons:
*To celebrate my achievement. I’m proud that I’ve managed to write stories that people want to read.
*To thank the people who have helped me with my research – because I always give them a mention.
*To share the reasons why I write, and how I go about it. My best friend is a PR person who is amazing, and I’m always grateful to have her by my side. She interviewed me about the book, and then opened the questions up to the room – and people asked quite a few questions, which I always enjoy answering.
*On this occasion, I had a ticketed event, due to it taking place in someone’s home. All of the monies from the entry ticket went to a charity of the home owner’s choice. So, everyone who came, helped his charity too.
*The very last reason was to actually sell books – and some people chose to buy a book, alongside their entry ticket.
I know that some of the people who bought books on the night have already read them, which is also very encouraging.
A launch is a great way to engage with your readers. They like to know why you’ve written that particular story; what research you had to do; which characters are your favourites and so many more things. They like to be able to ask you questions.
Also, I love meeting people, so for me, it’s lovely way to get instant feedback about previous books, or other thoughts that people have about writing and reading.
The next day one of my guests, Naz Ahsun, also a published author, posted this on her Instagram.
‘What a wonderful book launch with friend and author Lis McDermott and her book ‘Echoes of Drowning’. Lis is an inspiration and she lit up the room with her passion for sharing writing and sharing the stories she creates. For her, writing is not about fame or money, but about joy. What a wonderful reminder especially for any writer who gets lost in comparison or writing that bestseller or winning awards. When we are lost in those thoughts of the future and what ifs, we forget the joy writing brings us and our passion for telling stories and you can’t put a price on that. Thanks for helping the writers in the room remember why they chose to write in the first place’.
I loved that this is what she took from the evening and it validates exactly how I felt about the event.
I’m still buzzing from the wonderful night this week. Now, to get the book out there!