Although my memoir is published and sitting expectantly in bookstore catalogues and online bookstores all over the world, my book has to be discovered before it can be read. Three book launch events have offered safe and enjoyable opportunities for me to introduce this book to potential readers.
First, my good friend Julie Trainer and her Hidden Gifts of Loss Community hosted a virtual book launch on zoom.
Next, two more good friends – Lynn and Larry Smith hosted a book launch for friends and family in my local Cowichan Valley community. The third book launch event was hosted by Lindsay Beal and Paul Vangoosen in Victoria, BC, where I lived for a decade back in the 1970’s. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Julie, Lynn, Larry, Lindsay, Paul and the hundred people who came to these events.
During each launch I had a wonderful time reading excerpts from my memoir, listening to others’ stories, answering questions and signing books. Before and after each launch I have received so many good wishes and encouraging words. People are telling me I am a very good writer of a story worth reading!
After the zoom launch ended, I opened my computer and found this email from someone who had been at the launch: “I have already purchased the paperback and electronic version of your book, and I shared your website with a friend who lost her best friend and husband of 40 years around the same time I lost my best friend and wife of 42 years. I have also shared your website with the wonderful people at the funeral home who handled my beloved wife’s memorial service last month with extraordinary grace. I wish you the best.”
After reading this email, I sat gazing into the fire, contemplating the launch event.
I thought back to what it was like for me shortly after John died when friends guided me to read memoirs and self-help books. Several of these books helped transform my off-kilter journey through my heart fracturing grief into a heroic odyssey of what I call “re-orbiting” around love and happiness
My experiences during these book launch events, and this beautiful email give me hope that Together Still will be that kind of book for many people. I hope you will watch this 5 minute clip of the Zoom Book Launch. Thank you to Julie and the Hidden Gifts of Loss Community for welcoming me so warmly.
CONTINUING LOVING BONDS 