Top 10 Best Book Launch Moments of The Zanzibar Moon

Saturday 24^th June 2017 the date of my very first personal book launch for The Zanzibar Moon. It couldn’t have gone any better. My wildest dream of selling out of books happened and I have orders for more. My first fortnight’s sales have exceeded my own expectations by at least double.

Beautiful bunch of flowers from my lovely friends, at the launch of The Zanzibar Moon, 24th June 2017.

It was a modest, but lovely affair at my friends The Ashby’s home in Currumbin Waters. The outdoor room was decorated in Zanzibar theme, with flowing Arabian material on the ceiling, poster of The Zanzibar Moon on a wall, ancient lamps (at least they looked it), palm trees, tea lights, butterflies, bright kangas (African sarongs) and leopard print table runners. It was magical.

Colleen, my little helper Ella and Me with copies of The Zanzibar Moon.

Inside we had a round table filled with my books, bookmarks and a stand with a poster inserted of me and the book. This table very quickly had fewer books, but filled with congratulatory bottles of champagne, flowers and gifts (truly overwhelming). Some people knew it was my birthday (53^rd) but most were just celebrating my book. Over the afternoon I was told; “What a fabulous achievement!”, “Now I can say I know an author,”, “How did you do it all?” (as a self-publisher), “You must be very proud,”, “Congratulations you are an inspiration.”.

My cousin Mandy, Ella and Me with Sue, Katrina and Karen in the background.

I was prepared for a day of celebrations for producing a book, but the support and well wishes were stunning, enthusiastic and heartfelt. I am forever grateful for the support I received. Thank you everyone who came, particularly those who bought food as well (we ended up with plenty).

My dear friend Sam getting a book signed at The Zanzibar Moon book launch.

After spending almost two hours signing books (no I am not complaining about writer’s cramp), putting books in bright pink bags with names on (so party goers would not mix up books or spill champagne on them), having my little niece Ella as my helper and wondering what was going on with everyone outside, I finally took a break then quickly went into book launch speech mode.

Helen gave me a lovely bunch of flowers and bought a signed copy of The Zanzibar Moon. The gold bottle of wine was from Debbie and I also received one from Karen. Thank you ladies.

My husband Bevil was MC. As always he got a few laughs before leaving it to me. I know I was mainly in front of family and friends, still I was nervous. I had cue cards though barely looked at them. I wanted it off the cuff as much as possible. Of course then I forgot some major points. No one seemed to mind. I didn’t want to talk for long, so didn’t read a passage of the book (besides having contact lenses on which would have made that difficult). Then The Zanzibar Moon was launched. My son Blake recorded the event. I’ll be cringing when I see it. You should record these things shouldn’t you?

One of my most supportive friends Chrissy, who couldn’t wait for book launch day. Here we are wine and books in hand.

My brother Brad and sister Karen then gave me a gift, which Mum (away in Bali) had picked. It’s a framed version of my book poster with the date and a little plaque at the bottom which reads, “Congratulations Donna on your first published book. Love from your Family.”

Me holding the beautiful framed poster of The Zanzibar Moon with my gorgeous hubby Bevil.

That leads me to the top 10 moments of my book launch:

1. Most people arrived on time (eager) and went straight to the book signing table (wow!)
2. Those who’ve finished reading are telling everyone else how much they enjoyed The Zanzibar Moon and how good it is (please post these on-line readers, thanks)
3. Receiving my first unexpected bottle of champagne
4. Being handed a bunch of flowers (then more and more)
5. My dearest friends being more excited about the day than me. They showed much they care by setting up, cooking food, providing the venue, telling others, making things perfect and being the wonderful people they are.
6. My family coming; which included husband, son, siblings, nieces, cousins and uncles and aunties (unfortunately Mum was overseas). My other kids and grandchildren couldn’t make it either. They were in touch with lovely wishes through the day, as was Mum.
7. Selling out of all but two books (which I wanted to keep on me, as an author cannot go without her book) and having over a dozen more ordered.
8. My husband’s heartfelt speech. For a non-book reader, he is extremely supportive of what I love doing – writing.
9. Receiving the gift of the framed book launch poster. It means a lot to me that the family thought of the perfect gift, particularly Mum who desperately wanted to be here.
10. The overwhelming support. I had no idea that people would be so excited about my book launch (I’d worked in the publishing industry before and never seen a response like it). The offers of re-posting to social media, using word-of-mouth publicity, offering to sell books and every other supportive comments. Just – wow!

I may look a tad happy here. Signing books, selling books, having fun, loving life, loving family and friends and of course new readers too.

Thank you to everyone who came to the book launch of The Zanzibar Moon. The video is coming soon.