I was finally persuaded. I didn’t really want a book launch. A few months ago there was a minor riot here in Jersey when Katie Price did a book signing. If I was to arrange a book signing in Waterstone’s the only riot would be one of customers trying to leave.
But my wonderful employers have given me use of our building here in old St Helier. The atrium created by an imaginative redevelopment of an old merchant’s house and courtyard makes an ideal venue for little events such as this. And with my creative colleague Lucy in the driving seat arrangements are well under way. Tess of Portelet Manor will make her public debut on 30 April.
Flyers have been designed, printed and distributed around town. Email invites have been sent. The greatest fear of course is that no one will come but we’ve had a nice response so far.
This is most definitely not a money-making exercise. The wine, nuts and crisps will cost more than likely book sales but (to me) that is pretty irrelevant. It will be a pleasant opportunity to meet a few people, chat about books and writing, and to showcase our offices.
As well as Tess I’ll have copies of A Jersey Midsummer Tale for sale and Barry as a giveaway, whilst stocks last.
Doyenne of local authors Daff Noel will be saying a few words and I’m delighted about that. Among the glitterati that are expected to attend are the Bailiff Sir Philip Bailhache (Jersey’s no.1 citizen) and Steve Pallett, Connetable of St Brelade in whose parish the novel is set.
My reluctance is gone and I’m rather looking forward to it. If you’re local and haven’t received an invite please do rock up from 5.30 a week on Tuesday and have a glass of wine, no obligation to buy.
In any event I’ll report back here and let you know how it all went and if anyone turned up!
How exciting! Enjoy every single minute of it. How I wish there were still flights from Waterford to Jersey and I’d be over in a shot.
LikeLike
Thank you Jean. Not much at Waterford Airport but tumbleweed these days is there?
LikeLike
Well, how sorry I am not to be on Jersey to attend this wonderful event! I feel that you will not be left with bowls of uneaten crisps (they ARE Tayto’s?) and nuts. If I were able to attend I would see to it that not a drop of wine would go unappreciated! I bet it will be a case of ‘Katie Price (who?), eat your heart out!’
LikeLike
Ha ha! I don’t think Taytos travel well SV. It’s nice to have a launch if for no other reason than to show people that print books are still alive and kicking.
LikeLike
I think you are wise not to be concerned about making every penny back on book sales. You are making an investment. My sister always puts a lot into her art openings, with wine and cheese, and all kinds of treats. She also has postcards printed with the image of one of her paintings, and sends them out to individuals as invitations. Maybe you could do that with the cover of your book on the front of the card. Her openings have become celebrated events, she always draws a huge crowd (and most of her shows sell out too). Beat of luck with your opening, and with your writing!
LikeLike
Thanks Naomi. Your sis sounds as if she’s got it right. I suppose I don’t want to appear a ‘big shot’ therefore the rather low-key affair. Thanks a mill for your good wishes.
LikeLike
How exciting – I wish was on Jersey – I’d definitely come. Enjoy the day, good luck!
LikeLike
Thank you Jenny!
LikeLike
How cool is that, Roy. I’m reading Tess right now on my iPod Touch. The frustrating part is that I haven’t figured out how to skip ahead to find out what happened to Robin. 🙂 I hope your book signing goes super well. p.s. I wouldn’t give Barry away for free!!!
LikeLike
Thanks Jane – I’m still at the stage where I’m happy to hear anyone at all is reading my books. But I enjoyed writing Tess and I hope that comes through to the reader. Barry has always been a giveaway though I put a token value on the Kindle version.
LikeLike
So much fun! I’m coming over. Just kidding, I’ll be there in spirit. Have a blast, Roy! : )
LikeLike
Ah you’d be a great guest Britt. My guest speaker Daff Noel is a proper chatterbox and I could see the two of you getting on brilliantly. Thanks for the good wishes.
LikeLike
Have a nice time! It’s exciting that Tess of Portelet Manor will be out soon. Congrats!
LikeLike
Thanks AMB. It’s been out for a few weeks but hopefully this will give it a bit of a boost, locally anyway!
LikeLike
Delighted to be invited thanks Roy.
Sent from Clo’s iPhone
LikeLike
Look forward to seeing you Clo!
LikeLike
How exciting! Congratulations! I hope you’ll post some pictures for those of us who aren’t local. Enjoy and be proud of your accomplishment!
LikeLike
Thanks for you support Jill – it’s certainly a new experience.
LikeLike
YAY! I love book launches! Make sure you take heaps of change (because people WILL buy your book) and have a great time! 😀
LikeLike
Thanks for the optimism Dianne. This is Jersey and people will forget their money, drink all the wine and eat the nuts and crisps 🙂
LikeLike