Whoo-boy! I’m still recovering from the excitement of Mother’s Day/Launch party festivities but thought it might be fun to show you some photos from the event (well, that first photo up there was styled in my house post-event because in the flurry of all that was going on, most of my pix were blurry).
Look at all those copies of Little K! We had almost 100 people at the party (though not all at once), and the credit for the success of the launch really goes to my editor and dear friend, Tegan. We had a blast scheming all the details, and she’s a party-planning genius.
We had some fun decor with ninja-themed chopsticks and napkins; origami activities kept quite a few kids busy (Sasquatch Books, my publisher, printed up Little Kunoichi origami paper with the end paper designs! Love!). I made that origami ninja star, and I’m quite proud, even if it is a little smooshed and uneven.
We had lots of goodies, of course. Tegan ordered that amazing sushi spread that was gone in a lickety-split. I provided the Japanese sweet treats and the brownies, along with the little hand-painted toppers.
I received so many lovely flowers and gifts…these beauties were from the fabulous Sasquatch publicist, Haley. I feel like I don’t mention the publisher and staff enough. I am so lucky to have stumbled upon this cozy and welcoming group. They have literally changed my life.
The event included a short reading, and K was a rock star because she helped me by holding up the book while I read and by providing insightful answers during the ensuing Q & A. I signed many, many books and my handwriting became increasingly illegible, but I did my best to include a short message on each copy.
But this! This pink dragon piñata stole the show and was the main attraction. Tegan ordered it online, but alas, it was decidedly not pink so she painstakingly glued crepe paper to transform the entire thing. I love this woman, she is a much-treasured combo of kindness + super smarts + a killer sense of humor.
Here I am, pretending to be licked by la dragon. And last, but not least, Haley sent me this video that she took of K, and it’s all kinds of awesome (note the ninja costume that she’s wearing and that’s Tegan in the purple top):
She’s using a bamboo sword called shinai that martial artists traditionally practice sword-fighting with. We also had cute little plastic samurai swords that kids took home with them. Somehow everyone was unscathed despite the multitudes of weaponry we had up on offer.
I’m still overwhelmed and realize that I’m just listing off things here, quite matter-of-fact. But my brain was exploding from the surreal effect of the whole event with so many family and friends, old and new, and I am filled, as always, with gratitude. Thank you for letting me share this once-in-a-lifetime moment with you.
P.S. I will send out emails for the giveaway winners from last week by the end of this week!
P.P.S. I’m unofficially participating in Me-Made-May — that’s a dress I made that I’ve never posted about.
Congratulations!! Sounds like a successful party and a good time was had by all. And there you are, an author! I think your man should get the little K tattoo no matter what, imo.
Thank you, Max! Can you believe it? None of it still feels real and yes, agreed on the tattoo!
What a fun party! I actually read the book out loud to my niece and nephew just last night – what an amazing accomplishment! The illustrations are amazing. So happy for you!
It was a great party — we even had sake! I’m so happy that you shared the book with your niece and nephew! I’m at the dentist right now and found out they ordered my book and it’s in the front office with Calvin and Hobbes – I love how it’s ending up in unexpected places!
That looks like a fantastic party! I want that picture of you and the dragon framed
I wish I could have been there, sending support from across the ocean!
Haha! I intentionally chose the conveniently blurred photo of me to hide the stress zits that assaulted me because of nervousness! Wish you could have been there too, Ute!
Congratulations!!!!! It looks like such an awesome, fun celebration. I can’t wait to get our copy of the book!
Yay, I know that European folks are starting to receive them and I hope it reaches you soon, Gita! It was a lovely, lovely party and I had a fabulous time!
oh yay, what a fun party! adorable decorations. my copy still hasn’t come yet, i can’t wait to read it!!!
Oh no! I hope it comes soon!! Thanks, Kristin
Hooray! I was really hoping to make it but alas the wedding dress sewing has finally taken over. It looked like it was an incredible time!
You were there with me in spirit, Morgan! I hope wedding dress sewing is going well and I can’t wait to hear about it and see photos of your gorgeous sister in it!
Congrats Sanae! I can’t wait for my copy to arrive!
Thanks so much, Marta! I really hope you and your lovely kids like it!
I love your picture with the dragon! What a fun event!
Sounds like such a fun party! I am waiting for my copy to arrive.
I wonder how long it takes for the book to arrive in India? You’ll have to let me know, Asmita!
What fun! The photo of you with the dragon is just beautiful. You look so very happy.
It was such a momentous occasion, Evie! It was actually a very out-of-body experience…I’m still pinching myself that this is happening!
yay for party-planner for extraordinaire Tegan and for your whole editorial team! What a fantastic looking party! I would have gone for the hand painted cupcake toppers alone – original Sanae art! Smiling here, feeling so happy for you that you were able to experience such an incredible time at the book-signing. The joy on your face, while licked by a dragon, is evidence of what an incredible day it was:)
The toppers were completely slapdash, two-minute affairs, so I can’t really toot my horn about them, but they were a fun little addition, I think! It really was incredible, and I’m so thankful for the amazing team and all the support I’ve gotten from family and friends (like you!). Thank you, Lucinda!
How do you pronounce the word Shugyo? My Mom was Finnish and they have a word Sisu, which might mean the same thing or similar–it is definitely wrk ethic related!
Hi Greta! Now I’m curious about Sisu – what a beautiful word! Shugyo is pronounced pretty much the way it looks “Shoo – gyou” with the emphasis slightly more on the second syllable.
Congratulations on the launch of your first (of many, I’m sure!) book, Sanae! How incredibly exciting! Wishing all the success in the world.
Thanks so much, Heidi! Your kind words are much appreciated! I’m hoping with all my might that I’ll be able to create more books. I really, really, loved (and am currently loving) the whole process.
Congratulations! What a great launch party! You look so beautiful in that photo!
Oh, thank you, Melissa! I was a happy camper that day! You should see the way I look now – hair in a frizzle frazzle and a touch too caffeinated and crazed-looking. But once I get past Saturday when I meet my latest deadline, I’ll be able to take a deep, deep breath. Whew!
Hope this is not too late to congrats you, Sanae! I feel happy for you and wish you success. Little K book looks great and fun story to read
Thanks so much, Yeka! It’s been an exciting few weeks for sure
Missed the party (wah! sob!) at QABC but picked up a signed copy. My little bug and I enjoyed it immensely! Looking forward to book #2 and hopefully another QABC party!