Wait–it’s time?
You mean, today???
Even as I type these words, I can’t quite believe it. Over a year and a half has passed since I learned the amazing news that NAL would be publishing my novel, Little Gale Gumbo, on October 4th, 2011.
And now that day is finally here.
So one would think a year and a half would be plenty of time to organize the release celebration of all celebrations, right? After all, I’m the girl who loves a party. In fact, I love them so much I used to get kicked out of birthday parties at 5 and 6 years old for opening other kid’s presents! That’s commitment, am I right?
Well.
Here’s the truth, dear friends: Like my fellow Deb sister Eleanor Brown confessed when her launch week arrived, I too am utterly without a plan, without a party, without a gala. Little Gale Gumbo releases today and all I can think to do is slip into the bookstore down the street, watch my daughters rush through the aisles looking for the familiar cover like it’s the jelly bean hunt on Easter morning, then swing next door to the supermarket for a gross amount of pound candy and a cheap bottle of champagne. (Hey, it’s a school night. I’m trying to behave!)
But you know what I do know?
I know that when I first heard the incredible news of my book contract, I had no idea how many people I would be fortunate to connect with through this itty bitty thing called social media. I had no idea that I would be lucky enough to be celebrating this day, 
this book, with the amazing group of people here at the Debutante Ball.
So forget renting out a restaurant. Ditto to flying to Cancun. I’ve got you guys. Cheering me on. Making me smile. Making me laugh. Making me feel, for every minute of the wild and wondrous ride that is the journey to publication, that I am one lucky broad.
So let’s crack open the chocolate-covered bridge mix and pour some of that six-dollar bubbly, my dears. Because I’m in my happy place right now, right here.
So cheers!
And above all, my warmest thanks.
(And I can’t wait to give away a copy of Little Gale Gumbo to one commenter, so chat away everyone!)
SO happy for you, Erika — what a fabulous day that I can only imagine in my very wildest and happiest dreams! I agree, I’d probably be without a plan either, except to whoop with joy and have some cheap champagne with my family — what could be better? — and celebrate with other writers who know exactly how special this day is. Happy, HEARTY congratulations to one of the nicest writers I’ve had the pleasure to meet online! Cheers to you!!
Julia, you hit the nail on the head, my dear. I truly can’t think of a nicer way to spend this day–MOST days, frankly–than with one another. Thank you so much for coming by with your sweet wishes–if only Toots were still open, I’d ask you the favor of having a Rum Raisin cone for me! 😉
It’s such a thrill to see the first of our crew bring her book out into the world! I’ll drink to that! *cheers* (Yeah, yeah. I know what you’re thinking. Linda will drink to anything. But, honest, this is SPECIAL!)
I’m also going to stop at my local B&N right after I get my teeth scraped at the dentist (hey, I deserve a treat after my checkup, right?) to make sure they have LGG on the shelves. If they don’t, I will make sure they rectify that.
If they DO (as well they should!), I will make sure it is displayed face-out, with that beautiful cover showing to its best advantage. (I do this for all my friends’ books. It’s a little ritual I have. *grin*)
And then I’ll buy myself brand spanking new copy, because while I loved reading it on my Kindle, I want to be able to fondle the pages, too.
CONGRATULATIONS, Erika! You rock. 😀
Linda, I don’t know what’s worse–that you have a dentist appointment on my book release day or my sweet 3 yr old having to get her flu shot on her birthday Thursday! What gives?
This year is going to be one non-stop celebration here at the Ball (hey, it kinda sorta already is, isn’t it?) and I can’t think of a lovelier group of folks to share the ride with.
Hugs and thanks. (And I for one love your “ritual”–consider it my new one too!)
You’ll be happy to know LITTLE GALE GUMBO was already prominently displayed on a center-aisle table of new releases at my local B&N, so I didn’t even have to rearrange anything. I looked lovely. Wish I’d had my camera with me, but alas. Next time. 🙂
Oooo! Linda, you are the best! I haven’t yet visited the book stores (one-car household here!) so I am living vicariously through you, dear. Thank you so much for the sighting!
“I used to get kicked out of birthday parties at 5 and 6 years old for opening other kid’s presents” – hilarious!
Congratulations! Enjoy today and all that comes from it, and thank you for sharing your book with us!
Thank you, Eleanor–and I hope you don’t mind that I, ahem, “borrowed” from your wonderful release post. How was the trip to Hawaii, by the way 😉 ?
Congrats Erika!! I can’t wait to hear about all that is to come for you. I know everyone will love the book as much as I do.
Thank you, Rachel dear. Your big day isn’t far behind, you know!
Hats off my dear. No need to enter me in any give-away as my pre-order whispered its way onto my Kindle this morning. Can’t wait to read it at 60,000 feet on Friday – with a glass of something courtesy of British Airways. Enjoy the buzz, Erika, you’ve earned it!
It means the world to have you visit, Downith. Thank you, my friend.
I wonder if the kind folks at British Airways offer milk punch on their cocktail list?
Somehow I doubt it. Will try for champagne, but expect that’s not served in economy! It’ll have to be a G and T.
Nothing wrong with a G and T. Not a darn thing. Yum.
Congratulations on this big day! I loved the image of your children racing up and down the aisles looking for your book on the shelves. I bet that made the moment even sweeter.
Oh, and please enter me in the contest! I’d love to win a copy of LITTLE GALE GUMBO. 🙂
Thank you for the kind words, Madeline! I know I sound like a sentimental goofball (Wait, I AM a sentimental goofball!) but having everyone here and sharing in the day is truly a gift.
Congratulations! This may seem odd, but your post got me wondering about where you are on your NEXT project. (I know, a little strange.) I don’t know how many times I’ve heard authors say that by the time a book’s release date arrive, they’re already well into the next project. Eighteen months seems so long to wait — talk about the longest gestation period ever! Today’s gotta feel great!
Hi Lisa! Thanks so much for stopping in and bringing cheer! You are so right that by the time one book comes out another one is on its way either out the door, or close. In my case, I’m in the “close” category–and I promise to share details when it is closer to being done which hopefully will be SOON!
And I will admit 18 months did seem like a long time–and now I look back and I’m so grateful to have had that long to get to know so many people in this community. Like any relationship, it takes time to build communication, and now I get to share this experience with so many wonderful people I didn’t know 18 months ago so that’s pretty fantastic.
Whoo-hoo!! Congratulations, Erika! **party horns** I’m so excited, because I can finally start pushing your book on everyone I know! **party horns** WHEEEE!
Thank you, Miss Molly! I’m always grateful for pushing!!!
Congrats!!!!!!
Thank you, Deb Kim!
Congratulations! So exciting! I can’t imagine… Maybe someday… I’d love to enter the giveaway. Your book sounds so interesting. Enjoy the candy celebration – your girls should be proud of you!
Oh, Carolyn, thank you so much. What a very lovely thing to say. I do hope they are!
Congratulations Erika…thanks for the chance to read your fabulous novel 🙂
Thank YOU, Karen, for your cheer. It is so appreciated!
HUGE congrats to you today, Erika! I’m fresh (or not so fresh, as the case may be) off a 12hr train ride, but wanted to stop in and raise (another) glass to you on the release of LITTLE GALE GUMBO!
YAY!
…okay, off to the bath…
Welcome home, Joanne! Was the trip wonderful? But equally as important: how did the luggage hold up???
Congratulations! I’m so happy to have “met” you on social media and to be able to celebrate this release. It sounds like heading to the local book store with your family is the perfect way to celebrate. *cheers*
Thank you, Erika dear. It was a perfect day and a perfect night.
Your release day for HEMINGWAY’S GIRL will be here before you know it, lady. Which means soon I’ll be asking YOU what YOUR celebration plans are!
Don’t give me a copy. I will totally be buying one! I may send it to you for an autograph though! I’m just so far behind from the Big E that I just cannot catch up.
Congrats!!!!!! you better be drinking some wine, champagne, beer, or something to commemorate this great day.
Hi Missy!
Thank you, doll. And since you asked…We went to the store for cheap champagne and there was Jim Beam on sale. (My husband’s a Southern man so it wasn’t much of a contest.) Now I’m dropping peanuts into a Bourbon and Coke. Yum.
Now all that’s missing is some fried dough from the Big E!!!!
I wish I could have fried dough. Gluten. Ick.
What a celebration! Jim Beam, Coke, and peanuts! love it! Live Large!!
Congrats, Erika! Enjoy that candy and champagne!
Hi Sarah! Thank you for coming by–I so appreciate it! And the candy was so GOOD 😉
Congrats Erika! I just read about your book on Amazon–it sounds great, so I put it on my wish list! Love stopping by the deb ball because I always find great stuff to read!
Hi Coleen! Thank you so much–for both the sweet words AND for stepping out on the dance floor!
I agree with you–I was tipped off to so many fantastic books last year through the 2011 Debs–and I’m so looking forward to reading what’s ahead for this year.