Thursday, August 07, 2008

Launch Party - Whispers in the Dark

The past week and a half have been an absolute blur. Oh who am I kidding? The past fourteen months have been a blur. But it's finally here - Whispers in the Dark is on the shelves! Cue the happy hamster dance music and the Squee machine.

I'll be honest and say that the experience has exceeded even my wildest expectations. There's nothing like walking into my local Walmart to see my own book on the shelf (which is the picture to the left).

And I have to say that I couldn't have asked for a better release date - right smack dab in the middle of national conference. In fact, my book's official release date was the same day we presented our workshop.

As if that wasn't enough, I got to attend the literacy signing for the very first time. It was a bit of a surreal experience but what better way to lose my signing virginity than with 520 of the most talented writers? (I have to say a huge Thank You to Nalini Singh! She sat next to me and was so friendly and wonderful.) Whispers was also featured at the book fair and about Saturday morning Smarty Pants reminded me that it would probably be an excellent idea if I went and signed them all. Doh! I seriously should have thought of that sooner. All week I had trouble remembering that I was supposed to be promoting my book. I seriously need to practice that a bit. However, my kick ass first sale shoes got me some major attention which usually reminded me (how could I forget the reason for them in the first place?!?).


I'm so glad that everyone here on the playground has been on this amazing journey with me over the last year. It wouldn't have been the same experience without the excitement and support of the Playfriends and the wonderful friends I've met through this blog. So, in honor of y'all we're throwing a huge party. Indulge in the chocolate fountain, free-flowing drinks of every variety, calorie free cheese cake and cheese pizza (what can I say? I like pizza). Schedule an appointment with the masseuse and pull up a mani/pedi chair. Indulge and enjoy - I know I will!

Thanks everyone!! I couldn't have gotten here without you all.

Love,
Kira

P.S. I'm going to give away a free copy of Whispers to one commenter today so be sure to say hi!

49 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have yet to buy a copy since my mom goes to money and books for school; but that's pretty awesome to have your debut book out already!

I'm as happy for you, as a fan of this blog and books, can be :)

Jane said...

Congrats on your debut release, Instigator. I look forward to reading "Whispers In the Dark." It's a little early, but I'll have a glass of champagne. This launch party is going to be a blast.

Problem Child said...

Squeee, Squee, squee!!!

Happy Dance, Everyone!

Congrats, congrats, my dear Instigator. We're so pleased and proud!

M.V.Freeman said...

Woohoo! Go Instigator!
What can I say, I am so excited for you. (and those shoes do rock!)

And may every subsequent story flow easily from your fingertips and every plot resolve itself without sleeplessness! (My version of an Irish blessing)

Maven Linda said...

I've already had a celebratory Teeter-Totter, and my copies have arrived from Booksamillion, just in time for me to take on vacation next week. Way cool!
Enjoy this, Instigator; it happens only once.

Andrea Laurence AKA Smarty Pants said...

SSQQUUUUEEEEE!!!

Everytime I see the book in the store I get excited again and it isn't even mine. :)

Pass the champagne, baby!

Anonymous said...

Yay, Kira! But take me out of the drawing for the free one...because I got MY autographed copy at the Literacy Signing. ;-))))

Charlotte D. Margolis said...

That is so exciting. I look forward to finishing my WIP and possible sales status. Congragulation!!!!

CrystalGB said...

Congratulations on your debut release. I am so happy for you.

mslizalou said...

Congrats Kira! I already have my copy and just started reading it. I'm so excited for you! I'm heading over to one of the mani/pedi chairs right now.

Darling Geek said...

Congratulations Kira.

I'll help myself to some non-calorie-free cheesecake, because, lets face it, the other stuff just isn't the same. And this is a special occasion!

Goes well with the chocolate fountain too...

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you, Kira! I can't wait to read "Whispers in the Dark." I'm raising my glass to you while doing the Happy Dance! Yep, that's me over by the chocolate fountain ... Shine in the moment!

Jolie said...

Congratulations, Kira! You are a true inspiration to me, as would love to write for Blaze someday and was only a short way into my writing journey on eHarl when you made the announcement that you'd sold. I especially took to heart your rather long editing process. ;) I'm sure it'll take me longer. LOL

When all the confetti and balloons settle, I'd love to hear more about your journey. Think I could email you? (OMG, I can't believe I just asked that..backs out the room slowly...)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Kira! May you be blessed with many, many more! Now, party time, I would love a mani/pedi asap. Oh and a drink to go with that please.
robertsonreads

Playground Monitor said...

Sorry to be late to the party. I came home from San Francisco and promptly came down with a nasty head cold. Can one of the hot cabana boys bring me a tall orange juice? And I'd love a massage because I ache all over.

I think I was the first one to find WITD on the shelf. I promptly took a photo with my cell phone and sent it to Instigator. Naturally her phone wouldn't cooperate and she couldn't see it. So I had to send it to my email and then email it after I got home.

I was SO excited when I found it! I read it the weekend before we went to RWA and loved every minute of it. I just need to remember to bring it to our meeting Saturday so I can get it signed.

Rebekah E. said...

Congrats on your debut relaese. I can't wait to read "whispers In The Dark" it sounds like a great book.

birdzilla said...

Happy Day Sweetheart

I hope you know how proud of you I am.
Many more stories to follow because of your drive and ambition.

Brown water and ice for all (it is never to early)

Sherry Werth said...

Congratulations Kira!! I'm so excited for you!!
I have a copy of WITD so don't put me in the drawing but I will be standing in the line on Saturday to get mine autographed. :D

Have a wonderful day! I'm off to the party!

Maven Beverly Barton said...

I'm bringing my copies with me Saturday for you to sign -- one each for my girls and me. I remember the euphoria that is part of seeing your first book on the shelves. Savor every delicious moment. These are once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Angel said...

I had my copies signed too. I'm so excited!!!! I made a total fool of myself in Waldenbooks telling the teeny bopper sales girl that you were a local author and close friend. They needed to get more copies! She just looked at me like I was crazy, but I didn't care. :)

Chocolate fountain? Cheesecake? Yessir this is a party, alright. I'll hand out some Krispy Kremes fresh off the conveyer belt!

Angel

Rhonda Nelson said...

Congratulations, Kira!!! You'll be happy to know that I did some "creative shelving" in our local Wal-mart for us this month. :-)

I am so very thrilled and so very happy for you. Hugs!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Congrats on you debut book. I love to read debut books by new authors. I haven't seen your book anywhere yet, but will start looking for it.

Katherine Bone said...

SQUEEE! Sorry I'm late to the partay! Had to rush out to get some Port and those delicious Regency snacks. Port is my newest vice now. Yes, I'm casting aside my pirate ways and drams of rum for this shindig.

Raise your glasses high everyone! Let's toast the best new first book in town. *ka-ching*

Congrats, Instigator!!! I'll be bringing my copy for you to sign on Saturday too. ;-)

Katherine Bone said...

Ah, forgot to mention I'm doing a pirate jig for ya. Yep, I could do Lord Byron's Maggot, The Hasty Wedding or that Spring Thistle-like dance but a pirate jig is lots more fun!!! :-)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Joe bought out the Wal-mart in Madison on his lunch break last week and I read the entire book this weekend. I really enjoyed the story and could not wait to find out how it would end- the highest praise I can give to a book!

I am looking forward to many more. We are all very proud of you!

Beth

Lynn Raye Harris said...

Congratulations, Kira! I'd a been here earlier, but I've been sicker than the proverbial dog. Slept all day yesterday. Wanted to sleep all day today. :( Marilyn, sorry you got the cold too. Hope you didn't get it from me. :( I think a lot of us have it, unfortunately.

Kira, enjoy this feeling. I'm bringing my copy of WITD Saturday for an autograph. :) Don't worry, I won't be contagious. I just hope I'm upright.... :/

PM's Mother said...

I won't whisper it in the dark, but I'll shout it from the rooftop, "CONGRATULATIONS KIRA!"

Since you are now a published author, I will use my influence with Playground Monitor to be lenient with you with your next playground infraction. After all, you are the Instigator!

Susan said...

Congratulations on your debut release! You must be on cloud nine!

Angel said...

Hmmm.... I see Kathy learned lots at Nationals. I heard she really enjoyed her port and wine while she was gone. Her family will find her corrupted, I'm sure. :)

We're such a good influence, aren't we?

Angel

Debra Glass said...

Congrats on your new release Kira!

Cherie J said...

Congrats on the release! How exciting! I can't imagine just how excited you are right now. So happy for you.

Katherine Bone said...

Oh Angel! I did have a good time tasting wine but my love for Port stems from the Historial Conference when I got to taste Port, Sherry, Brandy, Muscala (sp), and Marsala. Got a bit into my cups that day. When I met up with Lynn, I was a bit giggly. :-) But I had ever so much fun making new friends. Of course, never let it be said that a dram of rum won't cure what ails a pirate...

Ah, I be lovin' a partay. Where's the Captain? Is he still doing magic tricks at the pier?

Kira Sinclair - AKA Instigator said...

Thanks everyone for sharing this day with me! I'm sneaking in from the office...hopefully no one will notice that I'm indulging instead of working. It means so much to hear that so many are excited about this book and have enjoyed reading it.

Jolie, I'd love to hear from you. You can email me either through my instigator email on the playground or through my Kira Sinclair site.

I love you, Zilla :-) Thank you for sharing today - and this entire journey - with me.

Beth, (who happens to be my wonderful sister in case y'all didn't already know :-)) that means a lot to me. I'm glad you enjoyed it. And thank Joe for buying them all and for the picture of my book on our Wal-Mart shelf.

Instigator

Anonymous said...

That's so cool!

Katie

Katherine Bone said...

E-gads, there's a stampeed for the chocolate fountain. Make way!

Katherine Bone said...

The euphoria of Port is fading. Where's Capt. Jack and the rum?

Captain Jack said...

Rum? Did someone mention rum?

My sincerest congratulations to the Instigator on the occasion of her first novel's debut.

Your humble servant,

J. Sparrow

Cheryl said...

Congratulations! I'm so thrilled for you! And it looks so pretty there in its rightful place. I'm sure I'm gong to enjoy reading it too.

Cheryl S.

Katherine Bone said...

Jack!! Meet me by the chocolate fountain so we can 'whisper in the dark'. :-D

EllenToo said...

Congratulations on the release of "Whispers In The Dark" and getting to join the 520 writers at Nationals.

Julia said...

Congrats, Kira!!! It's been such fun to see you celebrate your first book... I hope this is the first of MANY!!!

Unknown said...

Congrats on the release!

Kammie said...

Congratulations to you! I'm so happy for you!!

Angel said...

Hmmm... so Jack sneaks in after I have to go on child duty, huh? Just my luck.

Congrats on your happy day, Instigator! We love you.

Angel

Jolie said...

OMG, seriously? *fanning myself* I'm starstruck! :P

amy kennedy said...

I am so excited for you--take my name out of the running too--I want to buy the book. It was so cool to meet four of the five in San Francisco.

Can't wait for the next playfriend to have a launch party!

Barbara Vey said...

I'm way late to the party, but I brought my own Diet Coke.

Congrats Kira! I sent your book to my house, so it will be waiting for me when I finally get home.

tetewa said...

Good luck on the release, sounds like you had a good time at the conference!

Avery Beck said...

I'm so, so late...only been home 5 days and still catching up. Huge congrats on the release, and I really enjoyed meeting you and the rest of the playground crowd in the bar. :-)