The Perfect Book Launch

My cousin's sweet boys with their copes of "I Made the Earth"

Every Christmas, Ryan and the kids do a theme gift for me. These gifts often come with an illustrated story featuring a character named “Little Bear” who is on some sort of an adventure. The gifts are the things he’ll need for his adventure. Or in the case of 2021, all the gifts were themed after Ecclesiastes 3: a time to plant (wildflower seeds), a time to throw away (replaced something broken in the kitchen), a time to die (actually it was “dye” and they got me a box of Clairol #50), and my favorite, a time to be born (a sweatshirt with the Wren and Bear logo which is the imprint that’s publishing “I Made the Earth”).

The theme gift this past Christmas didn’t disappoint. The theme was “The Perfect Book Launch”! They took me through a day where I’d be doing a book event. My presents were so fun:

1. A new set of spatulas for making eggs (so I have a good breakfast).

2. Coffee

3. My favorite lipstick

4. Clinical Deodorant (for obvious reasons)

5. Mints

6. Sharpies (for signing books)

7. A ring light (for video calls)

8. Dark chocolate for the drive home.

9. Make-up remover

10. Bath Salts (for an “after the event” bath)

At the time, March 14 seemed so far away, but here we are! Today is release day for my debut picture book, “I Made the Earth”. And although the contract happened quickly for this book, there’s always a year to 18 months of waiting for release day. I’ve told people it’s a lot like having a baby. There are so many things to do to prepare and so many unknowns your first time. I’ve read books and asked lots of questions, but like a baby, nothing can prepare you for the exhilaration of seeing the book for the first time and sharing it with the world.

My launch started last week when, suddenly, people were texting pictures of their books which were arriving! That was a day I literally couldn’t come down from. I had a lot of things on my to do list, but I mostly flitted around the house in excitement. Seeing kids smiling and holding my book was just the best feeling in the world.

So, what is the perfect launch? Well, I don’t think any launch is without some bugs, but if the book is in the hands of kids, that’s a great launch. If parents choose to pick up my book for a bedtime story, that’s a great launch. If people are willing to talk to me on their radio shows, podcasts, and blogs, that’s a great launch. If kids marvel at God’s creation, that’s a great launch. If God blesses it, that’s a great launch.

If you don’t have the book yet, you can buy the book from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook, or online at End Game Press.

Come celebrate with me on Saturday (3/18) at my launch party. (At the Venue at Grace Fellowship from 10:00am-12:00pm) I’ll be there selling and signing books. We'll also have snacks and a fun raffle for the kids. See you there!

Thanks for being a part of the perfect book launch!

Blessings,

Shannon