Last weekend I celebrated the release of my debut novel with a ridiculously fun launch party. It was one of those weekends when I just wanted to hug everyone. Like, EVERYONE. Everything about it had me smiling until my cheeks hurt.
For starters, my family. They are amazing. Friday night they surprised me with an early birthday party. That was the first surprise of the night. The second surprise, my sister Amy walking in…she lives in Wichita, a good seven-almost-eight hours away from my hometown. I had no idea she was coming…and stared at her for a good ten second before my blurted “WHAT?!”
I almost cried.
(My brother is in New Jersey and couldn’t come, but he sent me a super sweet text.)
Then later in the evening my parents gave me the sweetest gift–a beautiful watch with an inscription on the back: “Made to Last ~ Our love for you ~ God’s love for you ~ 9/15/2013.”
I almost cried again.
Making the evening extra special was the presence of some of my coolest writing friends–Lindsay Harrel, Gabrielle Meyer and Alena Tauriainen. They came from Arizona, Minnesota and Texas, respectively, to help celebrate.
Then on Saturday we set up for the big party. Massive kudos to my sister Nicole who helped coordinate the shindig–you’ll see in the photos what an amazing job she did. And my parents, they went all out with decorations and food. We held the party in an old Masonic lodge turned bar turned current church property which is rented out for events like this. It was the coolest building.
Turnout was fabulous…we counted around 115 people, sold a boatload of books and just generally had a fantastic time. My editor from Bethany House, Raela Schoenherr, came down for the party–which meant SO much to me.And some of my best, best friends came from all around Iowa–Laura, Maggie, Mel, Ruby. My grandparents, who have played such a huge role in encouraging my writing journey, were there, along with Mike and Barb Redig aka best youth leaders ever. My awesome coworkers drove up from Des Moines! And just so many others…
So yeah, it was a totally sweet release party…probably definitely the only one I’ll ever have of that magnitude. Thanks a bunch to everyone who was a part of it. Want to see more fun party photos? Visit my Facebook page.
OH and it’s time to announce some giveaway winners!
Autumn pack: Sue Anderson
Coffee pack: Patsy Brock
Book pack: Shannon Redig
$25 Amazon gift card: Tom Gangestad
$25 Target gift card: Sue Nebbe
Winners, I’ll be emailing you to get addresses.
Comments 30
Looks like y’all had a great time! I’m so glad your family and friends made launching your debut novel so special. That one only happens once! Love the party decorations. So fun, just like you!
Author
You’re so right…it only happens once. I kept thinking that throughout the weekend. I loved the decorations too…and I really can’t take any credit. They were all the great ideas of my sisters and parents. And Linz, Gabe and Alena were so amazing with helping decorate and setup too!
Congratulations! We’re all so proud and amazed and impressed and excited right along with you!
Best shindig: We Nichols/Burtons tend toward the theme party. The cheesier the theme, the better. We had a really great Ugly Christmas Sweater New Year’s Eve party that was awesome. Those pictures still make my day.
Author
Haha, your parties sound fun. And thanks for the congrats!
I smiled reading this and looking at the photos. What a fabulous event. Wish I could have come.
I admit to tearing up over that inscription. Lovely.
Author
I wish you could’ve come too, Jess! You would’ve upped the laughter and fun ante even more!!
And yes, such a sweet inscription. I’ve never had such a pretty piece of jewelry either…I think I’ve worn it almost every day this week, but every day I’ve been a little nervous. My history with jewelry is sketchy… 🙂
Your launch party was the last awesome celebration I went to! I was honored to be there for all of it. Thank you for including us. I’m incredibly excited to see your writing journey unfold. I know this is just the beginning of all the amazing things God has in store for you, my friend.
Author
It was SO awesome to have you there, Gabe. You and the girls were so helpful…but even more than that, the fact that you’d all come from such a distance after just seeing me the weekend before, wow, meant so much to me. 🙂
Oh, your post made me weepy! Congratulations, Melissa! So excited for you and wish I could have gone to your launch! 🙂
Author
Thanks, Cindy! It really was a grand party.
I want the party again. It was funnnn and now it’s over:( haha
Author
Let’s throw another..we can find something to celebrate, I’m sure. You do realize, though, that from here on out in my life anytime I have a big event I’m going to ask you to coordinate it, right?
I’m sooooo glad I got to go to your party! Thanks for timing it so I could. 🙂 It was so fun to watch all of your friends and family come out to support you. And the decorations were ah-mazing!!
Author
It was so great to have you there, Linz…and to have you here in Iowa all week. I miss going on walks with you. 🙂
Melissa, I’m glad your launch party was such a huge success. Wish I could have been there. I love how you worked the theme of your book. Great job by all. Savor the memories. :=)
Author
Yes, the theme was definitely tied in well–thanks to all the people who helped out. 🙂 I forgot to mention in the post that BHP provided “Made to Last” tape measures…which is my favorite tool. (Tape measures totally count as tools, right?) So all the guests got those as party favors. Fun stuff! And yes, definitely savoring the memories.
LOVE the pictures of your party!!!! The hard hats and tool props were excellent!!! Way to go!!! 🙂
Author
Thanks, Bethany. My mom and dad and friends provided a lot of the tools. And I may or may not have spent twenty bucks on a plastic Black & Decker tool set…which I’ve since donated to my nephew Ollie. 🙂
Looks like a great time! So glad it was special for you!
Author
Thanks, Renee! It really was.
YES! Let’s throw another one! Haha and yes that will be fine, you can always count on me:)
Author
All right, we just need a reason for a party…let’s do one in November when my revisions and my proposal are done. That’s seriously a reason to pary. Also, when are we going on our road trip to a certain Christmasy city in Missouri?! Also, NTB a month from tomorrow!!!
Looks like a fun party and what a great encouragement to have the support of your family and friends. Very nice.
Author
Thanks, Preslaysa! Definitely a fun party and so many of the people I most wanted to celebrate with were there. 🙂
Looks like a fabulous party! So glad you were surrounded by such special people. Congratulations again!!
Author
Thanks, Britney–yep, definitely lots of people who are special to me. So happy they were there!
Congratulations, Melissa! Sounds like the release party was a smash! 🙂 So excited for you and hope the next book release is just as awesome for you.
Blessings,
Andrea
Author
“Smash” is a good word for it…definitely felt like it went over well and people had fun. At least I hope they did. I know I sure did!
Yay, what a great collection of photos and fun, Melissa. Happy for you! 🙂
Author
Thanks, Rissi! It was fun sharing photos of the event.