ISWG: A Love Letter to Stories: Planning a "Quiet" Book Launch

When my kids were young, I looked forward to creating the cake that matched whatever their current interests were—usually an animal for my youngest, and something scientific for my oldest, like a beaker cake. And then there were tons of themed games, of course, like making our own baking soda volcanoes or my version “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?” 

I’ll never forget these parties—and I hope they don’t either. 

A geode cake from 2025

 

Insecure Writer’s Support Group Question

On the first Wednesday of the month, I am part of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, a wonderful community of authors who share the ups and downs of the creative life. It’s a place to share our hurdles and celebrate our small victories.

Since I love parties, I was thrilled when I saw this month’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group question: 

What elements do you include in your book launch? Or what do you have in mind for your future book launch? Or what advice do you have to offer to others planning to launch a book?
   

My Launch Party Plan:

What I’d include (in-person): 

This is the party I’ve dreamed of ever since I decided I wanted to pursue my writing. Of course, we’d have themed snacks! For my upcoming book, where food plays a huge part, that would be tea, cookies, and cute sandwiches. Maybe some watercolor bookmarks and crafts for the kids. A reading of my first chapter or two. A cake with minty frosting and flowers for decorations. Something Anne would love.

My dream launch!

What I’ll likely do (virtual):

But of course, what’s more practical is to have a virtual launch. I have ideas for that too! Although we might have to bring our own treats, I’d love to have online bingo and book trivia, draw or paint something together from the book, a reading, and a discussion of our favorite parts. 

Photo by Sergio Dominguez on Unsplash

 

Why:  

My book is my love letter to my favorite book, the time I spent homeschooling, and my community. I also hope this will be a time I can celebrate with my beta readers, family, and friends, who supported me with encouragement and honesty. Most of all, I hope that readers who have struggled with fitting in and finding true friends will see themselves in my book.  

My oldest friend Gail

Encouraging Quote for the Day:

Lately, as I’m finishing up edits, I’ve been thinking a lot about  L.M. Montgomery as I just read her first set of journals.

 

When Maud found out Anne of Green Gables was to be published, she celebrated and said, “I cast ...ideals to the winds and made my ‘Anne’ a real human girl.’” I hope I have done that with my main character.

My favorite book

Writing Advice from Max: 🦴

My tip for book launches? Make sure there are lots of dog cookies. I especially like ones with frosting on them and “Good Boy” decorations. I may not attend an in-person party, but I will show up on the camera if you do a virtual one. 

Max is a very encouraging beta reader. :)

Notes from the Front Writing Porch:

What is your favorite way to celebrate completing a big project or a big win? Maybe it's your book, short story, play, or poem? Or maybe it’s planning a graduation, finishing a quilt, or celebrating the first sprouts of peas coming up? 

I’d love to hear how you celebrate your high points in the comments.

P.S. Speaking of launches... I have a very special 'launch' coming next month! My new professional website is almost ready, and I can't wait to give you a tour. My web developer (a.k.a. my wonderfully talented hubby) has transferred all my old posts over, but I will still leave links here so you can easily access them. Watch this space for updates!

*If you currently follow me here on Blogger, please subscribe via follow.it to continue to follow me after the move.

If you'd like to read more ISWG posts or sign up, please go HERE. You won't be disappointed.