Greetings!

On this magical Sunday before Christmas, I finally feel like I have a moment or two to write! "Finally," indeed - it's been a month since my last entry!

Today, by the way, is not a day off - I'm working my final day at The Granada. After today's matinee performance of A Christmas Carol: Scrooge & Marley, I'm hosting the Book Group Reception.

It was my idea, I'm proud to say - after the show, several actors and the director will return to the stage and have a short discussion, a la "Inside the Actors Studio." After the discussion, Book Group members are invited to the gorgeous Founders Room, for a casual meet-n-greet, and some food, provided by local restaurant, The Chase. We've promoted this, albeit perhaps a bit late, in my mind. But I have about 25 people from book groups, coming to this show, for this event, and I'm thrilled! There may be more - who knows what groups finally read the Book Group Reception info in Thursday's Independent, or Friday's Daily Sound.

As I told my friend Irene, the Director of the SB Library - anything that has the word "Book" in it, with my name on it, I want to be a success."

And speaking of success!

Starshine and Cupcakes!, on Tuesday, December 9th, was a HUGE success! I arrived at Sullivan Goss early, to set up with Grant, who helped me immensely by running the register and handling all the book sales - about 165 sold that evening! We had a few very minor scares, before the 7pm start time, but nothing horrible, and the evening went off without a hitch.

Did I mention "success?" We had, in-and-out that evening, about 300 people at the party! Unbelieveable! I wanted this to be big, not just for me, but mostly for Starshine - and it was! She started signing books a bit before 7pm, and I had to cut the line and escort her to the microphone, about 10 minutes after our planned "event part" start time. Jerry Roberts was fantastic - he did a great intro, with some jokes and teasing, but very heartfelt support.

Starshine spoke a bit, read a bit, took some questions, and then back to the signing table. As I predicted (and hoped!), both lines were huge - to buy books and to get them signed. We planned the details quite well, I thought. John Roshell was invaluable to me - he got a "sound guy," who brought great sound equipment; that helped keep the audience's attention while Starshine spoke. Also, we all learned a valuable lesson after the last event we attended at this location - the speaker needs to up, on a platform, or a "stage." That way, all attention is focused on the speaker. John's makeshift platform worked like a charm!

We had a such a great time and it was such a wonderful and delightful surprise to see the turnout, to hear the happy and excited chatter of the crowd - they all seemed thrilled to be a part of what really felt like a fabulous and successful evening! The cupcakes were amazing! And Jen Malkin from the Independent was a fantastic partner, setting up "supplemental" food and pouring wine - all compliments of the Independent.

I've included a few photos here: John and Starshine, Starshine signing a book for Councilwoman Helene Schneider, and Starshine holding her "Star of Balloons." Another fantastic partner - Georgette Owens, of Festivities. Her balloon contribution was amazing and huge and was the frosting on the cake that evening - or perhaps I should say "frosting on the CUPcake!" This photo, by the way, appeared in the December 15th issue of Publishers Weekly. Guess who?!? :-)

Remember, you can purchase your copy of Keep Your Skirt On at local stores, Amazon.com, and http://www.keepyourskirton.com/.

As for plans for my next Launch Party - I've added a photo of my next client, Jane Heller (http://www.janeheller.com/). Clear your calendars for the Launch Party for Jane's book, Confessions of a She-Fan, February 28th, at Hollister Brewing Company, in Goleta (http://www.holllisterbrewco.com/).

Have a wonderful holiday, everyone!

K8.