Greetings from Paradise!

What a week - I was immersed in book events, and I couldn't be happier! I felt in my element, that's for sure.

First up, the second annual Santa Clarita Valley Scholarship Foundation AfterWORDS event (http://www.scvsf.org/)! What an event this was - truly special. Last year, as a Borders person, I helped the organizers kick off the first AfterWORDS in great style. This year, as a freelancer, I worked like crazy to make year two work as well as the first year. And I'm please to say, AfterWORDS 2009 was a fantastic sequel!

Cursed event - that's what my AfterWORDS partner Linda called it. And perhaps, in a way, it was...a bit. Bookended by personal tragedy (not mine, but still - close partner to the event), with not one but two date changes, this plucky little event staunchly kicked off on March 7th, with all the best intentions. And it stood on its own, fun, fabulous and profitable.

Four of the five original authors were there, standing tall, interesting and compelling. My pal Cathy Silvers couldn't make if after all, but my great friend David Lawrence (http://www.chefdavidlawrence.com/) took her place with professionalism, aplomb, and a wonderful sense of fun and mischief. He, as always, sold out; although I was only able to secure about 13 copies, I'm just thrilled we had any at all!

I've done many events like this, but honestly - this one was one to remember. The vibe, the feeling in the room...unmatchable. The audience oozed love and interest and support. The authors were all wonderful and a revelation to the crowd. They all were connected in some way, to each other, as Harley Jane Kozak (www.harleyjanekozak.com)pointed out. And those connections, the fact that all of them had met one or two of the others before (thanks to me!), really made for a casual, easy-going and stressfree event.

On top of which, since I stayed with David over the weekend, I was able to indulge in some wonderful meals at the hands of my good buddy, the professional chef! And many thanks to Allan, who ran my register and took that concern off my mind! Allan - couldn't have done it without you, my love!

I've include some photos here. And the websites:

http://www.joshconviser.com/

http://www.marapurl.com/

http://www.seldenedwards.com/

AfterWORDS group photo.

Josh and David at AfterWORDS.

Another great event in Paradise - K8.

Post-Launch Party Report

Greetings from Paradise!

Yesterday, the Take Me Out to the Book Launch party was, to say the least, a huge success!

We had such a great time at Hollister Brewing Company (http://www.hollisterbrewco.com/)! I got there early - it's easier to be nervous at the venue, rather than nervous at home. But there was no need for nerves.

HBC had the section all set up, and when I arrived, Larry was working the popcorn machine. We started a bit early - two attendees got there about 2:45pm, from Solvang. One woman wanted a signed copy for her new daughter-in-law. Seems her son proposed to her while at a Yankees game, and she thought Jane's book would be a great birthday gift for the She-Fan in her own family!

I was so thrilled to see Tab Hunter striding in at 3pm - he's a delightful, wonderful person, and he was such a huge hit! He chatted with folks, met some new friends, and was supportive of Jane and her book. How funny, to see this Damn Yankee and the She-Fan, together!

Tab was gracious as I "interviewed" him - he said, "I'm really looking forward to reading Jane's book!" Jane, after I introduced her, cheerfully recounted the REAL first time she met Tab Hunter - as a young girl, her mother took her to the legendary Sardi's. There, at the next table, was Tab Hunter - at the time, one of the hottest actors in Hollywood. At her mother's urging, Jane shyly approached her favorite actor with a Sardi's menu for him to sign. Funny...small world, isn't it?

(Jane discusses her book, next to the She-Fan Beer Tasting table.)

All told, in and out for the two hours, I'd say we easily had 100 people there. Bill Pintard, the coach of the 2006 and 2008 champion Santa Barbara Foresters was there, local writers such as Gayle Lynds were there, and of course, fans of all sorts were there. I had a wonderful time, bopping around, chatting with fans, sampling the ballpark snacks served by HBC, and just keeping an eye on everything.

I think it's safe to say that a great time was had by all - mostly because this event was different. It wasn't your usual "booksigning in a bookstore" event, and that's what helped make it unique, interesting and fun.

That, and of course, free beer. What sports fan doesn't love that?

See you at the ballpark - K8.