The Liquid Muse

Preggatini Party™ and Book Signing – L.A.

There is so much to learn when writing a book. Writing the book proposal, finding the right literary agent, teaming with the best publisher for your project… and then actually writing the manuscript are all important things to navigate. But, the real challenge is what to do once that book is a living breathing entity. (ok, it doesn’t breathe, but its my baby nonetheless) That's when the question arises: "Its finally here, now what?"

Well, in the land of The Liquid Muse, getting that bundle of paper and ink into my hot little hands only meant one thing… promote, promote, promote! I did my first book signing at the Sutter Home Winery tasting room in Napa. That was so cool, and even some people who had seen my appearance on KRON 4, TV in San Francisco drove up to get an autographed book. How amazing is that?!

My next book signing took place in Los Angeles, and there was no better place to hold such a party than at my favorite bar store in the whole wide world, Bar Keeper. Joe and Anna Keeper were incredibly generous and gave me the run of the place, and even came in to open it up on their day off. Talk about friendship and support.

I admit that I was a little nervous when I first announced my book signing party. Some people had warned me not to get my hopes up for a big turn out, so I wouldn’t be disappointed. I sent out the emails, and nervously hoped that I could wrangle at least 20 friends to come. Low-and-behold, by the time I had over 80 RSVP’s I was thrilled, excited – and immediately quadrupled my drink and appetizer plans.

The whole of Bar Keeper was packed! I moved to L.A. in 1993, and I was truly touched to see so many friends and colleagues from the last 16 years coming in to clink (nonalcoholic) glasses, pick up copies of my book, and show their general support. Talk about a warm-and-fuzzy feeling.

Tray passed hors d’oeuvres and Sparkling Pomegranate Snowflake Preggatinis™ circulated around the room, and everyone seemed to have a good time. Laughter, chatting, mingling and happiness filled the store and the back patio, as I sent a prayer of gratitude for the good fortune to have such wonderful people in my life.

It is important to keep learning more about my business, and writing, and promoting my projects – but the most important thing I keep learning through this process is that I am a truly lucky person to have such wonderful people who are there to celebrate the little triumphs.

Cheers to you all!

Event Photo Credit: Paul Cantillon