Monday, January 13, 2014

DEFY Launch Party Recap

I can't believe it's been a week since DEFY officially released! Between that and SonB's 5th birthday, it's been a whirlwind!

That was an amazing day--everything I dreamed it would be and more.

I woke up to the dulcet sounds of my daughter's fire alarm beeping at 4 am because the battery had died or something. My husband fixed it, and went back to sleep. My brain had switched on and there was no hope for me. So I got up and went to the gym at 5:20 and began responding to all of the amazing tweets and messages that had already begun to show up. Seriously, you guys MADE my day with all of your excitement for me and my book.

As I said, it was also my son's birthday, so I went home from the gym and prepared for his "surprise party." He informed us the night before that he wanted a surprise party, but I reminded him we'd already planned his party for that Saturday. So he compromised by letting us know it would be okay if we just surprised him in the morning. He told us, "When you hear me stomp my feet, that's your cue to hide in the kitchen and when I come downstairs you can all jump out and yell surprise!" So we complied with his wish. The only problem was that when we heard him get up, we all hid, but....he didn't stomp. Apparently he wanted to draw out the suspense. Eventually we heard the sound of velcro as he strapped on his shoes. Finally, there was stomping. We all ducked back down behind the island again (except for my 2 1/2 year-old daughter who kept hiding in the pantry). Well, to make a long story short, twenty minutes and a few charley-horses later, he finally came down so we could jump out and yell SURPRISE!

We did go to lunch for him, to help him feel like it was a special day for his birthday and not just Mommy's book...but my family surprised me and gave me a card and two very beautiful, special necklaces. My sister came up with the idea and my dad had them made--to match my book cover. Basically, I started crying in the middle of Sweet Tomatoes.

I rushed home to get ready for my big night, and to meet my friend, CP, and agency sister Katie Purdie because we had a very special person to pick up from the airport....

 My amazing agent, Josh Adams, flew out for the launch party!! I'm still blown away that he did that. We had a lovely, delicious dinner and then it was time to get set up for the big launch party!
 There he is--my incredible hubby, hard at work getting everything set up!
 Josh was so kind--he didn't forget my little guy's birthday. He brought him some books--which he LOVES by the way! (Yes, he insisted on wearing the crown he got at preschool all day so that everyone knew it was his birthday.)

I couldn't believe the emotions I felt as my family, friends, neighbors, authors, and even some people I didn't know personally, came to support me and to get copies of DEFY signed.

And then it was time. Whitney, from The King's English, introduced DEFY and turned the mike over to me. I started off great--for about fifteen seconds. I couldn't even get through "I can't believe I'm standing here--that this is really happening" without doing this:

(That's my I'm trying-and-failing not to cry face.) It really was just so overwhelming. I've been coming to events at TKE for years and years, but always as a supporter, dreaming of the day that it would hopefully be my turn. I just couldn't believe I'd finally made it.
 I was able to regain control of my emotions and continue, thankfully. I even read a snippet of my "premature baby" story from my Little Mermaid notebook (to prove that my bio is true!). We had a few minor snafus...such as the internet going out at the end of my Power Point presentation when I was supposed to show a little clip from FRIENDS. Cue: STALLING.

 As part of that, I had my cute little five-year-old come up so we could sing Happy Birthday to him. I wasn't sure if he'd come up or not, but he jumped right up and stood by me. That's huge for him! Of course, he sat there messing with his lip the whole time, but he stood there and I think it made him really happy. (Notice the hubs frantically working on the computer next to us...) We finally did get it to work and I was able to finish.
 I gave Josh a little gift to try and show him my appreciation for all that he has done for me... (still can't believe he came!)
 And then it was time to head over to the bookstore for the actual signing! Apparently they sold out of my books that night. That is just...wow. Thank you everyone for coming. From the bottom of my heart (or my full-sized aortic pump for those of you who were there), I can never thank you enough.
 My mom and two of my cute sisters! Some of my biggest supporters!!!
 Two more sisters on my right and a cute family friend on my left!
My sweet mother-in-law who has been so excited for me!!

 Katie, Josh, and me--team Adams Lit!!
 This guy is the reason why I get to hold this book in my hands. SO incredibly grateful for my agent--for believing in me and for getting DEFY into the hands of Lisa Sandell, my editor. I am so unbelievably lucky to work with her. All the years of heartache and struggle were worth it to get to work with both of them.
 My amazing parents. They have always believed in me and encouraged me to go for my dreams. I love you both!
And last, but certainly not least, my husband. He has never stopped believing, never stopped encouraging me, never stopped dreaming with me! He is my biggest supporter, my best friend, and my soul-mate. I'm so grateful for him and that we finally get to celebrate this moment together!

After the signing we got some dessert at The Dodo (YUM) and then called it a night. It was a dream come true.

And now it's back to real life! The day after a launch party is kind of like the day after Christmas....x10, lol! So thank you for all of your continued tweets, messages, texts, and emails--every single one means SO much to me and makes me so incredibly happy!!

Now to celebrate the release of DEFY, I'm offering a very special giveaway! Up for grabs:

 An ARC of THE SHADOW PRINCE by Bree Despain!!! Guys, this book is SO good. And the cover got changed, so this is basically a limited edition. I kind of want to keep it, but instead, I'm going to be nice and share it with one lucky person!

But that's not all! I'm also giving away a signed copy of BLINDSIDED by Natalie Whipple!! (the sequel to the fabulous TRANSPARENT)!! Such an AWESOME duology--trust me, you want this book!

To enter for you chance to win, follow the directions below and may the Rafflecopter odds be ever in your favor!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

28 comments:

ilima said...

Such a fun night! And you were perfect, as always. So glad I got to be there, however brief. And I"m not gonna lie, I'm mostly excited for my own book to come out this year, haha.

Unknown said...

I'm looking forward to reading Cruel Beauty and A Mad, Wicked Folly.

Tammy Theriault said...

look at all that! how exciting and man, you make me want to throw confetti for you!

Robin said...

Congratulations on your launch and release of DEFY! I wish I lived closer and could have come to your launch. Thank you for all the pictures of your special day!

What I'm most looking forward to this year Competing in my first triathlon.

A. Lynden Rolland said...

Love this, Sara! What a perfect day!!!

Katy said...

Congrats Sara! Looks like it was a great night. I got my Kindle copy of DEFY and just started reading it! And for 2014, I am most excited to publish the sequel to my trilogy. :)

Katy said...

Oh oops, that sounds conceited, I thought the question was just what we're most excited for in general. Didn't realize it was about books, ha! I am very excited to be reading your book, duh. Also VITRO by Jessica Khoury, which I think just came out!

Shelli said...

It looks like it was a great night! So exciting!

Shannon Palmer-Realtor said...

Looked like a great night. I loved the book!

Kathryn Purdie said...

Ah, one of the best days ever! Thanks for the recap. Almost like living it over again. I'm so glad I got to share so much of the day with you. <3

I'm most excited to read RISE AND RUIN by Leigh Bardugo this year.

Jamie said...

Such a great night! Loved your book and can't wait to read these others.

Suzie F. said...

What an incredible night! Loved hearing about your signing and the pictures that you shared. I'm most looking forward to THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY by Laurie Halse Anderson and WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart this year.

MichelleY said...

Congratulations on your release!! I am looking forward to many wonderful new memories with my family.;)

Unknown said...

I'm most excited for Cruel Beauty!

Leandra Wallace said...

Congrats, Sara! I loved getting to see these pics! And I absolutely loved your outfit- you looked gorgeous! And how neat that your agent came. Also, a belated happy birthday to your little man! =)

Haneen Ibrahim said...

Congratulations, it seemed like the perfect night :) it's such a joy to celebrate after the achievement. By the way; I love what's your wearing.

Jenny Jensen said...

I was SO SAD to miss your launch party. I couldn't find a babysitter (in order to make it to TKE on time I have to leave around 4...it's a long drive...and the hubs doesn't get off work till after six). I took both my kids to Natalie Whipple's event the week before and it was a PAIN to haul my kids around and stand in line with them and keep them from pulling all the books off the shelves. Thanks for posting pictures so I could kind of sort of be there ;) Congrats on your book! I can't wait to read it!

susanbeamon said...

looking forward to reading defy hopefully this month.

Anonymous said...

Congrats Sara!! I don't know you personally (came here by way of Michelle Argyle's blog- may be messing up the spelling there)BUT I look forward to getting to know your work. Adding DEFY to my Amazon wishlist (now). I will get it, it's just my reading addiction is getting in the way of MY writing lol so I have to pace myself.

Unknown said...

(This is Darith L )

I'm looking forward to Red Rising by Pierce Brown!

Trek said...

Loved your book! I'm looking forward to so books not sure what to put!

Lauren said...

Great book! I'm so glad i found it...I am eager for the story to continue! Love the flow, and tone of the book, truly enjoyed my escape. Thank you...I will most certainly recommend it to friends!

Ann said...

I'm most excited for The Crimson Campaign. =D

Unknown said...

Congrats on your book's release! *adds Defy to reading list* I'm excited for a lot of books in 2014, but I must admit I'm especially eager for The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski!

Unknown said...
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Emily Mitchell said...

That's so exciting! I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Book Blondie said...

Congratulations!! I know I've already told you this before, but great book! I cannot wait for the second to come out. It's nice to see the support you get from friends and family for pursuing your dream.

SHH :) said...

Super, super, SUPER AMAZING! Such a fun night and so grateful to be a part of this "dream come true!" Thanks for the sweet post! <3