Glass Houses is out there!

It's a strange concept to think that Tori, Etta and all the cast of Glass Houses have broken free from my pc and are now out there, in book form, making their own way in the world. Obviously, now all I can do is hope that they, and their plight, are well-received. Meanwhile, I've been having a ball on their behalf.

We launched Glass Houses at my local pub last week and I have to say, the evening was right up there with the top nights in my life. Everyone's enthusiasm and support for this book, including those who could be there and those who couldn't, well, it touched my heart.

The realisation...

That isn't to say that the evening didn’t go by without incident (this is me, we're talking about) and let's just say, that this is what I've learnt for next time:

- There is no need to thank the bar staff's dog walker or the trees which were chopped down to make the book.

- Do consult index cards for reminders of the essential aspects of the speech

- Don't stop your speech half way through because you fear you're rambling (the damage is already done)

...I think I'm forgiven... also note amused friend on right!

- Do continue until you have thanked your mum, publisher and husband…

Oh dear.

Still, the 150 cupcakes looked cute with their Glass Houses wafers, if you don't mind me saying, the Glass Houses cake (my only role was in its commission) was so impressive and the 'posh pizza nibbles' provided by he who shall always now be called, 'My Wonderful Publisher' in an attempt at atonement - it is also true - went down very well. My husband's impromptu speech set up beautifully by my omission of his long-suffering support, had a touch of brilliance and will always make me smile.

You know, even though my husband, friends and family find it fairly hilarious, I think I'll always cringe with a touch of sadness that on the day, I bizarrely forgot to thank three particularly important people, not to mention my sisters who are always rushing up and down the motorway to help and generally buzz with excitement. But you know, nobody else seems to mind and my overriding memory of the evening and of this whole publishing process will be the overwhelming support and generosity of spirit of everyone: my friends, friends of friends, family, wider family, students and my fantastically warm community.  

Oh, and we also sold over 70 books – and with people bringing pre-ordered copies, I feel sure I signed over 100. To all who have bought a copy, thank you! I truly hope you'll enjoy the read (and a tear or two would make me very happy, too).