It’s almost 5PM on Tuesday night the 7^th of February 2012 and I’m tired but excited.  Today was the official launch date of The Sausage Maker’s Daughters, and I cannot let it go by without a celebratory blog.  There have been missteps and miscues along the way, and today was no exception.  But as these last glitches (let’s hope) work themselves out and books appear beyond the internet sales sites and on bookstore shelves, I stop to acknowledge all the years, all the people, all the money, all the writes and rewrites, all the advice and criticism, all the fits and starts that apparently were necessary to bring me to this day.  Blast Off!

A bit of cosmic serendipity occurred during blast off that makes this day seem a propitious beginning.  First, it’s the full-moon of Aquarius and if you dabble in astrology like I do, you know it’s a good day for new ventures, relationships, and contracts.  That’s promising. 

 All this week, I’m celebrating the launch by visiting local bookstores to introduce myself, the Daughters, and shake the hands of the people who actually connect book-lovers and books.  Today’s visit took me to Vroman’s in Pasadena, where, in addition to the aforementioned pilgrimage, I was able to see Lisa See in action at a book event.  Lo and behold, today is the launch of her new book, Dreams of Joy.  I have the same book-launch date as Lisa See!  Very promising. 

 I watched her speak, mesmerizing her audience, and while she signed her book for me, told her of this star-driven overlap that must certainly make us sisters.  Cousins?  I asked if I could give her an advanced reading copy of my own book since our books are clearly linked by fate.  Ms. See accepted with grace.

Just one last surprise: the person managing the event at the store became excited when I showed her my hardcover book.  “You are The Sausage Maker’s Daughters?” she asked several times.  I guess the answer is: yes, kind of.  Astonished, I discovered she’d come across my title several times recently on websites and reviews, and the title fascinated her. 

Okay, I think that’s enough for day-one.