Book Signing!

Relief, joy, accomplished, thankful, and full of praise are a few words that describe how I felt once I survived my first book signing. One might think that this pivotal moment should be an exciting time in any author's career, right?

WRONG...well, maybe. Okay in my case, it wasn't. Not until it happened, anyway. Let me explain.

I was scared--scratch that--I was down right terrified to have my first book signing. So much so that I tried several failed attempts to convince my husband why I shouldn't do it. I thank God for my husband's stubbornness, persistence, and awesome ability to ignore my whining when he knows what's best for me (just don't tell him I said so). Once I accepted the fact that this book signing was happening with or without me, literally, because the hubs had already sent out invitations and there was no turning back (insert deep sigh here), I had no choice but to put my big girl pants on, and prepare for the best.

When I tell you that I had the time of my life!

I have to give it to my man, he came through in a big way. He met me halfway with the nerves by throwing an intimate event with some of my closest friends and loved ones in our own home. Now you might think that I took the easy way out, but trust me when I say that that's how bad my nerves were regarding this signing. It also boosted my confidence for the next event and hopefully several more to come.

Keeping with the theme of Spirit Lake, he ordered food reminiscent of the party scene at Jamie's condo, and I even wore a "Goonies" t-shirt to...well, you'll have to read the book to know why I wore that particular shirt. We then had the book signing followed by a book discussion for those who'd already read the book and some who didn't, but didn't mind the spoilers. They just wanted to be a part of the conversation. I was blown away by the viewpoints, and perspectives from both men and women. The readers came away with ideas that I hadn't even intentionally tried to include in the book, which was more confirmation to me that that Holy Spirit had been writing along with me the entire time.

Let me tell you, I am so thankful for what God is doing with the gift that he so unselfishly blessed me with, and that's why I can encourage all of you to walk confidently toward whatever God is calling you to do. Pay no mind to the naysayers or the "what ifs". If God has declared it, nothing will stand in your way. Be blessed friends! Muah!   

Below are some of the pictures from the evening. A big thank you to my amazing husband, Miguel, for putting everything together, niece, Adel, who worked her tail off to make sure the evening was beautiful, photographer, Max Moments Photography, for capturing the special moments, Mikey, Tammy, and Tomika for the delicious food, and all the guests who attended.

For your copy of Spirit Lake, click here!