A Night I Will Never Forget

A Night I Will Never Forget—Recap of My Virtual Launch Party

Several nights ago I got to be a part of something that I’ll never forget. I hosted a virtual launch on FB and was overjoyed when people from all seasons of my life began showing up. We had a blast. In case you missed it, I want you to feel included, too. Here are some of the questions that were asked and how I answered them…

 
Julia Reffner asked:

Who are some of your favorite authors?

My answer:

Got a second? Lisa Genova. Elizabeth Berg. Liane Moriarty. Barbara Kingsolver. Wally Lamb. Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Anna Quindlen...to name a few.

Sarah Blake asked:

Are there any flowers you don't like? The only flower I don't like...and I mean REALLY don't like, is the Easter Lily because the smell reminds me of funeral homes.

My answer:

Carnations. Blech.

Sarah also asked:

The woman on the cover of your book is a perfect face for Daisy and Poppy BUT if your novel was turned into a movie, what actress would you see portraying them?

My answer:

O my word, that's a good, hard question! Kate Winslet. Went with my first instinct.

 Ashley Clark asked:

How long have you had the dream to write in your heart? Is it turning out the way you expected?

My answer:

Turning out TOTALLY different than I expected & I'm finding that's okay. Sort of like life! ;-) The dream seeded in me in college.

Meg Bauer asked:

What really gets you excited to write? What gets you in your creative mode?

My answer:

A character that I feel deeply for--her story bleeds into mine.

Leesa Freeman asked:

Your baskets are beautiful! I would love to know where you came up with the ideas of what to fill them with.

I had so much fun thinking about what to give away. I made a list of all the things related to the characters in THE FLOWER GIRLS. Then I went to TJ Maxx, my go-to for just about everything.

Abby Shaffer asked:

Do you see any of your children in your fictitious sisters? Or even your own sisters? I would think it would be hard to separate your own life from your book all the time.

My answer:

It all blends in. Like one big pot of stew. In this book I see more of my sisters swimming around in that stew. I'm still getting to know my girls--giving them room to become who they'll be.

Bree Combs asked:

When you write, where does the idea for a story generally begin for you
-a character (or group of characters)
-the general plot
-a setting
-something totally different

My answer:

Character + a what if question that won't let me sleep. I'll expound more if I get a chance b/c I happen to love this question.

Sarah Forgrave asked:

Do you prefer silence while you write, or music in the background? If music, what's your style/artist of choice?

My answer:

Absolute silence. Which is super easy with three kids and a puppy (and a semi-working dishwasher).

Emily Boucher asked

How did you decide on Dylan and his "Bob" eccentricity?

My answer:

I notice kids like this and I'm drawn to them. I happen to think they're adding so much to this world.

 Karen Sweeney asked:

Sounds like an amazing book...Do you provide a book club section?

My answer:

Yes, there's even an Enhance Your Book Club section at the back of the book where you're encouraged to toast everyone in your book club.

Karen Glass asked:

When you started The Flower Girls did you know how it would end?

My answer:

No. And I love that freedom.

~*~

I loved the thought behind each question and interaction. I also tackled questions about the extensive research I did on flowers and prosopagnosia and what I’d name my twins, although I still haven’t come up with an answer for that one. I revealed whether I ever had a crush on one of my sister’s boyfriends.

After a flurry of activity and excitement after announcing the giveaway winners, I concluded the virtual launch with a toast.

This message goes out to you as well…

I lift my glass to you, my readers. The ones that make me do this through the most humbling moments. The folks who make me believe there is something to this to keep pursuing, to not give up. The ones who feel my characters and know my stories. A toast to you! For changing me. For inspiring me to write and do what I love, what I'm on earth to do. You call the words forth from me. You invite the story. Cheers & good night!

*Jill Kemerer is hosting me on her blog today. Come by & say hello!