Tonight is the night!
I wonder how many will show? What if it’s just me? It probably will be just me, look at this weather. Oh, and another cancellation text, look at that.
Speaking of this weather, this silk press is going to have to hold.
Okay, cheesecake, sparkling cider, copies, guest book, playlist…Check, check, check.
No matter the turnout, I will have curated an event, and maybe the bookstore staff can help take some nice pictures…
These were all of my feelings come Wednesday, February 18th, 2026. Nearly two full years since my first poetry collection, velvet, was published. I had gone back and forth on whether I should even host an event for it. I was certainly proud to have published it and received very promising reviews but since I had given birth somewhat recently at the time and going through the motions with work and grad school work, I put off the idea at the time. Maybe the next book. Maybe when the kids are older and can appreciate an event for mommy, or at the least, a more kid-friendly book.
Fast forward to about 3 months ago I had an urge. Why not? Just do it. It was a special, intimate piece of work and deserved a celebration. So, why not? I got to doing all of the things to prepare – I contacted the bookstore where I hosted my first book launch back in those COVID years, I promoted and reached out to people I haven’t spoken to in years, I designed and got into writing and creating mode.
Then, February 18th came. Honestly, I had a number in mind of who would show and I was correct. Two people showed up for my event. Well, if you don’t count the bookstore staff which brought my attendees to a solid six. Yet despite the low turnout, it was a lovely evening. I planned the evening to be one where mingling, sweet treats, romantic instrumentals playing in the background were interspersed with my poetry readings and talks of the creative process and inspiration and Q&A’s.
It was a pleasure speaking about my work. It was a pleasure seeing my attendees speak appreciatively of my setup, the music, the lines of my poetry that struck them and the conversations of the going ons of the city. I didn’t have the turnout but what I received was far better, I imagined an experience and might I say, did a fine job of creating it.
I left the evening with some great pictures, memories, and sights on hosting another event. There are some projects in the pipeline. There is still more to come and I am excited to see it unfold.
