As promised, I'm back to tell you about the Official Book Release Party for Texas In Her Own Words. We held it at Hills Cafe, Saturday, March 4th.  First of all let me tell you I had absolutely no expectations about how the day would turnout. I just didn't want to have a big fiasco with all kinds of problems. I really didn't allow myself to think about how many books I'd sell or how many people would show up. I had been so consumed with getting the book done and to press--biting my nails to the second knuckle, praying the books would arrive in time for the party I was already promoting. Leave it to me to have a bunch of people show up and there's no books for them to buy.  Believe me, I was having that vision.

 As it turned out, I got to Hills at 11 o'clock and met with Cheri Fox, Hills Special Events Planner. She was superb. She had everything ready and the logistics all worked out. We set up the signing table. I had noticed a lady eating her lunch in a booth across the room. Just as I changed into my Texas Flag shirt, Zee, my wife brought this lady over and asked if I would sign four books for her. "Why, of course.", I said. That was at ten till twelve. From that moment on until 3:20, I signed books non-stop. People starting showing up and and lining up.  The only time I got out of the chair was to stand up and take pictures with friends, family and people I interviewed who are in the book. It was amazing.  I wasn't counting the number of books I was signing--never thought to do that--but it seemed to be a lot to me.

  At one point, my book designer, Tami, leaned over and asked, "Do you have any idea what you are doing here today?" "No" was all I could muster. She then told me, "You should be very proud. First time authors don't do this. This is rare." I sensed something extraordinary was happening but I was really too busy to think about it right then.  At the end of the day, we moved 125 books in three and a half hours.

  Looking back and going over the receipts and records, it was an amazing day. What was the most surprising was how many people bought multiple copies. People who bought the books told me what a great gift this book was going to be.  It was satisfying to hear.

  As the day closed, I kept thinking about how blessed I was with friends, family, colleagues and church family. I remembered my days in radio when I told people how often I never realized how many times I touched other people's lives. It was what I did everyday.  That day at Hills, I was reminded how blessed I am and how all those people touched my life. You only release your first book once. I was honored to have shared one of the biggest days of my life with so many wonderful people. If you were there, please let me thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your many kind words and best wishes have not gone unnoticed.

  My family and I have entered a new phase of life.  LWB--Life With Books. I had 1,000 shipped to me. At this point, I've whittled it down by about 150...wanna buy a book? I've got plenty.  There are a lot of other interesting things going on as a result of having a book and coming to grips with the word 'author' attached to my name now.  Trust me, I'm not about to lose my head and become something I'm not. As I have said, I've been blessed.  I realize that. I consider it a gift and the result of a great deal of hard work and perseverance. I'm a realist--I see it for what it is.   More adventures to share in the next post. Talk to you soon. In the meantime, take care of your precious selves.

It's aliiivve! It's aliiivve! Yes! Texas In Her Own Words has arrived. The book is gorgeous! I cannot brag on my book designers, TLC Graphics enough! Tami Dever and Erin Stark have taken my idea for a book and turned it into not only a book but a piece of art.

The printer overnighted me two copies of the book. I got them exactly one week before our official release party. It was an emotional moment. There i was holding the finished product I had put three years of my life, effort, blood, sweat & tears into creating. It is an indescribable feeling. It was joy, relief and yes, even a touch of sadness. A part of my life was over and a new one beginning. I'd be lying if I said I didn't begin to tear up a little bit.

I've often joked lately that I've obviously never given birth to a child but this had to be close. It was painful toward the end--but look at the results.  The thousand books arrived on Wednesday before the Saturday party. Only then did I allow myself to begin to focus on the party. I had previously set it up with Cheri at Hills Cafe. They were super to work with. I'd go back for another party in a heartbeat.

I hired Larry Lubenow of Shoebox PR late in January to handle the book release promotion.  He set me up with an interview with Paul Brown at News8Austin. We did it in one take. It ran throughout the day Friday, the day before the party. I still have the perfect face fro radio. Several people remarked that they saw the interview. I know it brought several people to the party. I also did the Sam & Bob show on KVET and spent a half hour on the air with Jim Wagner at KLGO 99.3, Friday afternoon. The stage had been set. I'll share the incredible release party with you in the next post. Come back soon. In the meantime, take care of your precious selves.