Book launch for THE SECRET SON

Last Wednesday night I had my book launch party at Bella Union in Melbourne. It was a fantastic night, I couldn’t be happier with how it went. We had a belly dancer and drummer:

My book was graciously and intelligently launched by AS Patrić. He said lovely things about it and it was quite overwhelming. He read two passages and it was amazing to hear my words being spoken by him:

My gorgeous agent Virginia Lloyd not only travelled down from Sydney for the event, but brought her beautiful and smiley new daughter with her! Here Virginia is, speaking.

I was so happy that so many people came, not least Melbourne Writers Festival program manager Jo Case for whom an excuse of exhaustion after just finishing at the festival would have been more than acceptable! Book & everything blogger “Kate in Kew” was there as well, and it was fab to meet her finally. Lovely to see other members of Melbourne’s lit community too, along with former writing teachers, writing workshop peers, old school and work friends (including from my job fresh out of teachers’ college), and family. Even my mother’s school friends were there! My dad flew across from Perth (where he left his wife and caravan, they are on the Around Australia Driving Trip), and another dear friend came across from New Zealand, just for the launch. Aunts drove up from Mornington and Barwon Heads, godmother drove down from Malmsbury. And my oldest friend in the world (known him since I was nine or ten) was there as well. I counted more than 80, and Readings Books sold out on the night and it was strange to have a room filled with all my people, and from the whole of my life. Some people bought more than one copy. They are the best.

It was a glittering heady night. Afterwards it was good to walk up the street and grab some Italian food and chat more quietly. But thanks to everyone who came and made it such a huge success.