Sometimes what I do is wildly successful. Sometimes it is not. Sometimes the success or failure is because of something I did. Often it is not. The key lies in both enjoying and learning from the experience, whatever it is.

The Urbandale library book launch was just one of those occasions. You see, leading up to this trip, I was BUSY and STRESSED. Mom moved in; I had to organize various doctor appointments and help her find her feet in a new home. My dog, Clemmy, got sick and required a lot of medical help–which didn’t help. I overcommitted to other things and the result was that I did not advertise in the places that would require more work. Advertising on social media is pretty ineffective.

Then, I had another challenge. Before I even flew to Des Moines, I had a slight cold. I ignored it, as one does. I continued speaking. I continued speaking LOUDLY to my deaf mother. I ignored my body. And, when I woke up on Saturday morning, my voice was gone. Totally. How does one do a book talk when all one can do is whisper?

Enter my brother-in-law, Tim Cooper, a man used to public speaking, and my mother, a woman who loves public speaking. I quickly wrote a script for Tim and rehearsed Mom in giving my talk and reading my readings. I figured that, if there were any questions, I could whisper the answer to Tim, and he could tell the audience. That was the theory, but it didn’t happen. You needed to be there.

After we visited various stores to get drinks, cookies, napkins, ice, and other necessities for a party, we arrived at the library. They had not put up ANY announcements. However, they did lend me tape to put up a couple of posters.

But, when arranging the date (around medical stuff and other launches), I’d forgotten that it was Memorial Day weekend. The library was empty. Lots was going on. Many friends were out of town. A couple of friends from school came; relatives came; and a couple of other people came. That was about it. Competition is never good for a book launch. I’ve been told that even NY Times best-selling authors sometimes find nobody comes to their launch, so at least I’m doing better than them!

What’s the moral of this story and why in the world would I admit to this disaster? Because I want others to know: YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We all experience this kind of thing and it is no reflection on who you are or whether your book is good.

Now, I better start advertising the next launch event!

Mom, me, and my sister at my father’s memorial tree near the library. Fitting, when you consider that Unforgivable is about his childhood!