Gosh, they grow up so fast…
The display inside the door of Audreys Books.
Letting go of our babies is hard but at some point, they need to stand on their own two feet. And so it was with seventeen-year-old Vienna Fleury, whose official entry into the world took place at Audreys Books in Edmonton on Sunday, October 1st.
I LOVE this cover illustration of Vienna Fleury, protagonist of SAVING GRAD. (Many thanks to Lorimer’s fabulous design team!)
Vienna entered the world in a double book launch–sharing the stage with Miriam from Debby Waldman’s new book, Miriam’s Secret (Orca Books).
Audreys was filled with many well-wishers–family, friends and book lovers galore. Kaylyn was our wonderful host.
Kaylyn of Audreys Books welcomed guests to Audreys Books, situated on traditional Treaty Six territory.
It was great fun explaining how the story for Saving Grad came to be. I also read three excerpts from the novel.
I loved the reaction from the crowd when I read about Vienna’s winter arrival in Edmonton during a cold snap. *shivers*
Debby Waldman brought photos from her grandparents’ farm in upper New York State. The family stories she grew up with about her grandparents living on their farm inspired Miriam’s Secret.
The best possible group of well-wishers were there celebrating with us. I know this for sure because Vienna told me herself how much she appreciated the warm reception.
Family, friends and book lovers were among the well-wishers at Audreys.
Orca author, Natasha Deen, also came to show her support.
The audience appreciated the draw prizes: gift cards from Audreys Books, and gift cards from Starbucks, in honour of a key character in Saving Grad getting a job there.
The signing next began and I got to meet a soon-to-be début author.
How lovely to meet upcoming début YA author, Anna Priemaza.
There was much socializing and snacking, and browsing the shelves of Audreys.
Apparently these book lovers can’t resist the offerings at Audreys. Who could blame them?
A wonderful mix of adult and teen readers helped us celebrate the new books.
(Bonus points to anyone who can spot the authors of Rodent and of the Winterkill series!)
With Vienna now out in the big world and no longer just hanging out with me here, the Spafford-Fitz household feels rather quieter. I’m confident though that Vienna is more than capable of making her way without me/Vienna’s “mom.”
One happy, grateful author
Namaste, darling Vienna! You’ve so got this!
Hi ya Karen! I started reading Saving Grad last night, and I blame you for keeping me up too late! Looking forward to finishing my workday, so I can get back to your riveting story. And if you’re willing, once I’m done reading, maybe you’ll let me interview you for my blog. Then I can find out how this story came to you, and how you did such a fine job of bringing it to us. PS: Loved seeing all the pics of your launch. If I had a flying carpet, I’d have been there too!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it, Monique. I’d love to chat with you about Saving Grad when you’ve finished it. Happy reading!
Thank you so much for this post, Karen. I was sorry to miss the launch, but we didn’t get back from Jasper in time (the weather was so beautiful the boys wanted one more hike!). I completely understand the feeling of Vienna being so real to you, and I can’t wait to read her story.
Sorry to have missed you, Alison, but hiking in Jasper is so lovely too when you have the chance. I hope you enjoy meeting Vienna and congrats again on being a GG finalist. I am thrilled for you!