Never in a million years did I imagine that when I finally published a book, my launch would be virtual. But in the end, I’m glad it was. People from different parts of my life gathered to help me celebrate my accomplishment, and many of these folks would not have been able to attend a book launch set in Dayton, Ohio.

So how’d it go? Great. Word’s Worth Writing Connections hosted it, Cindy Cremeans initiated the conversation (and did a very nice job of it), and I managed to answer questions in a timely fashion and fumble when the monitor went dark. Plus, the screens in my son’s room were hard to get used to, so most of the time it doesn’t look like I was looking at the camera. But no big deal! Fun times were had by all.

Or at least I like to think so.

But this virtual launch has me thinking ahead. Even when my next WIP is ready to meet the world, I’ll be giving this virtual launch thing a whirl again. There’s something about in-person connection for sure, but there’s also something about having your maternal aunts, friends from Texas and California and Illinois, and sisters from out of state attend a celebration. Not everyone stayed for the picture (see below), but I’m grateful many stuck around.

By the way, the cake above was not made by me. I delivered a picture of my cover to Dorothy Lane Market, and they came up with that beautiful cake.