Here we go! Our first stop today was at Mystery Ink in Huntington Beach. It's a new location and a lovely store. You should stop in. She's got tons of signed first editions from some of the biggest names in mystery.
The cutting of the cake...medieval noir style!
Explaining the book.
Thanks, Mystery Ink!
And then it was on to the big book launch blow-out at Vroman's in Pasadena. A book launch unlike any other.
We had a pretty darned good crowd, but we always do at the launch. Standing room only.
As soon as we pulled into the driveway of the bookstore, I realized, to my horror, that I had forgotten the two boxes at home--an hour and a half away--that contained all my platters, bowls, decore, tablecloths, plates, napkins, cups...you get the picture. But my wrangler Connie saved the day, calmd me down, and directed me to Vromans' stockpile of tablecloths and platters. I sent my long-suffering husband next door to Target to get serving utentsils, cups, napkins, and plates, and no one knew the difference. Because they were well sauced with mead and champagne. Liquor up your guests and they're always happy.
Then, we filled our glasses, repared downstairs to the courtyard, to see a presentation by my knights. These are different knights from days past. Scott Farrell (left) teaches arms and swordcraft to adults and kids. He also does a podcast called Chivalry Today. He and his companion in arms, Kyle, showed us real fourteenth century combat. They didn't use their metal weapons because he really didn't want to draw blood, but with the help of audience members keeping score, they dueled with practice long swords and pole axes. It was informative and very exciting. Audience members got a chance to see in person the kind of energetic and physical feats knights of Crispin's era engaged in...the same they will encounter in my book, Blood Lance.
Zow!
Bang!
Kazz-ing!
What a team!
And then we went back upstairs and into the powerpoint presentation, did a brief reading, and signed, signed, signed. The mead was all but decimated--beating the champagne hands down.
And then about twenty people joined us across the street at the Mexican restaurant where we chatted and visited. A good evening and a long day. See you tomorrow at Book Carnival in Orange at 2pm!
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