Launch Party
This post is about ten days late, and for that I apologize. It’s been a busy week, but not so busy that I should have taken so long to tell you how awesome Jay Franco and the rest of my friends are.
Jay asked a few months ago if it would be all right if he threw a little launch party for The Warded Man before the book came out. This was before either of us had any clue about all the hooplah that would go on at ComicCon, so I said sure, honored that my buddy and evil twin/partner in crime had my back once again.
Jay and a number of other people worked tirelessly to put the event together, and it was incredible, held at the Zombie Hut on Smith Street in Brooklyn, and catered by next door Italian delight Savoia. A few friends took me to the Zombie Hut the night I first sold The Painted/Warded Man back in 2007, getting me smashed on flaming toasted marshmallow shots. The FTMS is perhaps the most fun and delicious shot in the world, but five of them will put you on your ass. This was when I realized that shots are not for people over 30.
A lot of my friends and family showed up to the party, and it was a fantastic time. Here’s a small sample of the goings on, photo journal style:
Me and the JABberwocky Literary Agency team: Eddie, me, and Joshua, without whom my career might never have happened.
Here’s a shot of me with three super ladies without whom The Warded Man might not have been possible: My mom (who made me), Lauren Cannon (who designed all the ward symbols that are being used worldwide), and my editor, Liz Scheier (who was the first publisher to make a bid for the book, and whose editorial advice was invaluable in the final rewriting stage).
Here’s a shot of my Number 1 Fan SueMoe making an Editorial Ass. of herself, just like her job title when she was working on the book she’s holding.
A few more amazing ladies. From left to right, Cassie, Fotini, and Dani. Normally I’m not one to bring babies into bars, especially past their bedtime, but this was a special night for daddy, and I wanted my little girl there. She only had a few drinks. We cut her off before she got sloppy.
Fotini made amazing warded copper bookmarks as swag for the event. Long-time readers may recall that she’s also made some other warded items, including my wedding ring and Dani’s charm bracelet, which you can see pictures of on the Creations page. Fo also makes great jewelery. Check out her website, Fotini Designs. She will make warded items on request.
This is like the 4th or 5th Warded Man/Painted Man cake I’ve had the pleasure of eating, and no two have been alike. One of these days I should just put up a cake gallery. I wonder if there will be a spear-shaped cake for my birthday next year? Food for thought (pun intended, I’m afraid).
Me and the man Jay himself:
Thanks to everyone else who was there, either in person or in spirit (or who called the bar to buy me a drink even though they couldn’t be there in person!).
I have better friends than I deserve.
It was my pleasure pal. Thanks to everyone who gave me a hand with the event. Also, apologies to any I forgot/neglected/was unable to invite. This was my first foray into event planning. But we made a hell of a nice party I think, it was a blast.
Congratulations! I clicked through from Netta’s site and wanted to congratulate you on the publishing of the book. That is a tremendous accomplishment. Best of Luck. . . always.
This may be answered elsewhere on your site, but why the name change? Painted Man seems more appropriate (in my completely amateur opinion) than Warded Man.
I was fortunate enough to discover your book on the amazon UK site so i read it long before your US launch. I’m already ready for the next one. You already have it written, right?
I was going to type the answer, but then I figured why not tell you in style?
Answer is at 2:50 on this video:
The second book is written in the first draft, but there is a considerable amount of editing left to do before it is ready to put into production. It will be a good while before it hits shelves.
[…] than Emily to win, so I wanted to give her something special. Last year, my friends threw me a launch party for the US release of The Warded Man. My friend Fotini make beautiful bronze bookmarks, stamped […]