Spaghetti Launched at McNally's!

My smile swallowed my face. So happy.

It happened. My ultimate writing dream came true this past Saturday.

I said it in my launch speech and I'll say it here again, for every Winnipeg writer having their book launch at McNally's is as exhilarating as being a chocolate addict and winning a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.

We began with running the incredible book trailer, followed by The Drew's introduction of me. He brought

The Drew. xoxo

gales of laughter when he remarked that he had been a fan of my body of work for years and then tears when he closed with his pride in my accomplishments.

When I then stood behind that podium and saw all those faces smiling back at me, I had a full Romper Room moment. All I needed was that monstrous mirror she held and it would've gone a little like this;

"I see Sarah and Thomas and Daniel and Emma and Melody and Neve. I see Lauren, and Brynne, and Kaiya and Signy and Ella. Oh look, it's Abi
and Katya and Laura. And is that Wren and Karissa and Shay and Tait, too?"

Hello Peeps! You all Came!!!

Really, I could go on like that for hours. No jokes. But honestly, with every new face I saw, I felt a surge of joy.

The Hartmichaels on Another Grand Adventure.

McNally's, the finest Independent Book Store in all of the world, went above and beyond.

They moved book shelves out of the way to expand our space, served the most scrumptious chocolate chip cookies a kid could ever ask for (even better than mine, I've since been told), and tolerated my rambunctious children as they raced through the children's department as if it were their second home as it is mine.

Apparently watching your mom sign books for an hour and half is 100% Dullsville, when you're 8 and 12.

And McNally's graciously allowed us to sell Spaghetti book posters as a fundraiser for Asperger Manitoba. Anne Kresta was in attendance and was able to disseminate important information about the services and support that Asperger Manitoba Inc provides to Manitoban families.

My thanks to all who showed up, if not in body, but in spirit - you made me feel like the Queen of Books.

To my publisher Little Pickle Press for designing a book I am proud to call my own, with Lesson Plans, book marks and posters to accompany it - what else could I ask for? You are stupendous.

Now, about that next book...

Celebration Carmichael Style

The Drew never lost faith in me, even when I had.

Last night, we had a fun filled evening at Boston Pizza. We were celebrating the arrival of the paper version of, Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons.

Here's a tribute to my most amazing family. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a family to nurture a writer.

Thank you so much.

I love you all to the moon and back. 

 

Sarah is so excited, that she  keeps offering free copies to her friends.

Emma's 2nd grade class was my fist Beta audience.

Without my mom. there would be no book. She enrolled me in my first writing course.

Judith babysat so that I could go to writing conferences & workshops.

My dad spent hours supporting me on my blog book tour, posting comments as we toured the world wide web.

Our new favourite bedtime story.

 

The Book's in the Mail

"©2012 Little Pickle Press reprinted with permission"

Just got the great news.

My book has left the printer and is heading across North America to arrive at my front door. Maybe as soon as tomorrow!

I can hardly wait to hold it. To slide my fingers across it's glossy cover, opening the book to the dedication page - to read it out loud to my family. Pretty sure the tangy smell of the ink will jellify my knees.

Yes, only a true booky would swoon at the scent of a freshly printed book.

I may even take my book out for a cocktail to celebrate. Maybe a Cosmo or Manhatten in some cozy fireside lounge in the charming Old Market Square section of downtown Winnipeg.

Uhm, sorry. I got a little carried away.

What we will have, is a night out Carmichael-Style. 

Family dining ala Boston Pizza. 

Brimming bowls of Bugs n' Cheese for the girls, the feature special for The Drew and I and icy cold cokes for us all. That's just the way The Carmichaels roll, baby. (Yes, we've been watching too many Cake Boss reruns.)

Of course, the evening will be topped of by "an all hands on deck" Happy Dance in our living room before bed.

And just guess what our bedtime story will be.

Available for order at McNally Robinson
Available for order through Little Pickle Press

How do you celebrate family achievements? I'm looking for suggestions.

(It's time to push beyond insect-shaped pasta and pizza.)