I would like to take a moment to reflect on the unbelievable author event I held on November 4th, 2023, almost a month from the date when my book was published. I chose this date for a reason. It was important to me that we celebrate in October to focus on Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Running over four days was an excuse to continue celebrating a month that is important to our family.
This day was dedicated not only to bringing awareness to those with Down syndrome, but to meeting my excited supporters, introducing Matt to them, and signing books if that was their wish.
The turnout far exceeded my expectations…just as the launch of my book did. For those of you who were able to attend, thank you for taking time out of your coveted Saturday afternoon to celebrate with us. I had no idea it would be just that, an entire afternoon. If you had only planned to attend for a little while, I apologize; as we all experienced, there was no stopping by for just a moment that day. None of us could have prepared for a celebration that would include waiting in line patiently, or impatiently, for an hour or two for me to sign your book. Hopefully, you felt it was worth your time and all the standing didn’t leave you questioning the shoes you had chosen to wear that day. From where I sat, the smiles you wore left no impression of any pain in your feet you may have been feeling. In fact, I felt love in each of your warm hugs when you finally made it to the front of the line.
Preparation for my expectations of a perfect event took multiple meetings with my incredible volunteers to organize the specifics of the day. I had no idea how to plan for the number of people who would show up, but I knew one thing, it had to be fun and worth my guest's time. In these meetings, my team made a strong effort to convince me to make plans for a larger attendance. However, I didn’t believe very many people would show up for me. I prepared physically and mentally for a modest gathering. I planned to sign the few books I would be asked to sign and spend the remainder of the time mingling with my guests. My party planners were more knowledgeable than me… if only I had listened.
I’ve hosted many events, so I know to plan for chaos in my head, being overheated, and using my amazing leadership skills (in other words, getting a tad bit bossy). What I didn’t plan for was the venue throwing my vision off by arranging the tables and chairs differently than we had discussed, nor did I plan for some of my excited guests to show up as early as they did. While I have yet to learn to plan for hiccups, I have learned that in the end, things always work out. My expectations were exceeded by my volunteers' incredible work in making the venue look amazing. The photo area with props from each chapter made for the perfect indoor park and the tables at the entrance felt warm and inviting to me. The weather even cooperated and provided sunshine, which I worried about given it was early November and we often have cold days and even snow here in Utah by that time.
I like speaking in front of people as much as I like peas and cantaloupe (ick), but I knew I owed my guests a personal welcome and thank you. I practiced for two weeks and finally felt I had perfected my speech. However, when it was time for me to take my place, I froze. Uh oh! Looking out to the audience I saw a lot more than thirty people. My mind went blank (so much for that speech I had rehearsed) and my nerves rushed toward the exit. My frozen vocal cords and kneecaps began to thaw when I remembered what the day was about. I took a deep breath then my voice began to speak about my journey for a population of individuals I am passionate about. Normally there’s no limit to how long I can speak to this, but luckily on this day, I became short-winded and cut roughly fifteen minutes off of what I had prepared. It was the least I could do. You’re welcome!
No event with Matt is complete without food so we served some light snacks that consisted of meat, cheese, and fruit and when it was time to draw the names for the raffle, he was excited to be responsible for this important task.
It surprised me that I didn't get writer's cramp for the duration of the event, and fortunately, my daily arthritis didn't flare up or I would have had to take it to the flagpole. I went through two pens which is the number of hours I signed books for…straight, tossing out the idea of any chance of mingling for this girl, I mean author. In the end, I signed, for two hours and 45 minutes to be exact. Even then, we only stopped because the venue was giving us the boot, in the kindest way of course. But not before our shenanigans sparked some curiosity from the employees who ran the box office and the servers who were showing up for their shifts. All the commotion caused them to stop in and before they knew it, they were showing their support, buying our book, and taking photos with us.
Since Matt's birthday was just days away, we all sang Happy Birthday to him, and in true Matt fashion, he joined in loudly, humility nowhere to be found.
The day could not have gone better! For those who were unable to attend my big celebration, I felt you in my heart. The support me and Matt have received is still hard for me to process. I am humbled.
Still, there were things I learned:
-Hiccups will happen. Have a plan B and even C for when plan A goes to crap.
-Listen to your volunteers- they are the people who know you the best.
-There are some good problems to have. As an author, I’ve learned that long lines and running out of books are some of them.
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