Monday 2 March 2015

The Last Rose Launch Party!


Welcome to the party to celebrate the launch of my new story collection: The Last Rose. No, no, you’re not the first to arrive and I can see by the bottle of bubbly that you’re holding that you’ll probably not going be the first to leave either!

Let me take your coat and pour you a drink... oh, I see you already have one. Well, that’s the spirit. The pink champagne goes beautifully with my rose theme, doesn’t it?

Yes, the place is rather grand isn’t it but I thought I’d push the boat out as it’s the second book I’ve published. I’m glad you’ve chosen to dress up for the occasion – that hat really suits you and I haven’t seen earings like those since I was last in Primark.


I’ve made a bit of an effort myself. Do you like my nails? I can’t pick anything up but luckily Tracy Fells is here to help out. “More canapes over here please, Tracy. What do you mean we’ve run out? Have a rummage around in your very large rucksack - I’m sure there must be some more hiding at the bottom.”
I thought, instead of a buffet, we’d have a sit down meal. Don’t the tables look beautiful. Patsy Collins said she'd make me some rose table decorations but this is all she managed to come up with.


Please find yourself a seat at the table, there are some fabulous cakes and desserts which will be coming round soon. No, there’s not point in fighting to sit next to Della Galton or Teresa Ashby, they are not going to give away the secrets of their success. And just because Shirley from The People’s Friend is here, doesn’t mean she wants you to hand her that submission... go on put it away!

While the orchestra is tuning up, let me tell you a little about The Last Rose. It’s a collection of thirteen short stories about family and friendship and all the stories have previously been published in either The People’s Friend, Take a Break Fiction Feast or Woman’s Weekly. Are there any stories about my own family in here? Well, the marks on the doorframe in my story, ‘A Growing Family’ can actually be found in my kitchen and both my daughter and I have identical gold necklaces just like the mother and daughter in 'Links in a Chain'.

There should be something in The Last Rose for everyone: some, like 'The Writing on the Wall' and 'All Our Yesterdays' are thought provoking, others such as 'Look at Me' and 'Feels Like Coming Home' are poignant. If you like humour, though, 'The Toast of Maida Vale' is the one for you. Hopefully, whatever your taste, you will not be left wanting.

Why family and friendship? Well, they are both very important to me. Here are some little people who many of you will recognise – my grandchildren. They are three of my favourite people in the world and fabulous for exploiting when you have a book to market. If you’d just stand over there little ones and hold up the book so everyone can see and look cute... that’s the way!

Sorry, I’m going to have to leave you for a moment as my editor, Alan, has just arrived with some music for the DJ to play later. Oh dear, it looks like he’s brought his whole 80's collection and I have a horrid suspicion that Kajagoogoo might be in there somewhere – I’d better have a quiet word.

What a fantastic cake! I’d like to say I baked it myself but... well, you know me too well to know that to be true. Do help yourself to a slice... oh, all right two then... and while I have you captive, I’ll read you a snippet from one of my stories: 'The Writing on the Wall'.

The word appears slowly. As I pull away wet strips of wallpaper, the wall beneath is slick and shiny with paste but with every upward sweep of the scraper, the letters become more defined. Some letters are written large and others smaller. The writing is bold and defiant, written across the blank canvas of the wall with a flourish. The light is going and dusk has fallen by the time I uncover the final letter... REMEMBER. Remember what?

No, of course I’m not going to tell you the rest. If I did, there would be no reason for you to buy it here, would there? I’m not that silly! It's a bargain at £1.99 don't you think? Don't like Kindle? You're in luck because The Last Rose is available here in paperback too for £4.99... just for you! Thank you so much for coming to my launch party. If you do read it, please consider leaving a review on Amazon... I'd be really grateful.
 
I'm afraid I'm going to leave you now and mingle but I'll be back soon. In the meantime, thank you for coming and enjoy the party!

82 comments:

  1. Well, thank you - I'm full of wine and canapés now! Happy publication day Wendy. Wishing you every success :)

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    1. Thanks, Samantha - I know it's rather early for a drink... but it is a party!

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  2. What a wonderful party! Thank you for having me. The collection it is in honour of looks fantastic. I can't wait to read it, and I will be sure and leave a review once I do.
    :-) Congratulations on having your second book published! All the best, Kendra
    Kendra Olson, author of The Forest King's Daughter
    https://kendraolson.wordpress.com/

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    1. A review would be fabulous, Kendra - thanks so much and glad you're enjoying yourself!

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  3. Congratulations on your new book, Wendy! Wishing you a lovely day and lots of sales :) Cheers!

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    1. Thank you, Julie. You should like my Nashville one 'Feels Like Coming Home' - it was published in The People's Friend last year and I'll dedicate it to you!

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  4. Hi Wendy, gosh you have been busy and it all looks great! Good luck with sales and congratulations on publication. anne stenhouse

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  5. What better way to begin the week than with a party. I've eaten more than I should, thank you, but there's room in my glass for a top up. There, that's better. A toast to the success of 'The Last Rose'. Intrigued by REMEMBER - I'll definitely have to get me a copy.

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    1. Remember was one of my first stories to be published in Fiction Feast, Natalie. Hope you like the rest of the story... And have a top up!

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  6. Brilliant! Congratulations, Wendy - have a wonderful day :)

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  7. Thanks for inviting me, Wendy. Looking forward to reading your book soon. But first I have a glass ( or two) to drink. Cheers!

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  8. Nom nom, that cake is yummy - i don't need breakfast now :) Very best of luck with the book, Wendy!! Sam xx

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  9. Wow -what a lovely spread! I think I'll have a small piece of cake, please, now I can have normal food again. Just need to make sure the cat doesn't try to steal any of the creamy bits... Congratulations and hope you have a brilliant day.
    Lilian xx

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  10. Better not, Wendy, spanx are calling for a party next week :/ ! x

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  11. I wish all the very best with your new book, Wendy.

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  12. Great party, Wendy. Okay, I'll stay and help with the washing up but only if I can have another slice of that fab cake. Oh no, LitPig's helping himself again. I'm going to have put him back in the rucksack soon. Love the collection - ideal for Mother's Day or any birthday gift.

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    1. Oh good. I was hoping you'd offer... still lots of party left to go though. Tell LitPig he was lucky to be invited to this launch after the spectacle he made of himself last time!

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  13. I've popped in as an uninvited guest, to steal some cake and snitch a glass of bubbly - which I shall now raise to you and say congratulations on a fabulous launch party. The book sounds great and I love the cover.

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    1. Thank you, Hydra - and everyone was invited so I hope you're enjoying yourself! Glad you like the cover.

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  14. Am I too late? Sorry, had an article to finish off first. And I've just found out that an article of mine will be in the next issue of The People's Friend. You're bound to be in there too with one of your stories, Wendy! Congratulations re The Last Rose. I hope it sells well. I'm just off to buy a copy, but I want a slice of cake first!

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    1. Take two - and thanks for being the first male guest!

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    2. Thank you. Will do, as it's nearly lunchtime! ;-)

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  15. What a fab post! Great party and equally great photos! Huge Congrats, Wendy. Wishing you the very best of luck with The Last Rose. Here's to success & sales aplenty! :) Xx

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  16. Well I found my way here after all. Congratulations, Wendy! Great to have your second out so soon and hope it does really well for you.
    Deirdre xx

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    1. I knew you'd fight your way through somehow, Deirdre! Go and get yourself a drink.

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  17. Alan Spink, People's Friend2 March 2015 at 12:02

    Fab – another party! I’ve brought the Classic 80's Hits CD! Nothing like a bit of Baltimora and B52’s to get the party going…….SILENCE……. Um, I’ll get my coat.
    PS, all the very best with the latest book launch, Wendy. Looks like a great selection of stories, including the outstanding “Look At Me”. Now, I’m sure I have Kajagoogoo here somewhere….

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    1. Ah, yes. Suspected you might have that with you, Alan. Why don't you let me take and put it somewhere safe... very safe! Thought you'd be pleased I included Look at Me in the collection - I know it was one of your favourites.

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  18. Congratulations on another collection, Wendy - the party is going with a swing! All the best with this.

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    1. Time for some dancing soon I think, Rosemary.

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  19. Best of luck with the book Wendy!

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  20. I arrived far too early, so I sneeked away as I hate to be the first. But now the party is in full swing can I congratulate you and wish you every success with your book, which sounds fabulous.

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    1. You certainly can, Maggie and I wondered who it was disappearing round the corner at 6.30 this morning.

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  21. I've been popping in and out all day, but I've been having "Google Issues".

    Never mind.

    Save me some cake!! :)

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    1. Good to have 'Just another bloke' at the party to keep the others company. Consider the slice of cake saved!

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  22. I am at work but if you promise you won't tell anyone, I'll have a glass of bubbles please. I can't promise to lay on such a spread when you visit my blog next Monday Wendy so don't get too used to it!
    Here's to a great launch party and may your book sales be plentiful!

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  23. You're not impressed with my decorations? Seconds they took me as well! Still, I won't sulk and ruin your party - I'll drink and then start singing and ruin it that way instead!

    Good luck with the book.

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    1. I'll put you on car park duty next time, Patsy!

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  24. I work from home, so in theory I could have a drink anytime ... sorry for your luck Ben Adams! However, having said that, I'm in Canada and I haven't even had breakfast yet. LOL
    So, I hold up my coffee mug and say "Cheers!" to your launch. Wishing you every success, Wendy! (See you tomorrow @ Never Too Late To Write!!

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    1. Yes, see you tomorrow (I have an early flight). Hope I don't have too much of a hangover for the interview!

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  25. Better late than never! Still, luckily there was a bit of cake left for me. Good luck with the book Wendy x

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  26. I'm just in time to hoover up the dregs. Congratulations, dahling!

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  27. Hope I'm not too late for some bubbly. Ah, here's some in the bottom of this bottle. Lovely. Congrats on your book, Wendy, and good luck with it. xx Francesca C-B

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    1. Thank you and don't worry - there's another crate of it!

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  28. Wow, what a great party, Wendy! Congratulations on your second book - I will be pressing that button to buy it just as soon as I've had a BIG piece of cake (I'm starving!) and could someone please top up my glass? That's it - right to the top. Thank you! (Good idea of yours to get your nails done, so you can just 'mingle' and not have to wait on anyone, Wendy!). Right, now I'm fed and watered, I shall have a little wander round and see who I can chat to...

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    1. Ah, I've been waiting for you to arrive to liven up the party although I'm not so sure about the rose patterned tights you chose to wear.. lean on me and I'll take you over to Tracy, she looks a bit worse for wear too!

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  29. Congratulations, Wendy, on your second book of fantastic stories. Now is there any of that chocolate cake left,I could do with some after spending the day with 32 8/9 year olds?

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    1. Oh, you definitely deserve some - luckily Helen hasn't eaten it all.

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  30. Glad I made it, Wendy
    The cover is lovely, and can't wait to read it. Xx

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  31. Hope I'm not too late (no cake, thanks, I'm supposed to be cooking dinner). Good luck with the book, I love the cover - I'm sure I can smell that rose. And that extract from The Writing on the Wall has hooked me, I need to know the rest!

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    1. Only one way to find out, Linda! Thank you for coming.

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    2. It is now sitting on my to-read shelf.

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    3. That's great, Linda - thank you. Now you can find out what happens in the story.

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  32. Lovely party. Excuse the jeans - I don't seem to have anything else except muddy jodhpurs. Red for,me, please, and smoked salmon if you have any. And all the very best with the new book!

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    1. You are very welcome whatever you're wearing, Frances, and thank you.

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  33. So sorry not to have dropped by sooner Wendy. My excuse is that I went with my daughter to a routine midwife appointment only to find things were not as well as they seemed and we have been at the hospital all day. They have kept her in but let me out!! So here I am, better late than never. Hope the book does really well. Its theme certainly resonates with me at the moment. I could be a granny within the next couple of days!!

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    1. Oh, I am keeping fingers and toes crossed for your daughter and you must let me know as soon as you hear anything x

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  34. I've been out all day and evening, Wendy, so serves me right that there's only a few crumbs and scattered rose petals to be seen now ... but the book will last a whole lot longer. All the best

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    1. Luckily I have saved you some of the lovely rose cup cakes, Kate - enjoy!

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  35. Shirley, The People's Friend3 March 2015 at 15:44

    Just popped back in with the Alka Seltzer for the hangovers...! It was a great party, Wendy - with such a crush we didn't get a chance to chat but thanks for the invitation! And congrats on the book, of course. x

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    1. Why, thank you Shirley but I was thinking more along the lines of a hair of the dog!

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  36. So sorry I missed the party. Sounds like it was fabulous. Have just downloaded The Last Rose on to my Kindle though and am really looking forward to reading it. I wish you every success with it :-) xx

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    1. Don't worry, Sue. You can help to clear up! I do hope you enjoy The Last Rose.

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    2. Enjoyed the clearing up. Can often be the most fun can't it. Chatting away whilst hoovering up - in both ways - those last bits of luscious cake and spilt champagne. Oops - sorry - that's the vac just gone up in smoke. Will slink away now :-) xx

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  37. Far too late for the party, but hopefully not too late to wish you masses of success with The Last Rose. It looks stunning. xxx

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  38. What a very organised party, congratulations on your launch party and I hope you sell many many copies of your book. X

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  39. Congratulations, and best of luck with 'The Last Rose' Wendy!

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