For weeks before my book launch, I obsessed about the party I was giving. Maybe it was because it was a hard bricks and mortar thing—I was facing people in person—or maybe because it was easier to worry about facing an empty restaurant than worrying about reviews. Whatever the reasons, I had many (and conflicting) fears about my launch party:

Nobody will come!

Too many people will come!

However, that night, like Goldilocks, I was lucky, and it turned out just right.

So here’s the thing about giving a book launch party. You gotta have friends. You gotta have family. And you gotta have food. (And to anyone who complains about spending money for this—would you EVER invite people to a party and then NOT serve food??? If so, take me off your invite list.)

Every moment of this party reminded me how lucky I am.

My sister, she didn’t just bring herself—from three hours away—and her incredible warmth, she brought two friends who took pictures, videotaped, and were (silently!) the party angels. (Thanks Linda & Diane!)

My daughter, she didn’t just keep everything on schedule, she moved through the room with smiles, hugs and love for each and every friend from our past and present. Plus, she looked so radiant that I could barely breathe. She even wore a dress that wasn’t black, that’s how much she loves me.

My husband, the best person in the world, who is as far from a party person as you can get, this man circled the room with love and conversation and welcomes for all – and somehow looked after me at the same time. He chatted with my ex-boyfriends AND made sure I had hot water with lemon.

My closest friends were willing to be on their own as I spent my time with people newer to the group. They all looked beautiful, came early, and asked to be put to work. Those are friends. I love my friends.  So much. And my agent came! Seeing her dazzling smile lit up my heart.

I think people dug deeper into their pockets because for every book purchased from the wonderful Newtonville Books, a matching amount went to the Home for Little Wanderers’ Harrington House—an organization working against all odds to provide a home for kids with no place in this world.  When you’re lucky enough in this world to get a book published, you gotta remember to say thanks!

Yes, it was a wonderful party.

I read without choking.

I didn’t cry—and so I didn’t ruin all the make-up I applied in a desperate attempt to look as good as my author photo (thank you to my sister Jill and the miracle of Photoshop!).

In addition, my friends have told me, the launch didn’t make me look fat. Oh yes, that’s what friends are for.