Mashimoto Madness Release Party

What a great week! I have to tell you though, I was so ready for Monday to come and be over with. It was one of the most nerve-wrecking events of my young writing career. I felt as though there were a lot of people counting on me to have a successful party and the closer we got to that day, the more I felt that it would be a bust. I was very happy with the turn out and the overall feel and support for the 6 finalists for the Create-a-Character Contest. It was a great kick-off to what I think is a great book and hopefully I can get the ball rolling on the 2010 school tour that will begin here within the next month. I'm grateful for all my friends and family that showed up Monday night. Some of you came from far away just to see me sit in a chair. I realize I have some amazing friends and because of this I'm motivated to keep writing. Again, a huge thank you to Sheralyn for making everything happen and for supporting me and my work in all those scary publishing meetings. :) Thanks to Michelle for the huge risk in allowing me overtake a section of your store. Thanks to everyone who thought the event was worthy enough of snapping a few pictures. The ones I've posted below are from Tia Chapman Photography. She's a good friend and quite the amazing photographer. I hope she doesn't mind me advertising for her website, but she takes some great pictures. See for yourself HERE.

Lastly, my wife puts up with so much. I'm such a moody little guy with a lot of weird writing antics which, of course, spill into my sleep. Heidi's always there to keep me motivated. She stops with everything she's doing which is a lot and listens to what I've written so far. She takes the kids out of the house to allow me some time to write in silence and doesn't get too frustrated with me when she discovers I was playing video games the entire time. I'm lucky to have her. She's amazing!!!

All right. Here are the pics and for those that are interested, I've already written my first scene with Nathanial "Nugget" Nottingham. I think it's pretty funny.