This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
When I received the email from Kirsty asking me if I would be interested in attending a book launch, I was convinced my head was going to explode from excitement. Never having attended an event like this before, I jumped at the chance as it was a opportunity to gain some insightful experience into this type of thing, and of course to schmooze until my heart’s content! 
So after booking my tickets and finding somewhere to stay, I was getting even more excited as the days passed by. Being a typical girl I also went out and bought a new dress just for the occasion ( don’t judge me, I didn’t want to look like something my cat dragged in, in front of all those industry types!).
The morning of the actual launch I was starting to get nervous, worried that I’d end up getting lost in London and just walking round and round in a circle. Truth be told, once I was on my way, it felt like I’d lived in London my entire life. After walking the wrong way down the road where the launch was being held, I finally arrived outside The Travel Bookshop. Before I could enter two men dressed as fifties ‘hacks’ took my photo. I’m pretty sure I blinked when the flash went off but I was way too excited to be bothered!
Once inside I was immediately welcomed by Hannah, who works in the Publicity department at Little Brown. After shaking hands she dragged me over to where the champagne was being served and made sure I was comfortable. After giving me a few brief details she took me over to where Ali McNamara was standing (wearing an absolutely gorgeous purple dress) and introduced me to the author herself. Considering this was the first time I’d ever met an author, I thought I was quite calm and collected. I asked her a few questions about the book, such as how she came to be a writer and what made her think of writing a book based on popular chick flicks.
“At the time when the recession was at an all time high I started to write out an idea for a book. Being a Personal Trainer there wasn’t much call for my expertise so I put that on hold and turned my attention to full-time writing. I loved all of the classic rom-coms such as Notting Hill and Pretty Woman so I thought I’d base it around those”.
After chatting on for a couple more minutes Ali directed me to a table filled with brownies, cupcakes and popcorn. Attention diverted for only a minute by a gorgeous chocolate topped cupcake, I got speaking to Ali again. I asked her how she felt about finally having her book ready for people to read.
“It’s a bit surreal, everything feels like a blur but it’s very exciting”, she said smiling and chatting to people as they walked past. At that point Ali was summoned by her editor, Caroline, to do a quick reading from a chapter of her book. Standing at the front of the tiny, intimate bookshop she began reading. Within minutes she had the room cracking up at a scenario involving her main character and a rather gorgeous movie star. You’ll have to buy the book when it comes out on the 25th November to find out the full details, and believe me when I say this- you’ll love it! 
After speaking to Ali’s (and Kirsty’s!) agent, Hannah Ferguson, for a few minutes and talking to a few people about checking out Novelicious (see there, schmoozing!) I had to leave to catch my train. I have to say that after my first experience of a book launch party, I’ve definitely got the taste for it!
FROM NOTTING HILL WITH LOVE…ACTUALLY WILL BE PUBLISHED BY SPHERE ON THE 25TH NOVEMBER 2010.