EJ Teja- Author

For me, this release was always about the book. But my friends reminded me that the book wouldn’t exist without me. As much as I’d like to pretend it appeared out of nowhere, they were right. I spent fourteen years writing it. So I decided to treat the launch like the wedding I’m never going to have (seeing as I’m terminally single).

I rented a space at Ivywild School, a historic elementary school built in 1916 that closed in 2009 and has since been reimagined into a community marketplace. Local breweries, restaurants, and vendors have all come together to create this incredible place where you can go for events, meetings, game nights, or just a great meal.

I couldn’t have been happier with the location. The Library, tucked beside the “local artists only” gift shop, provided the perfect vibe for a book launch. The wall of bookshelves and brown leather chairs and couches made you feel like you’d stepped into a professor’s office.

Though I was far too distracted and nervous to gorge myself on the amazing food selections, from Salad or Bust and Ivywild Kitchen, I did manage to snag a slice of pizza from Decent Pizza Co., which is my go-to whenever I’m at Ivywild for game night.

With the help of my best friend and the narrator of The Larking audiobook (coming soon!) Bradley, we were able to set up the centerpieces we had agonized over days earlier. Molly, my marketing manager and friend, along with her sister CJ, were kind enough to arrive early and help with the rest of the setup.

Once the party was in full swing, I’ll admit the real winning feature of the night was the kids’ table. There was an assortment of games and coloring supplies, along with a poster I had created featuring the book title and images from the story around the border. The kids and a few adults colored it throughout the night, and now I have a keepsake I’ll always treasure.

Unfortunately, the author copies of the books I ordered didn’t arrive in time for the party. But this was my first time publishing, so I suppose something had to go wrong. Instead, I had guests sign up for special orders, which now gives me the perfect excuse to see them all individually when I deliver their signed copies. What did come in time was the bookmarks and stickers I ordered, so people didn’t leave empty handed.

At the peak of the event, I gave a short speech thanking everyone for coming and read a brief excerpt from The Larking. The encouragement and support I received meant more to me than I can properly express.

I also wasn’t the only one making plans for the party, there were several surprises waiting for me.

Some friends brought balloons, flowers and cards, and several family members traveled all the way from the Northwest to be there. When I walked in the day before the party and saw my Great Aunt Ginger, Aunt Kathie, and Uncle Ben sitting on my sister’s couch, I won’t lie, I cried. Hard.

I had sent them emails letting them know this was happening but never expected them to actually come. Their support for this book (really for me) will not be taken for granted, I can assure you. 

When I think about how long I hoped this book would be traditionally published, I realize now that self-publishing was the right path for me. Not only am I continuing to learn so much through the process, but I’m surrounded by incredible people who have supported me every step of the way. I’m not sure I would have done this without them, and I know it wouldn’t have been nearly as meaningful.

This was the right time in my life, and I am deeply grateful for this moment.