Book Launch

​Two weeks since my memoir Circling the Edge, was birthed. This was, as the cliché says - a labour of love. Years of writing, editing and re-writing followed by a full year in the publishing process, copy editing, picking over it, formatting it with Friesens Press. A few weeks ago I received boxes of the finished product - lowlights and highlights of my life in 296 pages.
November 26th I sat in Café Books, Canmore at my signing table as the manager informed me “If you sit on your phone you won’t sell any. You need to catch peoples’ eyes and engage them.” I heart thumped in my chest. Didn’t she know I was a shy author? I followed her instructions and had sold 7 when an older gentleman walked into the store and straight to me. “You’re the first real author I have ever met.” Getting over my imposter syndrome, I smiled.
“Your father was a minister?” he asked.
“Yes” I replied
“When I was 42 I told my dad I could no longer follow his religion and do you know what he said?”
“No”
“Let’s pray”
“My mother said she was heartbroken I would not join her and my sisters in heaven.”
The other night my daughter had a book launch for 40 of her Kimberley  community. What a delight to have such an enthusiastic audience and share my life with her friends. She and her buddy played and sang as I signed books to a diverse group of all ages.
 “I bought your book and took it home. My husband grabbed it and loved to read all about your adventure! I had to wait until he was finished before I could read it,” my neighbor told me.
Then I received a couple of reviews made my heart sing.
“What an amazing story and honest soul searching read. The early travels were incredible but the struggle for an authentic self is what ultimately inspired and captivated.” Dr. Nellie Radomsky, Author - Lost Voices: Women, Chronic Pain and Abuse.
“Wilma, your book is astounding. Have spent the last day with it, and am moved by your writing and depth. Take hard work, time and perseverance, I imagine, as well as aptitude for the work. Your conciseness brings your travels to life, grounded. Thank you.” Florence Dickson
Buy my book: Café Books, Canmore, Shelf-life Books Calgary, Polar Peek Books, Fernie, Huckleberry Books, Cranbrook. And of course myself, friends in Canmore and Calgary have them.    
 

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