On Thursday, July 1 2010 we launched Cape Cod Surprise. The weather was perfect; sunny but not too hot, and not a speck of humidity (by Boston standards at least).  The Sail Loft generously provided their delicious chowder and appetizers.  And so many writers and sailors bought books and helped us celebrate, I lost count. Thanks to everyone who came to launch CCS into the world, especially to USSailing President (and blurb writer) Gary Jobson.  He has probably figured out by now that Boston is NOT on the way from Newport to New Jersey.

Of all the decisions we made while planning the event, the best one by far was to make it a benefit for Piers Park Sailing Center.  MC Maureen McKinnon-Tucker made everyone feel welcome, even when I was occupied signing books.  The blue-shirted staff created a very friendly atmosphere (especially while hawking raffle tickets to people who’d just stumbled into the Sail Loft for a drink or two). And volunteer Steve Jewett played raffle host, inspiring the purchase of more tickets with his listing of the great prizes available. Lots of nice folks won some great stuff and went home happy. And even those that didn’t win supported a great cause.

When I first thought of combining the launch party with a fundraiser for Piers Park, I didn’t realize how much we had in common.  Now everyone will know, thanks to the video short “Where Books Meet Olympic Spirit: Learning Life Skills through Sailing.” Produced by Paul Cronin of WhiteCap Video, the five minute piece talks about the common goal shared by PPSC and my books. Thanks to Paul for creating a legacy piece, and thanks to Maureen for her patience with the extra takes.  It shines through that we had fun putting it together, and I look forward to more joint projects in the future.

The day after the party passed in a glow of nice emails and tweets from those who had been there and others who’d heard secondhand about the successful event.  The best compliment I received was via fellow author Nicole Bernier. Thursday had been a very special day for Nicole too; her book sold to Random House.  But she still found time amidst her own celebrations to send the following:

“What a stellar night. You were beaming. My kids were fighting over their copy of the book, and I had to break out one of the others I bought for friends.”

Thanks to everyone, and if you didn’t catch it Thursday night, check out the video to relive some of the great inspiration.

Ready for the splash?

On Thursday, July 1, 2010, with your help, we’ll launch my newest book, Cape Cod Surprise, at the Sail Loft in Boston’s North End. The invites have been sent out, the raffle prizes are coming together, the books are waiting to be signed… and the early summer weather has us all ready for another adventure with Oliver.

Best of all, proceeds from all books sold at the event will go to support Piers Park Sailing Center, a community organization in East Boston that provides the transformative experience of sailing to more than 1000 youth each year. I’ll be working with the kids at PPSC during the day on Thursday, reinforcing a shared goal: to teach life skills through sailing. I plan to approach that philosophy from a slightly different angle – by encouraging kids to go sailing inside their heads.  We’ll see how that goes; with the harbor beckoning, they may be as anxious as I am to go sailing with their bodies instead.

Thanks to all of you who have shared with me the process of bringing this project to press… writing and editing through the fall and winter, revising and finalizing a cover in the spring… until that delicious moment a few days ago, when I held the first book in my hand.

Gary Jobson once said that there’s nothing like seeing your own book in print for the first time, and I know that won’t change whether it’s book #2 or book #20.  We’re hoping to see Gary Thursday night; if so, compliment him on his blurb.

Thursday night will be a great chance to introduce my sailing world to my writing world, since both will be well represented.  Literary Guerillas, meet Frostbiters and Snipe sailors!  If you are struggling for a common language, remember you have one verb in common (“To Launch”). And you’ll all enjoy the video, as well as Sail Loft chowder, appetizers, and beverages.

Special offer:  If you can’t make the party but still want your signed copy of Cape Cod Surprise to support PPSC, post a comment below or email me directly:  carolncronin AT gmail DOT com.

Thanks to Oliver for bringing us all together, and see you Thursday night.

Launch party details

Directions/Map

PPSC in East Boston gives over 1000 local kids the chance to go sailing every summer.  They also offer adaptive sailing programs for people living with disabilities, including a remarkable technology that enables motion-restricted sailors to control the boat’s direction with a “sip” or “puff” of breath. PPSC teaches life skills through sailing… just as Oliver and the other characters in my books learn about teamwork and self-reliance while grappling with their fictional adventures.

On July 1 I’ll spend the day at PPSC, sharing my enthusiasm for reading, writing, and sailing.  Hopefully the kids will help me create a few new stories.

That evening, the official launching of Cape Cod Surprise will include book signings, a teaser from the new story, introductions to a gold medalist, prize drawings for books and sailing delights, harbor views, and food and beverage.  We may also show a few videos courtesy of WhiteCap Video.  And both sailing and writing friends will have a chance to learn the ‘other’ meaning of the verb “to launch.”

Please put this “Surprise” party on your calendar. I look forward to celebrating with you all!

To read an excerpt, or RSVP, visit my author website.