It was the first public outing for Acquisition and me — a scheduled reading and book signing at Simply Serendipity on Tenth Street in North Wilkesboro, NC. And it began with grey, overcast skies and snow!
Thankfully, it didn’t stick. It was the kind of snow which looked beautiful falling but melted as soon as it hit the ground.
The poster of Acquisition filled one of the front windows — striking to say the least. Thank you Rae Monet! She designed the cover for my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, and I am totally happy with it.
As it was a store, there was less reading and more shopping, signing, and buying. And the shop owner, Julie Baird, had brewed a lovely Pumpkin Spice Coffee from the Owens Family Coffee Company in Wilmington, NC. The aroma was homey and celebratory — welcoming the visitors.
There were questions for me, mostly about my journey, how I became published, and my recent trips to Massachusetts and Orvieto, Italy — both of which were directly related to writing projects.
Family and friends stopped in, some strangers, a shop owner from a neighboring store. It was delightful!
Thank you to everyone who came out to support me and Acquisition, Julie Baird and Simply Serendipity, and local authors and artisans. Signed copies of my novel are still available at Simply Serendipity and the drawing for the gift basket will be held on Christmas Eve. So stop in, chat with Julie and Tori, check out the wares, and drop your name in the box for a chance to win!
Renee Johnson Writes 
You’re so beautiful! I would have loved to have been there for your special reading 🙂 MJ
Thank you MJ. I would have loved it too. Maybe one day we’ll be in the same city at the same time…
Congratulations!
Thank you Andy.
OOO,
so beautiful.
Wish I could have been there to support you.
C O N G R A T S !!!!!!!!!! xx
Thank you Kim. I feel the support from this wonderful blogging tribe we belong to.
Thank you so much for sharing your special day with us, Renee! How exciting it must have been. You looked fabulous standing next to your book cover. 🙂
It is definitely a culmination of a dream to stand beside of my first book, especially that huge poster in the window. Thank you Jill.
Well done, Renee. What a wonderful day it must have been. You look fantastic 😀
Thank you Dianne. It was pretty terrific.
So cool! Thanks for sharing this with all of us.
Thanks Elyse. It was cool. Yours might be next among our group.
I agree with Jill. You look fabulous standing by your book cover. Wish I could have been there. Keep us posted on any other venues coming up. Who knows if our paths may cross.
Georgette, thank you for the kind words. It would be wonderful to meet up with you in person, and it did feel good to be standing next to the poster of my novel — a great moment indeed!
Congratulations on your achievement. How exciting. It must be so awesome to have your novel finally published. Merry Christmas Renee, to you and all your family xx
Thank you Charlie. It is exciting. I hope you are enjoying your holidays with family and friends!
What a great Christmas present to yourself. Such wonderful success with first, completing the book, second, publishing the book and negotiating all the many decisions that go into that process, and third, success marketing campaign in progress. What awesome pictures of your beautiful self, friends, family, AND readers!
Wow, Linda, what a beautiful comment! You, as an editor, understand better than anyone all of the time involved in cranking out a novel. And it was special to see all of the people showing up to share the moment with me — priceless really.
How exciting, Renee!
Thank you Patti! Your picture book of birds is next!
Awesome! I’m so happy for you and wishing you the best of success. You go girl!
Wishing you & yours a Very Safe and Merry Christmas. 🙂
Thank you so much! It’s been a crazy year! I hope you are enjoying your holidays with family and friends as well.
Best of luck with your book, Renee.
Thank you so much! A little luck would be a good thing. Happy New Year!
Renee, you look beautiful! Congratulations on your novel! The pics in this post are fantastic! It makes us readers feel like we were there with you! Happy New Year! 🙂
Thank you Bella! Bringing you all along with me is the best compliment. Happy New Year to you as well.
Congratulations to you. How exciting! 🙂
Thank you. It is exciting and I appreciate having you drop by to celebrate with me. I hope you’ll come back soon.
Congratulations! Looks like your year has been great also!
Thank you! It certainly had its ups and downs, but yes, there were many good moments.
Quite an achievement! Many congratulations, Renee (and Happy 2015!) 🙂
Thank you. And Happy New Year to you as well.
Heartiest congratulations Renee! Writing and publishing a book is amazing and sure are gifted. Good luck and cheers 🙂
Thank you Dilip. It has felt a bit like a fantastic voyage! Happy New Year!
Congratulations Renee! I am happy and so excited for you. You are truly a light and inspiration for us all. Wishing you all the joy and success in all that you do.