This past week has been a whirlwind which found me signing and writing dedications in pre-order copies of my book: In Search of Annalena a Life of Tragedy and Triumph in Renaissance Florence. I’ve hand-delivered copies to friends and acquaintances close-by and I’ve written copious emails to those who have expressed an interest in purchasing my book. Within three days of receiving it from the printers, a few copies were already embellishing a shelf in my local bookshop. I watched on with pride as the manageress of the shop carefully placed ‘Local author’ and ‘Signed copy’ stickers on their pristine front covers. I have lived in Thame for over thirty years and I could never have imagined that one day I would be an author and have a book for sale there.
My achievement has also been swept up by local on-line news sites that featured articles about me. I’m thrilled to say that news about my book had even spread further afield and I’ve become a regular customer at our local post office where I have waited patiently in socially-distanced queues to send copies off to places both near and far. Additionally, in a very short space of time I’ve had to become accustomed to using the many channels of social media the likes of which I barely knew existed before. It really has been amazing and so rewarding to read the multitude of good wishes expressed by people from all over. I am also extremely grateful to those who have taken the time to share news about my book. I’m delighted to say that I have also received good response from individuals and establishments in Florence who have invited me to hold book presentations there next year all being well with the current pandemic situation.
The ‘pièce de résistance’ was being able to celebrate with my family (albeit virtually!). The balloons and banners were in place, champagne was popped and we enjoyed a special ‘Annalena dinner’.
Tomorrow marks the official launch date for my book and uniquely on this occasion I hope that this whirlwind will never end!
