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I may write fantasy, but launching my debut middle-grade book at Readings felt even more fantastical than the stories I create. I’m still in awe of the support, excitement, and kind words I received. While I’ve shared many thank yous in the acknowledgements of my book, I wanted to give a few more – specifically for those who made my debut book launch on 20 February 2025 so very special.
The venue: Readings Kids Carlton
The Melbourne literary community is such a warm and welcoming space, and Readings events are a huge part of that. I feel incredibly lucky to have hosted my debut book launch there.
Thank you to Aurelia and Ellie for helping with setup, testing the mic, and being such kind and calm hosts. To Christine Gordon, thank you for helping with the details and preparation. And a big thank you to Julia Jackson for being enthusiastic about my book from the moment I first reached out.
To Dani Solomon and Fiona Hardy: thank you for accepting my book into your beautiful stores. Seeing it on your shelves was a surreal moment I’ll never forget.
Book supply (and some chocolate-covered treats)
I dropped off my books at Readings a few days early – along with a jar of chocolate-covered strawberries. (Nut-free, just in case! Also: possibly inspired by the recent Valentine’s Day shelves.) A small gesture, but I hoped it would be a sweet way to say thank you to the staff.
Launch day prep: outfit panic and potion props
Let’s talk about my questionable planning. I bought my debut book launch outfit… on the day. Yes, really. In full panic mode. Miraculously, I found a dress that matched my book cover, felt polished, and avoided clashing with the artwork. Total fluke? Or maybe the book gods intervened.
I also arranged the flowers myself – cutting billy-button and eucalyptus-leaves stems and placing them into potion-like flasks for a magical touch. Add a professional makeup appointment and some mad dashing around the ‘burbs, and I was just barely on time. The stress was real, but I had my eye on the clock the whole time.
Arriving at my debut book launch
As soon as I arrived, I realised the dull pressure behind my eyes had turned into a full-blown headache. (Seriously, how do event planners do this?) Thankfully, seeing familiar faces – friends from uni, work, writing groups, and family – lifted my spirits instantly.
Some friends even brought their kids, which was such a lovely surprise! I don’t know many children personally (perhaps awkward, considering I wrote a children’s book…), so having real-life middle-grade readers there made my night.
The author Q&A
The evening began with a Q&A, and I couldn’t have asked for a better host. Mia Ferreira, thank you for making public speaking seem so effortless. Your questions flowed perfectly, setting up an easy conversation and preventing my brain from short-circuiting (book reference 😉). So many thanks!
A live reading from the magic world
After the Q&A, I read the prologue of The Potion Experiment aloud to the room. It felt only fitting to start where the story begins – in the magical world. Sharing that opening with a live audience, especially after spending so long writing and rewriting it in solitude, was incredibly special. There’s something surreal about reading your own words out loud and watching people react in real time. It was the perfect lead-in to the signing.
The signing table
Signing books was such a joy – though I quickly discovered I need to simplify my signature. Too many swirls, not enough consistency!
Inspired by author friend Kylie Orr, I had everyone sign a copy of my book. I’ve since read over their notes with so much gratitude. Now I have a launch-night keepsake that I’ll treasure forever.
The signing line also meant I got to ensure I said hi and thank you to each and every person who attended.
Photos worth a thousand words
These stunning photos? All thanks to Gosia Sum. I’m a writer, yet somehow still lost for words. Look at that focus, look at that framing. Her photography captured the magic of my debut book launch night perfectly – from the shelves of picture books behind me to the candid, joy-filled moments. Thank you so much!
Post-launch adventures (spoiler: there was an ambulance)
After my debut book launch event, I planned to join friends at a nearby rooftop bar – though I hadn’t made a booking (I hadn’t known how many would want to join!). Pro tip: always book. The place filled up fast, and half our group ended up grabbing pizza elsewhere.
My sister made a beautiful toast… and then my aunt was wheeled out on a stretcher. She’s okay now! But it’s not every day you look up from a celebratory espresso martini to see a family member being loaded into an ambulance.
Thank you for making my debut book launch so special
To everyone who attended, purchased a book, brought their kids, or simply cheered me on – thank you. Special thanks to those who gifted my book to others, and to the young readers who were excited about the cover and having their copies signed.
I hope you (and your gift recipients!) enjoy reading The Potion Experiment as much as I loved writing it. This debut book launch was a milestone I’ll never forget – and that’s entirely thanks to you.
Want to support my debut?
If you’d like to help this indie author continue sharing magical stories, here are 5 ways to support a debut author. Every kind word, review, and recommendation truly makes a difference.