City of Dragons Launch!

Last Tuesday, February 2nd, was one of the most amazing moments of my life.

City of Dragons launched, released into bookstores and libraries and readers' hands ... despite the fact that at the time, it was blacklisted from Amazon, along with all other Macmillan titles.

But it didn't matter.

All the hopes, all the dreams, all the wishing and wanting and waiting. It coalesced into magic at my favorite bookstore, M is for Mystery.

So what are the ingredients for a once-in-a-lifetime moment that makes you incredibly touched and proud and feel like George Bailey at the end of It's A Wonderful Life?

Well, Chinese food of all kinds ... bourbon and sake and drinks served by two of the most talented bartenders in the world -- Edgar nominee Sophie Littlefield and Julie Goodson-Lawes ... goodie packs in Chinese New Year envelopes, complete with packs of candy cigarettes and party poppers ... Doll, the official mascot of Noir City, dressed in a fedora ... champagne toast ... and even a surprise birthday cake for Miranda.

And, of course, the most important ingredient: friends, starting with the amazing M is for Mystery staff: Pam, Jen, Anne, Charlotte, and of course Ed Kaufman. I was truly, truly humbled, and the warmth and love and memory of this special launch into the major leagues will always be a highlight of my life. :)

Books are like children ... it takes a village to raise them. And City of Dragons, Miranda and I are incredibly blessed and lucky to have the village--the family--that we do!!