Coke floats and lovely librarians, ahhhhhh . . .

By Lonnie Cruse

Last Saturday, March 15th, I held the official launch of my new book, FIFTY-SEVEN HEAVEN at the Metropolis Public Library, in Metropolis, IL. The book actually came out from Five Star in December, 2007, but with the uncertainty of the weather in this area between late November and early March, I decided it was safest to schedule it mid-March. Thankfully, we missed the last snow storm which hit us the weekend before. Whew! It did, however, rain cats and dogs. Sigh.

FIFTY-SEVEN HEAVEN isn't set in the 50's, but does feature a couple who grew up then. Like me. And it was a fun time in history. So I decided to hold a contest for best 50's outfit worn to the the launch. I also offered free Coke Floats to all attendees. I gotta tell ya, my hubby makes a mean Coke Float. So does my son, Joe. Everybody loved 'em.

I must take time to brag on the librarians at the Metropolis Public Library. Always supportive of my books, they went above and beyond for me this time with cookies and cupcakes AND dressing in Fifties garb! Thankfully they requested not to be included in the contest because no way could I choose between Mary Pansing's jean pedal pushers and white bobby socks, Karen Laird's red poodle skirt and black poodle shirt, Cheryl McQueen's black checkered skirt and poodle shirt, or Beverly Adams' pink skirt and bobby socks. Way to celebrate the 50's, ladies! My own outfit was jeans, blue jean heels (which I rarely wear, can't stand up in 'em) and a pink tee covered by a longsleeved shirt, both decorated with 50's items, including the obligatory poodle, and with the collar turned up.

Contest winner, Teyoni Sheve, (pictured right and it's pronounced Tea-on-e) received a free signed copy of my book. She's not wearing her 50's outfit in this picture. I forgot to take the picture at the time, so had to connect with her later. Congrats, Teyoni! Hope you enjoy the book.

I've always loved libraries, but as an author with Five Star, they are my bread and butter. I can not thank the Metropolis Library and the librarians enough for their continuing help and support.

And if you haven't had a Coke Float lately, you are really missing something. Yummm! But according to hubby, put the vanilla ice cream in FIRST. Otherwise, the Coke sort of, um, explodes everywhere when you drop the ice cream in last. And when you launch your books, consider your local library for the setting. Great place to attract book lovers.

Anchors Away - Aweigh - A-???

By Lonnie Cruse


Though my book has been out since December, I'm *officially* launching it Saturday week, (March 15th 2-4 PM, Metropolis Public Library, 313 Metropolis Street, and in case you want to fly in for this event, the nearest airport is over in Paducah and I'll send someone to pick you up!) Where was I? Launching a book.

The library is providing cookies and I'm bringing Coke floats. Anyone wearing something from the Fifties is entered in a contest, winner taking home a free signed copy of the book. So why here, and why now? Here, because the Metropolis Public Library has always been VERY supportive of my books. And the meeting room downstairs is lovely. And I think the librarians are the greatest. Did I mention how supportive they are?

Why now? Because it's March and all threat of bad winter weather is past. NOT! Today we expect two grandchildren and four inches of snow. Hubby is about to hunt up the sled, in case. Hopefully NEXT week will be better. If not, bring snowshoes and maybe we'll make snow cream instead of Coke floats. Whatever.

Writing a book is tough. Can I do this? Will anyone publish it? Read it? Like it? Launching is worse. Will anyone come? Buy the book? Like it? Yes, I'll take some cheese with my whine.

Apparently publishing is getting harder and harder. Fewer people reading every year. Fewer books sold. And that, of course, trickles down to writers. More people seem to be writing and hustling to get published. So competition for readers is stiffer. Sometimes we think about giving up. Surprise you? Me, too. But mostly we keep on writing. And hustling. And worrying. And hoping. And serving things like cookies and Coke floats.

Meanwhile, I'm thirsty. Think I'll just do a test run of a Coke float. Just to be sure I remember how to make them. Hopefully, it will bring good luck. Coke floats were lucky for me 47 years ago when I met Hubby at the Blue Onion drive-in in Las Vegas. You just never know.

Okay, let's make this interesting. Tenth person to leave a comment to this post wins a free signed copy of Fifty-Seven Heaven. And you can't post more than once. Any takers? I'd include a Coke float, but you know how fussy the USPS is about liquids.