Last Friday night I was excited to attend a book launch party for one of my dear writer friends Vicky Alvear Shecter who is the author of the Cleopatra’s Moon, a fabulous YA historical fiction novel.
Here is a picture from the party at the Little Shop of Stories bookstore where Vicky is holding the infamous Drag-Queen Cleo.
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The novel focuses on Cleopatra Selene, the only daughter of the renowned queen of Egypt. Being a lover of all things historical, I loved the way that Vicky revealed facts within the prose. Where I really think she shines is how she fills in the blanks of history with her own take on what happened to Cleopatra Selene after the deaths of her parents and her turbulent stay in Rome. I also loved the theme of free will in the novel since this is one of the themes in my own novel project.
Vicky has been a writer friend for several years. We originally met as part of a critique/writing workshop. I always loved when it was Vicky’s turn to read because she always put interesting historical details in her writing — I still remember a piece about the domestication of cats in ancient Egypt. Vicky has always had a penchant for ancient history. She has also written two non-fiction books, Alexander The Great Rocks the World and Cleopatra Rules!
I still remember a day when we met at a coffee shop and talked about what we wanted to happen for our writing. For me, she is an writing inspiration. It is very inspiring to see a work go from idea to revision to sale to editorial revision and then on to publication. There is a LOT of work involved as we writers already know.
To see it happen for a writer friend is even better because there is a personal connection. So Vicky if you’re reading this post just know how proud that I am of you and I can’t wait for you to share more of your writing with the world! :)
How do you celebrate your writer friend success stories? How do your writer friends support you in your accomplishments?
Congrats on your friend’s launch party! I think the best way to support the success of my writer friends is by helping them celebrate AND helping promote (word of mouth is still a powerful tool) their books/success!
Karen, thank you so much for this! You’ve made my day and made me feel all nostalgic for those days at Emory. We should have coffee again soon–just on principle!
I love when good things happen to close writer friends. I try and encourage, promote and support in any way i can!
I agree, it’s very exciting to see people you know gain the attention they deserve! Long may she rule!!!
Saba: It was such a great party! There were even goddesses and a Roman solider.
Vicky: So glad to make your day. We should definitely have coffee soon. :)
Laura: I love it too. Especially when you are close to the writer — and it doesn’t feel forced — you want to share the love!
Gail: It was so great seeing you at the launch party!