Remembrandt Book Launch Photo Journal

It's been four weeks since the launch of Remembrandt, my young adult suspense novel. I feel like this month has been whirlwind of successes and lessons learned. Overall, I feel very positive about all the feedback I have been given and I am loving my young adult and adult fan base that I hope continues to grow and grow! Since I know there were a lot of you who really wanted to be at the book launch, but couldn't, I am happy to share with you the events of the night and smattering of photos galore (taken by the budding photographer Kelly Dearth of Delicious Reads & my father-in-law).

Chatting with my own James Bond (aka, my hubby) beforehand! This awesome man was also my wingman/cameraman for my recent "spy experience" video at Deseret Book. 

My marketing director, Garry Mitchell from Walnut Springs Press, and I making plans!

I'm literally in love with my cover poster (printed from none other than good 'ol Costco).

My introduction of Remembrandt and the back story on why I wrote the book (more to come on that in future posts). Whitney from The King's English, the best little bookshop in all of UTAH, introduced me to the group before this, but somehow we didn't get a picture of it.

My first time ever reading the first printing of Remembrandt out loud. I got to share the part of the book where the main character, Alexandra, somehow finds herself at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. This is the first time she realizes that maybe her Russian professor has a secret and that Brown University isn't the place she thought it was.

I tried to make jokes as I answered questions at the Q&A portion of the launch. I never said I was a comedian.

Two members of my writing group, Riveting Writers, Brooke Hargett & Amy Beals. These gals are going to be BIG!

Singing the song I wrote for Remembrandt after the Q&A. I will post a link to it soon (and I still owe all those that attended a free download of the song as well.). The lyrics are at the back of the book :). A huge shout out go to Larry Banks (the music arranger and man-behind-the-guitar) and my brother, Aaron LuBean, who took my lyrics and melody and helped turn it into something special. It may never be heard on the radio (or by anyone who doesn't know me), but Alexandra's voice couldn't be quieted in my head.

Because I love giveaways I had to do one of my own!

These BEAUTIES on either side of me - Kelly & Kellie - have been some of my biggest supporters and continually let me indulge in all things book related! You'll often find us stalking other authors or stuck with our faces in the pages of a book.

I really love this FAMILY of mine. They put up with so much and it makes me so HAPPY knowing that no matter what, they will always be by my side. My oldest, Henry, knew I was a little stressed on the drive up to SLC to the book launch because we stuck in a traffic jam. I told them all to say a prayer. We did one together. About ten minutes later, the traffic started to ease up and I heard him make a huge sigh of relief. When I asked what was up, he said, "I've said eighteen prayers for you. I'm so glad He heard me." Yeah, my family is kinda awesome.

FYI, my boys hate dressing up with a passion, but they all sported their bow ties without complaint. We could never figure out how to tie Jeff's correctly, so he was going for the "relaxed" spy look.

Trevor was so excited to be one of the winners of the drawing. He told me I had to post this picture. And, no, it is not wine. Anyone who has read the book knows that Mr. Daly only drinks sparkling cider - so that's what I gave away, along with a copy of my book. 

Yeah, I know you all want your very own book cover pillow. My cute writing group got this gift for me to open at the book launch. It's still sitting on my night stand. I think it will have to go with me to all of my book signings!

The night ended with me signing lots of books and chatting with family, friends, and a few people I didn't know. I have a feeling, that most of my book signings in the future won't be quite as fun as this first one, but I really had a blast debuting my novel and can't wait for the book to get in more people's hands.

Thank you to everyone that came to the book launch or wanted to be there, but couldn't. I never realized how much love a girl could feel!

FYI, thanks to everyone who nominated me for the Whitney Award. I am an official "nominee." I won't find out until February 9th if I am a finalist, but I already feel like I've won because of the great support I've felt so far.

If you still haven't gotten a copy of Remembrandt for yourself, stop by The King's English (1511 S 1500 E, SLC). I know many of the Deseret Books in town were sold out earlier this week, but The King's English still has copies (even a few signed ones)! Or make it easier for yourself and order a copy online at Amazon.com or DeseretBook.com.

Happy Holidays everyone! Now sit back, put your feet up, and read!

XoXo,

Robin

P.S. If you've already read Remembrandt or are going to read it, please add your star rating or reviews to Amazon.com, DeseretBook.com, or GoodReads.com (just use these links). Let me know if you add a review (You can do it anonymously and you don't have to write a ton - just a sentence or two or even just a star rating would make me over-the-top happy. You can copy and paste the same review to each site). Those that post a review before I release my single of "Remembrandt Song," will get a free download of the song :).

My mini-me! For weeks before and after the book launch, the four year old of mine walked around singing my song. She still begs for me to play the demo in my car. It cracks me up because she requests it by saying, "Mom, I want to listen to that 'like a Rembrandt painting' song." Everyone that's heard the song will know how catchy the chorus is.
This girl warms my heart. 

Remembrandt Giveaway: Free Book and Gift!

Thank you, everyone, who has been a big support to me throughout this whole getting published process. As a thank you I get to have my first giveaway!!

Even if you have read Remembrandt, still enter for your chance to win it and give it as a gift for Christmas. The framed quote (thanks Delicious Reads) is perfect for any book lover.

Remembrandt Summary: Alexandra Stewart doesn't just walk down memory lane - she lives on it. The seventeen-year-old starts a new semester at Brown University, hoping to leave behind painful memories, which is nearly impossible when her eidetic memory replays everything in her mind in movie-esque detail. Things aren't always what they seem: her new running partner will show up in another important area of her life, her Russian professor is anything but ordinary and Brown University holds a well-kept secret.

The contest ends at 5pm MST Friday night!  Enter below through rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners will be notified via private message and on this page. I'm doing a similar giveaway on Instagram @byrobinking, but you can enter both giveaways for a chance to win 2 copies of each item!

Rules: Only those 18 years and older may enter (Sorry, younger teen friends. Ask your parents to enter!). Only residents of the United States. Participants, by entering the sweepstakes, fully release any entity from liability.

I'm a Spy in Real Life?

I couldn't help myself.

Since I'm pretty sure the CIA will no longer look at me because I'm too old. I decided to take matters into my own hands. Check out this thirty-something-mom-of-five who feel like she needs to spy her book on the shelf at Deseret Book. Maybe some clandestine organization will view this video and decide that my fabulous somersault is agent material. A girl can hope, right?

I really think I'm in the wrong line of work.