The Official Launch of Before the World Opened

I don’t think the novelty of getting to stand up at a bookstore and talk about books that I’ve written will ever wear off. But it was particularly special to launch After the Shots and, last weekend, Before the World Opened, at McNally Robinson. After all, McNally Robinson has been my bookstore since I could understand the concept of a store specialising in nothing but my favourite thing; books. I remember when McNally Robinson was just a tiny stop in the Kenaston Village strip mall. I won a t-shirt in a draw there once, when I was about five; a classic McNally Robinson green one. Suffice it to say that we go way back. And that I can’t imagine making an official introduction of Before the World Opened anywhere else.

This launch was especially memorable. Weeks before the big day, I began receiving pictures and text messages from friends – my picture was in the front window of the store, and displayed prominently above the cash register. Although Before the World Opened is my second book, the way the store celebrated it made me feel like, with this one, I’d arrived. Considering that I started the book that would ultimately become Before the World Opened when I was a fifteen-year-old would-be author who spent far too much time perusing the shelves at McNally Robinson, choosing the perfect tomes to take home, it was a particularly poignant coming of age moment. I became what I always wanted to be and anyone who walked into the store could see it.

It seems hard to believe that I even finished Before the World Opened, never mind published it. After all, in tenth grade, I gave up on the story after only two chapters. When I later finished it, it was under duress. (I’m pretty sure that because I was under duress, I killed off all the characters at the end of the first version.) But no journey in life follows a straight line and often, the best surprises are found around the tightest curves in the metaphorical road. I struggled with this book on and off for years. I shelved it often, frustrated that I couldn’t seem to tell the story the way I wanted to. But I came back to it. I couldn’t seem to give it up. And in the end, it was so worth it.

I am immensely grateful to everyone who has been on this journey with me. Mom, for finding all of the mistakes in draft after draft. Ian, for living with these characters as long as he has lived with me, listening as I work through every plot change and pointing out when they don’t make sense – not to mention acting as photographer for every book-related photoshoot. Topher and Steph, for being my cheerleaders and volunteer promoters. Bria, for understanding my vision and creating cover art more beautiful than I could have imagined. The team at McNally Robinson, especially John Toews, who put up with my endless emails and make every launch a resounding success. Before the World Opened may have my name on the cover. But putting it out there is a team effort.

Before the World Opened made number one on the McNally Robinson bestseller list last week. The fact that I can now say I am a two-time bestselling author is an idea I’m still adjusting to. But I admit, it’s one I like a lot. And all the people I’ve mentioned have been a big part of that success. But so have all of you. Thank-you, as always, for your support. I love you all.

If you haven’t yet, you can pick up your copies of After the Shots and Before the World opened on Amazon, at McNally Robinson, or in my shop. Happy reading!