It's hard to think of myself as an author.
I mean for the entirety of my life, I've always known what I was ... be it a son, brother, husband, dad, friend, educator, leader, Manchester United supporter, scotch drinker, Star Wars fan, pain in the ass, etc.
But I've never been a published author before.
I don't have a playbook or a manual that I'm following either. I'm making it up as I go along.
The back cover of Flat Army is one of those examples. While I understand the industry typically defaults to having quotes from famous people waxing lyrical about the contents of said book, I refused and ultimately balked at this approach. My idea at first was to simply have a QR code that -- after being scanned -- would lead the reader to a video of me talking about the book.
That morphed into what is now on the back cover which is my own definitions of FLAT, ARMY and FLAT ARMY.
On Saturday, April 20 another of those 'newbie author' items sprung into my alter persona. In the confines of a large party room overlooking False Creek in my adopted hometown of Vancouver, roughly 60 people gathered to celebrate the launch of the book. My beloved amongst a few close friends were the master planners; I was simply told to book off the night and not ask any questions leading up to the evening.
It's amazing to me how powerful the human spirit really can be. The room was full of friendly and loving faces ... each with a smile, a hug, a kiss and oodles of well wishes and congratulations for me.
Denise (my beloved) gave a speech that was not only breathtaking, it was amorous.
She read a beautiful poem my father wrote ... penned in Stratford-upon-Avon, UK where he resides.
Dave (my artist friend) painted a larger than life-sized replica of the Flat Army cover alongside his usual touch of humour which came in the form of a giant-sized 'stick your face in this hole and be an author like Dan' placard.
I received not only a hangover the next day but a visceral reminder the sea of humanity that was in that room for a very special night is why I wrote the book in the first place. The pixels, letters and words in the book are a reflection of the people who have helped shape me into the person I am today. Although I'm affected by many people across this planet of ours, the book launch party and the chance to see so many people face-to-face was a reminder of how lucky I am.
Thanks to those that attended the party. Thanks to those that couldn't attend. And thanks to everyone in my personal sea of humanity network that has helped shape me into the person I am today.
I am truly humbled. I am equally lucky.
