As an author, the launching of your book is often when it feels most real. A book launch means people come and listen to you talk about this creation and the creation process and ask interesting questions about something you have invested years of your time in. It is a beautiful nourishing experience.
Lockdown meant that many authors were unable to have this moment of sharing with the reading community. Many publishers and platforms kindly made book launches possible online, which definitely has its benefits in terms of improving global access to South African novels. Two of my books were published during lockdown. Living While Feminist – a collection of feminist essays (online launch at CNA here) – and The Fall, my second novel (online launch with Nechama Brodie here). I was so grateful for the online platforms.
But, it is a wonderful thing to look out into a room at people who love reading. To feel that love of reading in the room is like being among your people. Book launches and book festivals are also amazing places for writers to interact with other writers, to buy books you might have walked past in the shop because you don’t know the author, and to celebrate the local writing community.
So I was very glad and excited when I heard about the Little Local Launches festival and was asked to be a part of it. It’s taking place over two Saturdays this October (10th and 17th) at the Courtyard Cafe in Kalk Bay. Authors whose books were published between March and September will speak to a COVID safe room of just 18 people with tea and coffee and cake afterwards. Tickets are just R60. The hope is that if these launches go well, this will be a more regular festival.
Saturday Oct 10
- 10:00 – 11:00 Melinda Ferguson, Lockdown
- 11:30 – 12:30 Tom Eaton, Is it me or is it getting hot in here?
- 13:00 – 14:00 Pamela Newham, The Boy and the Poacher’s Moon
- 14:30 – 15:30 Jen Thorpe, The Fall
Get tickets for 10 October here
Saturday Oct 17
- 10:00 – 11:00 Sally Partridge, Sea Star Summer
- 11:30 – 12:30 Patricia Schonstein, The Inn at Helsvlakte
Get tickets for 17 October, here
Come along! Support! Enjoy!
Jen Thorpe 