We had a launch party last Thursday and as far as I’m concerned it was as close to perfect as anything can be. In my estimation, it was a rip-roaring success!

But what does that mean?

Before I was an author, I would have thought a successful launch party would be one with lots of readers coming out to buy lots of books. Success would be measured by attendance and profitability. But I’ve learned a few things since I’ve been published.

Now I have the Elwood P. Dowd outlook on success. Elwood is a character (played by Jimmy Stewart) in the movie Harvey. Throughout the movie Elwood invites just about everyone he meets either for a drink or for dinner. Which is what I’d often like to do, but people think it’s funny if you meet them and immediately invite them over. And they’re too busy anyway.

But if you have a book launch–ahhhh–now you can post the event on Facebook and literally invite everyone and anyone who’s even remotely connected to you.

So when I have a launch party, selling and promoting my books is nice, but it’s not the point. Nope, it’s a chance to throw a party for friends, family, acquaintances, readers I have yet to meet . . . Everyone! Anyone!

And as a bonus, I get to talk about how God has blessed me in this journey to being a multi-published author. And who knows? That might be Good News to someone.

In the movie, Elwood offers his philosophy of life and I think it’s an excellent one. “Years ago my mother used to say to me, she’d say, ‘In this world, Elwood, you must be’—she always called me Elwood—’In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.’ Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me.”

It’s pleasant to get together in a barn to read, talk, eat, and listen to music while savoring dear friends, new friends, and friends-to-be. I think Elwood P. Dowd and Harvey would fit right in.