Book Launch report

It is the day after so I can now reflect on my book launch last night. Normally calm, the idea of pushing myself on to other people felt decidedly unsettling. I was not nervous beforehand, just uncomfortable at being in the limelight. Invites were sent out, flyers displayed in the local tackle shops and the local angling clubs all spread the news of the upcoming event to their members. In the end, the upstairs function room over Johnnie McHales was full on the night.

If I was to thank everyone who contributed to last night I would have sore fingers writing. Derek Woods came over from England, some of my relations came up from County Galway and four lads from the Bristol area who happened to be in the area on holiday came along (hope you got a fish or two today lads). Some of the finest fishers in the country were present, anglers who I admire and am always learning from.

I said a few words to introduce the book then got down to the serious business of signing copies for those who wanted one (or more in some cases). I quickly realised that I wanted to personalise each copy so I wrote different things depending on who the book was for. That was all well and good but it soon led to a queue forming and I recall being shocked at the line of expectant faces in front of me as I scribbled on the fly sheets. Once that was over I could relax and mingle with the guests, catching up with some lads who I have not seen for years. John McHale had laid on some finger food and everyone was chatting, laughing, drinking and stuffing their faces with sausages and chips.

I had erroneously planned for the proceedings to wrap up around 10pm, but this being Ireland the hard core simply moved the party to the Cobweb pub where the beer and whisky flowed until the early hours. It was one of the most enjoyable nights of my life. This morning was less fun and work proved to be ‘challenging’ to say the least.

I sincerely hope any of you who buy the book get some enjoyment from it. I am working on a second book now, a totally different type and one which the publishers may not want to take up. If not, I will possibly self publish as I think there is a space for another fly tying book on most anglers shelves.