Local author hosts book launch
Niresha Ramlugan held her book launch at Skoobs Theatre of Books.
Niresha Ramlugan from Greenhills in Randfontein held the launch of her first novel, I smell them in the jasmines at Skoobs Theatre of Books at Montecasino on Saturday, 9 November.
According to Niresha, when she wrote the book she had no clue of the huge process it would be from crafting an interesting story to holding a printed copy of the book in your hand, and then marketing it to the public. “I have learnt so much on this personal voyage of discovery,” Niresha said.
Photo: Submitted.
“In addition to promoting a book, a book launch is supposed to be a celebration after all the months of hard work and commitment to bringing your book to life. The week before the launch started out a bit differently for me.
“There were some delays in the publishing and printing process so I officially planned the launch a few days before it could take place.”
For Niresha, the usual hype with planning a launch was replaced with staggering emotions, heightening stress levels and painful highs and lows. “The concerns pieced into me one by one; will the people who RSVP’d turn up, will the catering be adequate, how will I stand up there and speak in front of everyone, along with tens of other questions.
“My family did everything they possibly could to reduce my burden and ease my nerves, but my mixed emotions still latched onto me,” she explained.
In the end, she added, it turned out wonderful; much better than she had hoped.
“Every person who RSVP’d attended. In fact there were supposed to be about 50 people present but in the end there were about 60. Thirty copies of my book were available for sale and 29 were sold.
“The catering was more than adequate and the venue was gorgeous. Everyone had a great time. Friendships were reignited and bonds were strengthened. I was able to speak without having a total breakdown and most importantly, I was made to feel loved and special by all the amazing people who were there just for me.”
She added that the staff at Skoobs were amazing and they made sure that everything went along smoothly.
“One of the underlying messages in my book is that no matter what is happening in life, there is always, always hope. In that week, this message rung true for me. I got my happy ending and every moment of that day is etched within me,” she concluded.
