Event Report: Ball Book Party and Austin Pets Alive Fundraiser

Recently on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, friends, family, and the dog loving public gathered at The Writing Barn to celebrate author/illustrator Mary Sullivan’s new picture book, Ball (HM/13).

Mary had thought of everything! As the book is a comic style one word pb about a dog’s obsession with his ball, Mary choose to have the event at The Writing Barn and to have books sold by local indie BookPeople. (The best of both book loving worlds, if you ask us.)

 

Mandy, from Austin Indie BookPeople, and Writing Barn Owner & Author, Bethany Hegedus
Mandy, from Austin Indie BookPeople, and Writing Barn Owner & Author, Bethany Hegedus

 

In keeping with the dog theme, Mary served an assortment of book launch party foods in doggie bowls.

Curried hummus in doggie bowls.
Curried hummus in doggy bowls.

 

Ball book display. Each buyer rec'd a red doggy ball!
Ball book display. Each buyer rec’d a red doggy ball!

 

 

Cookies!
Cookies!

 

The event was also a fundraiser for Austin Pets Alive.

Donated items for Austin Pets Alive
Donated items for Austin Pets Alive

Music and doggy songs were performed by Mr. Mark, of Rock-a-Doodle.

 

Mr. Mark signs a song
Mr. Mark signs a song

 

There was an activity table for young readers with pages to color. Young and old alike, enjoyed.

 

Ball activity table
Ball activity table

 

Austin author, Owen Egerton and son enjoy Ball.
Austin author, Owen Egerton and son enjoy Ball.

 

A new fan!
A new fan!

At the Writing Barn, we have a tradition–all authors and illustrators are asked to sign the “party porch.” Mary, as the guest of honor, drew the dog from Ball right before the guests arrived.

 

Mary Sullivan's autograph
Mary Sullivan’s autograph

 

Guests mingle
Guests mingle

Mary even remembered to thank her husband, Carlos, when she addressed the crowd.

Mary and her husband, Carlos as the book party begins
Mary and her husband, Carlos as the book party begins

And, about 3o minutes before the party ended, we announced BALL had SOLD OUT. Though Mary’s hands were tired she signed a copy for the Writing Barn bookshelf.

 

ballmarysigns

 

Soon to be on the Barn bookshelf.
Soon to be on the Barn bookshelf.

For those wanting signed copies of Ball, visit BookPeople or order from your local indie. The week after the launch event, Ball was featured in the New York Times Book Review. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Literary Events THIS WEEKEND!

Don’t miss Houston author, Joy Preble, celebrates the release of The Sweet Dead Life at BookPeople on Saturday, May 18th at 3pm.

 

 

 

 

Austin author, Lindsey Scheibe, celebrates the release of her debut novel, Riptide Sunday May 19th at BookPeople at 2pm. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to Host a Launch Event or a Book-Themed-Party for children or adults at The Writing Barn?

We’d love to have you! For more information, read here.