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BLOODCHAINED RELEASE PARTY    October 12, 2007


To celebrate the release of Bloodchained, the author hosted a private party in her home for the staff of Living Beyond Reality Press and representatives of the Soulful Sex Partners project, as well as her oldest fans and supporters. Guests--or rather, "pilgrims," were welcomed by this sign, a replica of the one hanging by the door of Gilder's Inn.

  
What self-respecting book release party doesn't offer door prizes as well as a tantalizing display of the book in question? Diana also welcomed guests wearing her custom-made Grace Gilder costume, crafted by the talented Rebecca of Rebecca's Renaissance.
  


Diana's beloved and brilliant editor, Sarah Ratayczak, explains the finer points of book editing to a rapt audience. Obviously engrossed is the author's husband David, who serves as official proofreader for her books. Also hanging on Sarah's every word are long-time supporter Jeri Lyons, and the author's daughter, Soulful Sex Partners Project member Amanda Nelson.

  
Taking the wine-and-black party theme to heart are Dave and Liz Riedel, Diana's oldest fans. Liz's amazing Renaissance cloak was hand crafted of 100% wool in authentic period style, and would no doubt suit Bloodchained's Helena Diliniary well. Dave is a bit better suited for the Blues Brothers, and even more cool.  


Bloodchained cover artist Katie Nelson (aka the author's other daughter) shares champagne with her sister Amanda, a gourmet chef and aspiring sommalier who catered the food for the evening's soiree.

  
Guests explored a series of displays with props modeled on significant objects from the book, along with accompanying passages from the text. This bottle of Windspeth Vintner's Audicacian Wylde Red is "the Old One" that Grace and Sebastian use to toast their departed parents in Chapter One.  


Here's a replica page from the sinister Precepts of the Roicans that Finn secretly reads in Chapter Two.

  
As readers of Bloodchained know, Grace's gardening day took a turn for the mysterious when Liam Koll came on the scene. What's the deal with the carrot? Read the book to find out!  
This apple plays an even bigger part in the drama, come Chapter Ten. If you're thinking Snow White...well, no, it's not like that.  
This is one of the two replicas in existence of Heroica's bracelet, and was fashioned by the author with design assistance from book illustrator Katie.  

Of course, even more popular than the displays, was the spread of food laid out for the guests. Gilder's Inn never saw such fare, not even on Departure Eve! You do want to know the menu, true? Here it is:
Deconstructed Tapenade with Basil Pesto
Spicy Mixed Nuts with Brown Sugar Glaze
Fresh Fruit Platter
Chipotle Tomato Soup Shooters
Warm Brie with Adriatic Fig Spread and Multi-seed Flatbread
Bourbon and Barbecue Soaked Chorizo and Kielbasa Bites
Cannibal Sandwiches with Onions and Rye Bread
Irish Crème and Cappuccino Squares
White Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets

  
Do those hands look familiar? A live-action shot of the hands that modelled for the cover of Bloodchained...  
After a search for hidden carylian buttons, everyone went home with fabulous prizes! (And yes, that is the computer desk where Bloodchained was composed.) To the far right are Andy Burbach and his wife Cherie, representing the SS Partners Advance Readers group.  
The author raises a glass of thanks to all those present and absent who did so much to contribute to the creation of Bloodchained...  

photos by Diana Laurence and Katie Nelson