the morning after (well, not quite)

I’m finally settling from the excitement of the release party and the trip up to the bay area I took last weekend, so I wanted to send out a big official thank-you to everyone who attended the release party, and to post some photos from the event. It couldn’t have gone better, as far as I’m concerned, and both my publishers and I were thrilled by the turnout. It was a great crowd, filled with old and new friends, family, and everything in between. I really appreciate everyone coming out, and it was a special treat to see some old friends I haven’t seen in quite some time. I feel very lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful, supportive people, and am excited to be back in L.A., with its amazing community of writers and artists.

Thanks also to all of those who contributed and helped make our night possible: Keith at La Cita for setting everything up, La Cita itself (and our wonderful bartenders), Jimmy Kwon from Sandwich Shop for donating food (check him out at www.sandwichshopla.com, so you know where to go when you’re hungry in downtown), Justin and Mike for reading with me, and, of course, Chiwan and Judy of Writ Large Press for making it all happen.

So check out the photos from the party, and other random photos on my gallery!

If you saw me at any point before I read, you may have noticed I was a bit nervous, but once I got started, I relaxed into the moment and really enjoyed myself.

I’ve received a number of emails from those of you who bought the book and are enjoying it—so thanks, too, for all the positive feedback. If you didn’t get a chance to buy the book at the release party, or couldn’t make it, you can purchase it through my publisher, Writ Large Press, or through Amazon (just hit the link over —> where the picture of my book cover is). If you want it signed, email me at mypalbeckett[at]gmail[dot]com, and we’ll make it happen.

Of course, this is just the beginning. Over the next few months and beyond, I’ll be doing a number of readings to promote the book and will keep everyone up to date through the website, so please be sure and check in to see what’s coming up (I’ve got plans for Betalevel, a gallery in downtown, the Echo Park Film Center, a fancy house in the Palisades, and Good Hurt bar), and to see what’s happening on my blog. I’ll be posting the section of my new work-in-progress “prison-house,” that I read at the party soon, since many of you were curious about that piece, as well as a few poems from the book. I also review books, let you know about things I think are awesome, and other things of that nature. See you all soon!