Book Launch, Satellite Launch, Same Difference!
It was 4:00 AM, and where I was supposed to be that day was a NASA satellite launch. The bus full of my coworkers rumbled through the darkness, headed toward a space force base. Our precious SWOT satellite was about to launch. The excitement and trepidation was palpable.
The bus halted to a stop, and we gazed at the massive launch vehicle, lit up like a prized trophy. It was time. It was finally time!
I had been doing research surrounding the SWOT satellite for 4 1/2 years at this point. Nerves and excited anticipation bubbled up within me. If this failed, then I would be tempted to believe that all of my former work would be a waste (untrue, but tempting). If it succeeded, then a whole world of research would open up for water scientists everywhere. No pressure, right?
We exited the bus and mingled, and a buzz of all sorts of emotions hummed around us. A hush fell over the crowd as the announcers started the countdown for the news channel.
T - 10, T - 9, T - 8…
Our eyes were glued to the launch vehicle.
My gloved hands clenched tightly over my beanie in the 40° weather.
T - 3, T - 2, T - 1...Lift off!
A sonic boom reverberated around us in the atmosphere as the rocket launched into the air. It hit my heart in a wave of feelings unlike I had ever experienced before. I had no words. My theoretical work became tangible before my very eyes in that moment, literally touching my heart.
The rocket disappeared into the clouds, leaving a trail of smoke in its wake. The launch was successful, and I would never forget that powerful moment.
Book launches are not so different than satellite launches.
Both launch things that once only existed in the imagination, and so much work has been put into them. Preparation for a book launch, like a satellite launch, can take years! There are phases: ideation, planning, formation, experimentation, refining, solidifying. Any worthwhile project calls for diligence through all the phases.
Just like a satellite launch, a book launch, the accumulation point of tremendous hard work, is worthy of being celebrated.
Want to celebrate with me? (and get your book signed?)
I’ll be hosting an in person launch party in the Los Angeles area Saturday, August 1st from 1-4pm! If you’re interested in attending, reply to this email, and I’ll send you the details when I make the flyer in the next week!
Happy Nellie and the Sea of Trials build-up-toward-launch week :)
~Cassie Vest
P.S. Check out my social media for some fun videos this week comparing NASA launches & book launches!
