WELCOME TO THE RUNNING ON EMPTY LAUNCH PARTY

Hi and welcome to the online launch party for my book: Running on Empty: Diary of a Marathon Mum, which will be running from 8-15 June 2006.

If you haven't been to an online launch party (or any online party for that matter!) don't worry, it's not as weird as it seems. Just chill out as you would for a normal party, have a drink (at least a metaphorical one anyway) and find some people to chat to.

There is a little spot just for runners to talk about their PBs, injuries and best ever runs without boring the pants of non-runners.

And for non-runners, pull a stool up at the bar and join in the chat about everything and anything you can think of. Runners, of course are welcome there too (unless you're purifying your bodies of course!).

There's also a competition to win a signed copy of my book. And a couple of discussion forums for people to chat away about the things that bug them.

And of course... ever the self-promoter (me, I will happily confess to being a tart when it comes to selling books, particularly my own), you can buy a copy of the book...

And if you're still here and not got drunk and disgraced yourself in the corner, you might like to read my Diary of How to Sell a Book When You Don't Actually Have One...

So please, introduce yourself here, and tell me what you're wearing, what you're drinking, who you've come with. (And yes, you are allowed to exaggerate - I am a writer after all. So let's just say, I've pulled up in my stretch limo, and am wearing a fabulous little black number designed by Armani, who is of course, a personal friend...)

Crack open the bubbly, chill out and enjoy....

Juliax

I would like to extend my huge thanks to the following people:

Kate Allan for coming up with the idea of an online launch party in the first place, and generously not minding me pinching it!
My many friends in the Romantic Novelist's Association who have been such a support.
The lovely Wesham Road Runners, in particular Brian Porter and Brenda Earnshaw. Good luck to all those running in the Freckleton Half Marathon on June 18!
My mad twin sister, Virginia, without whom I would never ever have contemplated running a marathon.
My lovely husband, Dave, for putting our marriage on the line and daring to tell me what was wrong with the book!
And in particular to John Inverdale for generously mentioning my book on Radio 2 and setting me on my way...