First Annual TT Christmas Party

What a night.

The first annual Travis Thrasher Christmas party was held tonight. It exceeded all expectations. It truly was an amazing experience.

Companies all have their Christmas parties. So why can’t novelists? Since this was such a big year for me and since next year is going to be even bigger, I figured why not go all out? If the Mayans are right about the world ending in 2012, I figured I better celebrate while I can.

With four books released this year (and another writing book and novella released as e-books), I wanted to do something special.

I wanted to celebrate with all of those who made this year truly wonderful.

So at the brewery in Aurora that we rented out for this event, I invited all the important people in my writing career. My agent, Claudia, of course. My primary editor, L.B. My many publishing friends, like Barry and Don and Becky and Karen and many others. I had others from their respective publishing houses come, some who have worked very hard on my books.

But those were just the start. I had my top 25 fans attend. I paid for their way to come. (And don’t think I don’t know who you are Jake and Josh and Stephanie and John and . . . well, I could go on).

Others were at my party as well. I was able to get a musician to perform for free. That’s never been done in the history of all music everywhere. Jimmy Wayne came on his own dime. (He simply asked for a nice donation of $25,000 to the Angel Tree program).

Emceeing tonight was myself. Too much? Absolutely. But I’ve never been able to resist getting up in front of people and making an arse of myself.

I started the night with a funny video about being a fulltime writer. I talked about the stresses of bills and paying insurance and not being able to pay bills and insurance. The video talked about our three girls and I showed nightly clips of me coming home exhausted to a house full of wailing. It’s funny to joke because this is SO not my life. The staff we employ helps out with the children. Thankfully. Don’t know what I’d do if they didn’t.

After a wonderful dinner, I was able to share a little about how much I appreciate everybody. I tried to keep it short because hearing my voice for so long gets tiring. Then I shared some of the reader comments from the books released this year. From my favorite all time book I’ve written, 40. From Gravestone. From my two collaborations, Letters From War and Paper Angels.
Then I shared a little about what’s coming in 2012. The final two Solitary Tales books. That novella which is a small part of something big. And then other things I’m hoping and praying about.
Jimmy Wayne got up and instead of performing his own stuff, he surprised me by performing a bunch of Coldplay songs. Then on the final song, he allowed me to come up and assist with a really really bad synth version of “Paper Angels”. Everybody started to dance and then we proceeded to dance for the next hour. It was great, and at the end of the night, everybody left gifts that went to Forgotten Angels in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program.
Whew.

Now I’m sitting home thinking what a fun night it was to see all of the people I work with on a regular basis. The people I email and email. The people I bounce ideas off of and the ones I share thoughts with. All those who are vital to this writing thing I have.

Of course, I make up things for a living, and if you really think I had a Christmas party like this tonight, well . . . I’ll invite you next year.

One day, I’d love to do something like this. Not to celebrate ME but to thank all of those who allow me to do the thing I love.

If I ever had enough time and money, I’d do it.

Just like writing a book exclusively for my fans. And giving it to them for free.

Just as a way of saying thanks.

I might not say it enough or show it enough, but I am thankful. To anybody who has worked with me and anybody who has read one of my books.

I’ve been a hamster on a wheel running and running for the last few years. It’s easy to not be able to say enough. Or show enough. I really try.

If I could, I’d have a celebration where I could say thanks and where everybody could dance.

Jimmy Wayne would have to be a part of it somewhere, not because he’s a celebrity but because he’s one of the greatest guys I’ve ever known. And he laughs at my jokes.

To my colleagues, and to my fans and readers, I want to say thank you.

I joke on this blog, but I take my work very seriously. I take all of you very seriously as well.

There are some exciting things ahead. I will continue to try my hardest and see what doors open.

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

7 Comments

  1. And an amazing evening it was. Travis, your writing has always transported me to unexpected places, but this is a new first 😉 Merry Christmas.

  2. Wow, I was totally convinced that you actually had a party like that.It's a great idea though maybe one day you'll actually do it.

  3. One day you will have a party just like the one you just described and I will be one of the fans you flew in to help celebrate! Thanks for all your hard work entertaining us!

  4. Travis, you had an awesome year indeed! 🙂 I think its fantastic that you had a party to celebrate not just yourself, but all those around you that have helped you along the way! You are so talented and equally as funny as Jimmy! Cant wait to see what 2012 has in store for you! 🙂

  5. You're gonna have to invite me next year because I was believing it. If you can conceive it, you can achieve it! Jimmy Wayne has taught us to believe in our dreams no matter the circumstances. So "Dont Stop Believing" you are more than halfway there. Unique, fascinating writing like yours possibly takes a little longer to appreciate. I have 8 of your books so far and am looking forward to what's ahead?!!!!!

  6. I so believed you–wanted to read all about your party. That was good.

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