Christabelle Grant Author

The waves were there before we were, lapping the shore of Rarangi Beach.

The Community Hall was opened and the wooden seats were carried one by one over the stones to a clearing beneath the trees, lectern front and centre.

High vis vests were worn, as the cars were directed left and right to park, people piling out.

And as the people came, there was smiles and laughter and well wishers all around.

9th August 2025, the day of my very first book launch for “Orchestra Class.”

My friend and Illustrator Debbie Godsiff arrived, with her daughter Freja and partner in tow.

Person after person walked over the rocks and made their way to a seat, where they chatted amongst themselves.

The Mayor popped out of a car, and joined in on the fun too.

Everything was still and everything was perfect.

My Mum got up to welcome the community of people that had gathered to celebrate this day.

I got up, and hobbled over the stones and pine cones to the clear lectern that stood proudly beneath the trees.

My gold dress and moon boot were quite the pair and as I stood there and told my story, I couldn’t believe that we were finally here.

Becoming a published author had always been a dream of mine since I was 4 years old. It was all I knew I wanted to be.

A day to remember, a day between the pine trees and the beach.