Behind the Scenes of the Moms’ Night Out Premiere (Part 1)

In December I was asked to write the novelization of Moms’ Night Out. What’s a novelization? Basically, I watched the movie (over and over again) and turned it into a book! It was such a great movie that I loved every minute of it. (Don’t tell my editor, Dawn, but it almost didn’t feel like work.)

Here is the book with, like, the best cover ever! —> And take note of my name on the front!

And, because I had a chance to write the novelization, I also got invited to WALK THE RED CARPET for the premiere. (Yes, those words do deserve all caps!)

To say the Moms’ Night Out Premiere was a dream come true isn’t really accurate, because honestly I never really dreamed that BIG. Even in the weeks leading up to the event I did poorly when it came to my expectations.

What did I expect?

1. To find a friend to drive John and I to the red carpet.

2. To get out. To have people say, “Who is she?” To snap one photo, and then to usher me inside.

3. To see some of the stars from afar.

4. To spend most of the time chatting with some awesome blogger mamas who I knew would be there. (Which I was REALLY looking forward to.)

5. To go to the After Party and continue to watch the actors from afar.

6. To go home completely happy.

What did I get? SOOOOO much more!

The Big Deal

A few days before I left for Hollywood I received a detailed account of how the Red Carpet would play out. It was timed in great detail. I was impressed! Here is a glimpse of that:

Yes, my name is listed among the likes of Patricia Heaton, David Hunt, Sarah Drew, Sean Astin, Alex Kendrick, and Kevin Downes. Um, just a little giddy over that.

Farther down in the email was a list of all the talent would would be there:

The list went on.

My name was a little lower on the list …

But I’m not complaining! I’m listed as TALENT!

Our instructions were to gather at the Roosevelt Hotel. (I hope I’m not giving away an industry secrets by sharing this information!!)

John and I were earlier because we were so worried about traffic and being late. When we entered the first one we can was Trace Atkins and others striding through the lobby. He’s so tall, and the excitement of the day was starting to hit me. Maybe my heartbeat quickened just a little. Later, I saw him taking photos with the contest winners:

In the lobby familiar faces began showing up. In addition to Trace, we saw the cute kids who played Brandon and Bailey with their moms. Little “Bailey” squealed as she twirled in her pretty pink dress. “This is my first time wearing high heels.” (I tried to get a photo of them, but they were bouncing around and the shot is blurry.)

John and I chatted with some of those gathered. And then some of the “big names” showed up, and the “vibe” of the room changed. Even though no one was staring, glances were being shot at actors like Sarah Drew, Kevin Downes, and Abbie Cobb who were walking around. And, of course, the energy “pumped” up when Andy and Jon Erwin showed up! It’s funny, but when you’re in a room like that you “know” where everyone is and who everyone is talking to even if you’re not gawking or staring. (I tried not to do either!)

As we talked with some of the actors and producers, I didn’t want to be one of “those people” so I didn’t take any photos. So here are their faces … just picture them mingling, all dressed up. (Don’t worry, I did get some photos at the After Party!)

Are these cool folks, or what?!

Finally, it was my turn to ride over to the Red Carpet. The photo at the top of this post is me right as I was climbing into the car that would take us to the Red Carpet. Do I look a little happy here?

Tomorrow, I’ll share more of what it was like on the Red Carpet itself. Leave it to a novelist to turn this event into a saga!

What would you find most exciting about a Red Carpet event?

If you want to read Part 2 of my adventures, go here.