On Saturday, August 16th, 2008 eHarlequin.com launched into Second Life with an island dedicated to their numerous literary offerings. After months of preparation, eHQ Island in SL (Click here to go to eHQ in SL) has opened it’s doors to showcase a delicately beautiful sim with plenty of coves to curl up and enjoy a good book in.

The island is decorated with “nouveau-greco-zen” like design and scenery. The island is made up of seven primary parcels including two set back, private, tented destinations intended for small gatherings, relaxation and conversation. On the water you will find a dome pavilion filled with Second Life residents’ original artwork meticulously selected to add color and beauty to the environment. The central hub - a courtyard where new visitors arrive - offers a coffee cart and plenty of space for staging events. On the east corner of the sim is a “Japanese” sand zen garden motif with greco-roman coloring filled with seating and art to be enjoyed. The primary headquarters of eHQ, where you will find a large supply of in-world promotional books offered for free from eHarlequin.com, has modern decoration and includes a library showcase titles as well as a “sit back with a book” atmosphere. A little known secret which I found many residents unaware of is that beneath the headquarters of eHQ there is a set of catacomb-esque rooms to delve into your darker side…have fun exploring that! The last parcel of land contains a roman style forum or amphitheater which will be used for face to face chats with authors and enthusiasts in the coming months.

To showcase their Grand Opening, eHQ held a fantastic 3 hour event drawing in avatars from across the globe. Many visitors stayed for the majority of the event, enjoying live music by Mankind Tracer, Imandra Wycliffe and Jackdog Snook. Denizens of the virtual world tangoed, waltzed and shook in all manners to the music and when their virtual bodies could take no more they wandered the sim checking out all it had to offer. Promotional copies of the eHQ Desire series of books were given to those in attendance as well as 25 percent off coupons (still valid through the 31st of August, click here) were given to every individual in attendance as well 5,000 Linden Dollars to three lucky guests chosen at random.

All in all it is was a splendid affair and we look forward to seeing you at our next!