Between 13 April and 21 April, I’ve driven about a thousand miles
and sold a heap of books. Time for an oil change in the car, and time to cool
my heels awhile. I can sorta imagine how author J.A. Konrath felt last year during his
cross-country, handshaking blitz. Sorta.
In my last blog entry, I reported on my presentation for the
Caswell-Nash chapter of the D.A.R. (13 April) and author panel at Ninety Six’s
Revolutionary War Days event (14 April). On 19 April, I had two engagements
within the Pender County (NC) library system as part of National Library Week:
the first at the Hampstead branch, and the other at the county’s main library
in Burgaw. Many thanks to librarians Marsha
Dees and Nancy Lukens for setting up the events. The events attracted small audiences,
so I went with my instincts: abandoned my prepared presentation, circled the
chairs, and invited attendees ask me questions. They wanted to know about
writing, publishing, reenacting, and where my series is going.
From the enthusiasm expressed by both audiences and the
variety of intelligent questions they posed, it’s clear to me that most people who
come to author appearances really want time to ask authors questions, not to hear authors read from their books. One
reader told me how much more she liked my session than a recent one with
another author because, "All she did was read from her book and answer a
few questions." (Authors, take note.) Not only does "circling the
chairs" provide the opportunity for readers to get to know authors better,
but it gives authors a handle on what their readers enjoy in books. While I
like speaking in front of a big audience, I enjoy the opportunity for that near
one-on-one with readers even more. In the future, I’ll be exploring variations
on the traditional podium author speech so I can find that opportunity to talk
more with readers.
In between those two appearances, I drove to New Hanover
County and popped into Two Sisters Bookery in Wilmington, NC to pick up copies of
Paper Woman that my publisher had left for me. Two Sisters Bookery, a quaint,
independent bookstore, is in the Cotton Exchange in downtown, historic
Wilmington. This was my fourth visit to the historic district, and I enjoy the
lumpy, bumpy streets of old Wilmington every time. Brick streets discourage
driving faster than about 25 mph, but that means you have time to notice how
old the buildings are. Wilmington dates back to the mid-1700s, and dozens
of original buildings and houses have been preserved quite well. The place
oozes history. I look forward to returning over the summer and spending a few
days there while I perform research.
Shakespeare and Company, another quaint indy bookstore, is
located in Kernersville, NC (between Greensboro and Winston-Salem). Owners Gail
and Wade Behrns have remodeled the upstairs and downstairs of an old house in
the downtown area and placed comfy reading chairs in each room. With plenty of
open space, a pleasant cross-breeze and natural lighting from many open
windows, and espresso and home-baked goodies on-hand, what’s not to like?
From left to right, Carolina Conspiracy members Suzanne
Adair, Nancy Gotter Gates, Richard Helms, John Staples, Joanne Clarey, and
Lynette Hall Hampton. Lynette started us off with prepared questions before we
answered questions from the audience. Many thanks to Lynette for setting up the
event and also to Wade and Gail for hosting us.
Poe’s Deadly Daughters, the popular group blog of Julia
Buckley, Lonnie Cruse, Sandra Parshall, Sharon Wildwind, and Elizabeth Zelvin,
graciously allowed me to guest-blog on 21 April. Check it out!
Next up: I travel to Clearwater, FL to receive the Patrick
D. Smith award on 24 May from the Florida Historical Society. Huzzah!