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February 18, 2008
The Curtain Closes
My final paperback tour events included a visit to lovely, old, Villa Academy in Seattle and the University Bookstore. Because the Villa event was in the chapel, we didn't take photos but, once again, a great time was had by all. I know I did my fair share trying to convert any history phobes in the audience. I always get a kick out of how creative kids are and how much fun they have when I give them examples of historical events and we all brainstorm ways to connect them in a story. But note to self: definitely ask kids to wear name tags at Catholic schools. Picture 200 students, all in navy sweaters and khaki pants or plaid skirts: "You, there in the navy sweater," doesn't help much. But we worked around this small obstacle and enjoyed good conversation and one another's company.
If your publisher ever sends you out Seattle way, be sure to request Jaime Temairik of First Edition Media Services. That woman knows every great coffee spot in the territory. She also knows the location of all the best cupcake joints, too, which can be hard on the waistline. We did make a quick coffee stop at Top Pot Doughnuts (okay, okay, I had a cinnamon applesauce doughnut with my latte) before we parted company for the afternoon.
That evening, a small but loyal group of fans came out to the University Bookstore, on the Ave. The UW Bookstore crew handsells Hattie like crazy. They've been good friends and supporters from the get-go. You can see from the photos above that they LOVE their local authors. Not only was Hattie flying high as part of a new overhead display (right next to The Egg and I, by Betty MacDonald!), my name was one of hundreds of local writers' painted on the wall. How cool is that?
So, that is the official end of my whirlwind paperback tour. As I keep saying, now it is time for me to apply some bum glue and get writing. . .after I get back from the Downer's Grove Author Festival this weekend and after teaching at the Whidbey Island Writers Conference at the end of the month and. . .
I can just hear my friend Roland Smith's voice in my ear: quit making excuses and write.
Yes sir.
Posted by kirby at February 18, 2008 11:50 AM