Here We Go!
A Writer's Wish
This past week found me appearing at two events. The first was a local author fair at the Mount Sterling Public Library. I adore librarians. They’re a special personality, if you ask me. There was a decent turnout and many folks stopped to say hello and jaw. A few went home with a copy of something of mine, too, which is always a delight.
What truly struck me was the sheer number of authors. We had about twenty of us, split into two room. We are everywhere, and we are strong. Love that. This was also the closest pro event I’ve ever been to. As I live a few houses down, I timed my car ride at a whopping 45 seconds. Can’t they all be like this? Had there not been heavy boxes of books and an embarrassing author banner, walking would have been great.
The second made me pay for it, driving-wise, with a 90-minute ETA by MAPS stretching over two hours no thanks to traffic, an accident, and my getting lost at the venue parking lot. I’ll spare myself that embarrassment and just say I’m grateful for everyone’s grace.
Butcher Cabin Books in Louisville put on the Final Drafts panel and book signing at Trellis Brewing. The brewery was nestled behind what appeared to be a post-apocalyptic building in disrepair, towering 20 stories or more. I was waiting for '80s mutants to come out and beat me up with nunchucks and tie me up with their blue and grey rags. But as this wasn’t a Duran Duran video, I was safe. Probably.
We had a great panel. I always feel like I’m either a nerd or a narcissist, and probably both while running my trap. So, that means M\my favorite part was hearing everyone else talk and learning how different each author approached writing and their processes … and then how similar they were in several other ways, such as the challenges facing contemporary writers.
Folks came up to us after and bought a respectable amount of books. A few writers-in-training hit us up for advice. Love those conversations. Then, friends from Imaginarium shared a round with me and we got to catch up, which was amazing. I was doing my best to stay upright to make it to a Noir at the Bar event a few hours later, which looked amazing, and starred a few of our participants. But my eyes were already droopy, and with a ninety-minute drive back, and my not wanting to spend money on a room, I had to call it and head back. Boo. Hiss. I know. I know.
I imagine I’ll have a more thorough write-up at some point, but wanted to just send this out while I’m still buzzing and wish everyone a great week ahead with the holiday. It sure can be hard for many people, and I count myself amongst them for reasons I won’t burden you with, so this is especially for those folks. I wish this year it’s better … that’s there’s hope … that there’s an internal victory … however small … like the one I felt coming home last night … that is my wish for you.
Stay curious and be well!
The flyer from the show … check out that lineup! (I’m not worthy! I’m not worthy!)
If anyone is looking for a signed copy of the limited edition hardcover of ‘REQUIEM’, Butcher Cabin Books has a few in stock … for now!