The book talk
I was half-way dreading my first book store talk and book signing slated for August 6, one week ago today. Half of me twitched with excitement. The other half knew that preparing for the talk would take hours in the garage, seated at one of our pottery tables with all my notebooks spread out in front of me. I’m the kind of person who needs to write everything down that I’m going to say, rehearse it, sleep on it, rewrite it, rehearse it again. . . and do this three times before it comes together. I began writing and rehearsing on August 3rd.
August 3, 2010, would have been my parents’ 75th wedding anniversary. Some of you know how Louise (my mother on the Other Side) likes to make subtle or not-so-subtle appearances in the life of the book. I don’t know whether this was the case or if it was just a happy coincidence. But on August 3rd, I received a very nice review of I’ll Be There to Write the Story. It was written by Sharon Lippincott and appeared on Story Circle Book Reviews, the largest site in the internet for reviews of books for and by women.
“I did a double-take,” wrote Lippincott, “when I read the subtitle of this book, ‘A Mother-Daughter Journey Beyond Death.’ Its promise of recounting communication through the dimensional veil was too good to pass up. Over the past several years I’ve become hooked on material of this sort. Various forms of speculation based on semi-tangible evidence intrigue me. Equally intriguing was the promise of a tale of mother-daughter reconciliation, another topic I’ve been involved with. I was eager to compare her experiences with mine. The book surpassed my hopes on both counts.”
Thus began the first paragraph of Sharon Lippincott’s review, which can be viewed in its entirety on my Amazon page as well as on the Story Circle Book Reviews page. This boost fired me up for the book talk. Had the review turned out luke warm, my talk might have fizzled.
My reading announcement in bookstore window
Lisa Marvel, owner of The Book Haven in Salida, hosts many authors in her bookstore. She placed my book in her front store window for a week and did excellent promotion.
Cookies and hors d'oeuvres
Lisa provided cookies and coffee and set up a warm, accommodating area for the reading. I augmented Lisa’s cookies with hors d’oeuvres and watermelon. Twelve women and one man attended the reading. Everyone seemed to like it, and since the reading happened over the dinner hour, they loved the snacks. I loved signing books.
Whew! August 6 was my third book talk, my tightest and most organized one. I think I can repeat this format and it won’t take as much effort to prepare. Hooray! It was such a relief to have that behind me. I’ve got to admit that a year ago—two years ago—I could not even imagine doing a book talk. Trying to envision that in my mind’s eye scared the beejeebers out of me. Now I’m doing it, and learning that one needs only carry out the task in front of her. No need to worry about the future. Just handle the present.
Congratulations. I feel a sense of pride toward you Maria – even though we have not met in person- for these wonderful accomplishments. You have not only written a book, that book has been published and you are now moving into the realm of public speaking and book signings. I am clapping my hands for you and smiling a great big smile
What is next on your agenda? Another book perhaps
?
Lindy
So sweet of you, Lindy, to be interested. I do wish we could meet. I feel that we are truly friends. What’s next on my agenda? I’ll be going to Denver to talk to a couple of Metaphysical book stores about carrying the book. Also I’d like to give a talk at the Leadville book store, The Book Mine. Carol Hill is the owner and she is a good friend. After that, I’ll talk to Susan Tweit about other ideas. I’d like to try and make it to the Mountain and Plains Booksellers conference later in September. It’s in Denver. Another book? There is something buzzing around my mind but I’ve not said much about it yet. Best keep it under my hat for now.
You are an inspiration. Good advice not to look too far beyond the present. It seems that whenever I feel anxious, it is because I am thinking about the future too much and not enough about right now. Thanks for your insight and for leading the way.
We share that hang-up, Sue!
Maria, I’m very happy your book talk was successful. Enjoyed very much spending time in your solarium/ art studio among the works of art, and outdoor views. It’s a peaceful place!