Signings & Interviews & Pub Day – Oh My!
September was one crazy month around here, but in a good way.
The countdown to publication day for THE RETURN OF THE CERULEAN BLUR is on. On Tuesday, October 6, my second novel will be out in the world. When I think back to how long I wanted to write just one novel, I doubted I’d ever enjoy a pub day. Much less two (and more to come!)
I also had my two biggest author events to date in September. The first-ever Wandering Shire Book Fest took place September 12 in Clemmons, N.C. (right outside of Winston-Salem). I think even the organizers (WanderStar Books) were shocked at how the community turned out for this outdoor afternoon of books, snacks, crafts, coffee, and fun. But turn out they did! The WanderStar did an amazing job promoting this event, and it paid off.
I was one of 20+ authors at the Wandering Shire, many of whom are fellow fantasy writers. I got to do a panel discussion on imaginary worlds with L.E. Van Veen and M.M. Bartlett (and enjoyed meeting both of them!) Amy spent the day with me, my friend Jon came out…all in all, a wonderful day! I’ve already signed up for the next Wandering Shire Book Fest, which takes place April 3.
Two weeks later, I had the opportunity to sign books at the Bookmarks Festival in Winston-Salem. It’s the largest book and author event in the Carolinas. John Green and Jodi Picoult were this year’s keynote authors, and thousands of people show up for this Lollapalooza of books!
My friend Darin Kennedy (who has written some great contemporary fantasy books) kindly offered me a spot at his booth, alongside fantasy & sci-fi author Stuart Jaffe. After a slow start (at least for me), I thought I was wasting my day. But around 11:30 a.m., things picked up – and stayed strong for the next four hours.
By the end of the day, my voice was shot from talking to so many readers, and my stash of books was nearly gone. I’d love to go back to Bookmarks again!
Finally, I’ve had the chance to do two author interviews this month to promote THE RETURN OF THE CERULEAN BLUR, as well as to talk about my next book, THE GOTH GIRL WHO SAVED THE WORLD. Check ‘em out!
