So here are some wonderful things that happen, when you give a book talk:
- People actually come! Of course, your lovely and supportive friends are there, but there are also people whom you’ve never even met before who show up to hear you talk about your writing process, the Three Jewels of Buddhism and which characters are actually named for dogs. Also, people ask really interesting questions and point out things in your book that you’re pretty sure nobody had noticed.
- You discover that even grown ups enjoy being read to. I’ve been reading to groups for almost 30 years now, but to be honest, this is the first time I’ve read to anybody over the age of 12. And I must say, it was quite nice not to have to remind my listeners to keep their hands to themselves, or to stop doing that to their noses and just get a tissue, please.
- A book talk is pretty much the exact opposite of writing – I spend a lot of my days sitting in a room by myself, listening to the imaginary people in my head talk. Don’t get me wrong – that’s my idea of fun. But sitting in a room with real people, laughing and chatting is pretty fun, too. And a nice change.
- People who already have a copy of your book buy another copy of your book to give to their friends (some of whom, in a delightful bit of synchronicity, turn out to be named Pam.) Also, you get asked to sign a lot of books, which is quite frankly awesome and I don’t think is ever going to get old.
- If you’re really lucky, as you’re leaving the book talk and walking back to your car, you pass by someone’s house to see that they are settling in on their porch with your book and a G&T, and they invite you to join them. (This may not be a feature of all book talks, but it did happen to me.)
All in all, it was a delightful experience and I can’t wait to do it again.
P.
P.S. Bonus Thing: Book talks have really good snacks and beverages. Thanks to the crew at Black Squirrel Books for hosting our little shindig.
A few more great things about book talks;
1. It was great to hear you read from your wonderful book.
2. It was great to hear you answer questions about your wonderful book.
3. It was great to see so many other people loving your wonderful book.
It was all pretty great, wasn’t it? So grateful that you were there to share it…
👍🏻❤
I’m better with emoticons than words.
It was a great evening and was thrilled and honoured to have been invited.
It meant the world to me that you were there, Lisa!
I had so much fun, many thanks to you and Shauna.
The Book Talk was my introduction to you and your writing, and although I am still only part way through the book, I already know that I am a fan. Not only am I enjoying the characters and the story, you inspired me to call my aged parents in the U.K., to whom I hadn’t spoken for two weeks. When I got to page 3 “A word about families. Christ.” it propelled me to pick up the phone for a chat! In addition I feel a bit like a celebrity because I was the one who said how much I enjoyed having someone read to me, I bought the book for Pam, and the offer of the G+T stands!
I’m very much looking forward to the next Book Talk.
Sue, I think you already *are* a celebrity and I’m just the first to write about you on my blog…
Delighted to hear that you’re enjoying the book and so pleased that it resulted in a call to your parents! (Say hi to you Mum for me, next time.)
And I am not forgetting the G&T/porch sitting offer…