JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I was supposed to be sharing with you all my exciting book tour schedule for April, set in five states and concluding with my triumphant appearance as the guest of honor at Malice Domestic 32 (with my good friend Jeff Cohen as toastmaster!)However, I have no confidence I'll actually be appearing at any venues when my book comes out on April 7th. Two of the bookstores I'm scheduled to appear at have cancelled all events through the first week of April. Do you want to bet things will be better a month from now? Me, neither.
The large stores I'm supposed to be appearing at are still open for authors - although if you look at their calendars, you can see over half the writers coming out in March have postponed their visits. For this leg of the trip, I'd be flying, and staying in hotels, and eating out - all activities I normally enjoy, but the thought of engaging in them right now makes me feel like a big target has been pinned to my back. Libraries, always a great place to introduce yourself to readers, are closing left, right and center. I am cool with the TP shortages, but the idea of NO LIBRARY is making me very anxious.
I've been talking with my publicist about this, and he and the social media guys are working on a plan for an all-digital roll out, so you may get to see me talking on Instagram Live (if my daughters can teach me how.) But there's no comparison to appearing in someone's town, bonding with the bookstore owners who place your books into readers' hands and chatting with and signing for those readers.
It's not just the people who turn out at book stores and libraries that make touring worthwhile. Showing up in person increases your chance of getting into the local paper, on Good Morning Albuquerque/Buffalo/Chattanooga, or - the gold standard - on the regional NPR station. That spreads the word about your work to people who wouldn't show up at the store, because they'd never heard of you before.And of course, it's not just me dealing with this! These are some of the friends and folks who have appeared here at JRW with March and April releases: Laura Childs, S.W Hubbard, Anna Lee Huber, Deanna Raybourn, Paige Shelton, Victoria Thompson, LynDee Walker and, of course, Jenn, whose PUMPKIN SPICE PERIL is coming out April 28.
So what can you, a book-loving, always-reading person do to support the authors and bookstores you love?First, pre-order! I wrote a whole blog about how much weight authors and publishers place on pre-orders.
Consider ordering or buying from an independent bookstore. Not having events to drive traffic hurts them - not to mention losing patrons who aren't leaving the house for anything except TP and sanitizer runs. You can come by and pick up your book(s) with a minimum of human interaction, or you can have them mailed to you. Yes, indies will ship your purchase!
Is there an author you love with a book coming out? I adore Carol Goodman, and she's just published a new gothic/thriller/literary mystery, THE SEA OF LOST GIRLS. You might not have known that until right now. Likewise, when you talk about authors and books on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram, for someone reading, it'll be the first time they've heard about a release. Reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and LibraryThing are like gold. Even commenting on your favorite blogs - think of how many books you've added to your TBR pile when we have one of our semi-regular "What We're Reading" discussions.
Dedicated library user? The main branch may be closed, but most libraries offer digital downloads of ebooks and audiobooks, and librarians are there (well, probably at home) to help with getting an E-card and learning how to download. They're also taking requests, so ask them to stock the authors you want to read.Who knows, maybe the current health crisis will permanently change the way we roll out books - after all, not every author tours, and no one can ever reach more than a tiny slice of the reading public in person. Lets all pitch in together and keep the reading party going - and hey, if you have any suggestions for cool things writers can do online/long distance/via mail, leave them in the comments!
I’m a homebody at heart, but, like many others, I’m finding it somewhat difficult to deal with the magnitude of all this.
ReplyDeleteIt’s sad to think that there might be no more book tours for authors, but if someone can tell me how to connect with Instagram Live, I’ll be there . . . .
Maybe we can have a tutorial here on JRW for all of us of (ahem) a certain age who aren't Instagram-fluent, Joan!
DeleteThat sounds like a wonderful idea!
DeleteI have preordered your book from my local indy, Jabberwocky Books! I have a book coming out in at the end of March and, while I wasn't flying anywhere on tour, I fully expect the six in-person events I do have set up to slide away. All your suggestions are excellent ways to connect. I guess I'll have to figure out Facebook live, too!
ReplyDeleteAlso, Julia - please come be my guest on the Wicked Authors blog! It looks like we don't have you booked (yet). I'll email you about a date.
DeleteI would love to be on Te Wickeds, Edith!
DeleteWrote you an email - please look for it!
DeleteI would trek across town in a blizzard to attend the launch of your new book, Julia. Indeed, I would do that for every JRW author who might make it up to the Canadian prairies! But our local indie bookstore has cancelled every event for the time being. Sensible, but so sad for readers and writers alike.
ReplyDeleteIf Insta (as I gather the cool kids call it?) is going to be the alternative place to participate in book launches, then I'll have to bite the bullet and get myself active on that platform. I'm sure I can find a young techie friend to help me.
As for preordering my favourite authors, I learned from your blog post just how important that is, Julia, so I'm on that big time these days (compared to before when I was lackadaisical about it).
We are living in strange times. Thank goodness for good books to read!
The Maine Millennial and I agreed that this could usher in a golden age (or month) of reading, Amanda!
DeleteSorry for your cancelled book tour Julia but your health comes first. I preordered Hid From Our Eyes.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very strange period. In Quebec, every event of more than 250 is cancelled, schools closed and even churches.
I'm hoping our local public library won't close but mercifully, I have many books at home ( paper and "E" ) and I can order those of my favorites authors while my budget permits.
Danielle, it's going to be a great time for those of us who like to read ebooks - because libraries can loan those out even when closed. I confess, last week I went to Portland Public Library and checked out a stack of books - and just in time, because yesterday they closed for the month.
DeleteJust when you get over pneumonia . . . I know you want your new book to be a huge best seller, and I know that we all are eternally youthful, but I have to guess a few of us fall into what the CDC is calling the most vulnerable population. Don't risk your health. With things cancelling in every direction (my board of directors votes on Sunday about our next concert) staying home and Skyping sounds like a better and better idea.
ReplyDeleteFacebook live isn't that hard, and you might be surprised at how many bored, self-quarantined people tuned in. The Dallas Winds once put up an unannounced live Facebook feed in a workshop rehearsal, when we were working out the kinks in a new concerto. The composer was there, as well as the star soloist and, while they talked with our conductor about loud or soft/fast or slow, 84,000 people all around the world stumbled onto it, realized what they were seeing, and tagged their friends to tune in, too.
Hid From Our Eyes is on pre-order, and Deanna Raybourn's new book arrived earlier this week. Jenn's cupcake mystery will go on pre-order as soon as I finish here. We'll still love all our favorite authors as long as our favorite authors are alive and well and writing new books.
Gigi, your comment about "eternally youthful" made me laugh. I just read a funny/sweet column by Molly Jong-Fast on how she was trying to talk her mother, the famous Erica Jong, out of going places and meeting up with people. "It's only dangerous for old people," Erica said. "Mom, you're about to turn 78," her daughter pointed out.
Delete"Old" is always someone a little further down the road than we are!
Oh Julia, this is a shame but we all know it's not quite the end of the world. Just this morning I learned that my library would be closing today at one, for at least 2 weeks. A book I have been waiting for, the next Deborah Crombie, has been shipped but I'm not sure it will be there by closing. If I find out that it is I will make a special trip to town which is something I almost never do. Like you, it makes me anxious which is exactly what I said to my sister an hour ago. I do have probably hundreds of books here at my house that I could read or even reread and there are way too many on my kindle, but still I am anxious. So glad I had preordered your book the second I knew about it. Truly something special to look forward to! When I've read a good book I tell everybody I can; not sure how many converts I have out there but I know I've made many people happy.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judi! And yes, I was glad I had gone to the library and checked out a stack of books before they closed... even though I have, conservatively, at least 500 books and ebooks at home I've never read.
DeleteJudi, I hope you got the book but hate to think of you making an unnecessary trip out. You might be able to download the Kindle edition from your library!
DeleteTiming is everything for sure this year with all these upcoming book store and library cancellations. I see that Malice has also been POSTPONED.
ReplyDeleteI am still stuck in San Diego after Left Coast Crime was abruptly cancelled and I can't change my flight home (yet). But I see that libraries are closing at home in Ottawa starting today for 2 weeks but you can still access ebooks.
And preordewr or order books for sure, like yours.
Facebook online events and guest blogs are another way to reach readers. I see that some mystery bloggers are offering spots to authors with cancelled tours.
BTW, I read the ARC of Hid From Our Eyes last month, and wow, Julia, it was an awesome read. Thank you, thank you!
Thank you, Grace! I'm delighted you liked it. And get please get home SAFE and sound.
DeleteWe have no school, no library, no gym, no BPL soccer on TV, no UC-CCM concerts. But I do have a stack of new books and Brit crime DVD's from the library ("check out everything! We're not charging overdue fines")...and your release on pre-order. Compared to the aftermath of a big storm, we have power, heat, hot water, and cable. We've got this. Happy Pi Day!
ReplyDeleteYes. Happy Pi Day! A good day to each an extra slice of pie.
DeleteJulia, do you have a scheduled slot on Writers Who Kill? If not, I can give you April 9th. Margaretdotturkevichatgmaildotcom
DeleteMargaret, I'll take it! I'll send you an email.
DeleteMargaret, thanks for the positive boost!
DeleteAlways. We even found some BPL re-runs on NBCSN for the soccer coach/ref/fan.
DeleteShalom Reds and fans. It’s not like I don’t have anything to read. Between my Kindle account and all the printed books that I have on my personal library shelves, I have enough stuff to keep me occupied for several more generations. However, I was already nursing a resentment for years that our local public library is only open for four hours on a Sunday. Now they will be closed 24/7 for the foreseeable future as I learned in an email yesterday. Tomorrow would have been Selection Sunday but the NCAA just canceled the entire dance. My alma mater, which is not known for its athletics program, was poised to win the whole thing as a Division III basketball team. The building in which my church meets, with its shiny new addition and a new sanctuary which seats 900+ people will be closed for the foreseeable future.
ReplyDeleteToday, I awoke to the email that explained that the local YMCA will be closed. I don’t have children or grandchildren but I understand that the state of Pennsylvania has closed all the public schools.
It’s sort of like 9/11 in that everyone is grieving the same thing at the same time. I remember the winter of ‘92/’93, we had a blizzard and ice storm that literally kept us house bound for about 4 days. We had enough food and toilet paper, but I remember it was the first time I had ever experienced “cabin fever”.
I have a penpal who is in state prison. I read in the news feed that all the prisons have cancelled visitation. My friend is in solitary, so I am not sure if he is allowed visitors except his lawyer anyway.
I just accepted the offer of a part-time job working at a local nursery. However, it’s far enough away that I need to take the bus to get there. (I don’t drive.) Well, the buses are still running but I fear they will stop.
I suppose in lieu of church, I will stop in at our local independent bookstore and maybe both of our two used bookstores, just to peruse the shelves. The weather is nice today and the birds are engaged in their morning songfest. I guess I’ll make some breakfast and go out and take a walk, with no place to go in particular. Maybe, I’ll get a haircut.
David, all those ideas sound good, and I'm sure the bookstores and the barber would appreciate the business.
DeleteMaybe we should all try to take up writing real letters again. I have a feeling we're all going to be plenty sick (no pun intended) of staring at screens for the next month. Getting a real letter is almost like getting a visit from a friend.
People will be even hungryier for a good read by the time HID FROM OUR EYES comes out - and it is absolutely terrific. It's not going to launch so much as explode! You can't cancel books.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Hallie! Your fans are going to read this book, Julia, if they have to break into a closed library or bookstore to get a copy!! And then they are going to tell everyone they know and probably a bunch of strangers too, that they need to read it!
DeleteFlora, that's a scene you never see in disaster movies, but you should - hordes of desperate readers tossing chairs through the windows of bookstores and carrying out bags and stacks of books!
DeleteCostuming those bookstore looters should be fun. Will they be bringing the books out in NPR totes?
DeleteJulia, I've ordered your book, something I do for everyone who writes books for me! It is for me, right? Don't disillusion me on this please.
ReplyDeleteThis pandemic is like nothing I have experienced. During the odd crisis, I've seen empty store shelves, but that never lasted long. The panic buying is distressful, and I worry about those people who don't routinely keep a well stocked pantry.
I worry about my children and their children although none of them are in the high risk groups. I worry about my friends and neighbors, many of whom are certainly high risk. And I worry about the economic fall out, books that won't get bought, jobs that cease to pay because of work closures, theaters and libraries and schools and conferences and conventions -- so many people who won't be getting a paycheck. I'm worrying about the service workers who likely have no reserves.
And I'm worried about you, Julia, still recovering from a godawful bout of pneumonia.
I think I'll take a walk with David Squires.
Me too, Ann. I'll wave as we pass by. I've already had one place of employment shuttered and the second will probably go down Tuesday after the board meets. I was up half the night reading before I could go to sleep.
DeleteAnn, the good thing about social distancing is that I'm still getting plenty of rest! I'm still coughing quite a bit, but I'm definitely on the mend.
DeletePerhaps you can do phone interviews with those radio stations. They still need programming to fill their time slots. You've reminded me that I discovered Jim Dale's reading of Harry Potter through an NPR program.
ReplyDeleteOur library has cancelled programs and extended the due dates of books, but we can still go get more books, and we have drive through and curbside pickup for the very nervous. HID FROM OUR EYES is too good to stay hidden. Readers will find a way. <3
Mary, I saw something about a school library that was doing this in an area where schools were closed - maybe Washington State? Parents could order ahead and then pick them up by driving through, no need to get out of the car. It was run by volunteers, all of whom presumably kept at least six feet away from each other.
DeleteI would think some live TV programming will also be upset by all of this, too. Maybe there'd be some virtual bookings available?
ReplyDeleteA good thought, Flora!
DeleteThese are indeed interesting and challenging times. Ohio is under a state of emergency and our area libraries all closed at 6 yesterday, scheduled to reopen April 5. My local branch (which I visited and stocked up from in spite of having easily three weeks worth of potential reading material waiting on my Kindle) said they had 6,000 visitors yesterday. I don't know their daily average, but someone commented that 6,000 represents 40% of the population of Worthington, the suburb they serve.
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone out there stays healthy and sane, and that we are all able to come together in a few months to look back on these times and assess them with 2020 hindsight.
Amen to that, Susan - and that communities gain a new appreciation of the libraries that serve them!
DeleteI plan for weekend shopping, so much easier than trying to squeeze it into the end of my workday. Today's adventure will include the following: 1) ordering Easter flowers for church. I finally get to arrange the flowers again and I'm going to order my flowers like I always do, regardless of nasty flu bug. 2) Grocery shopping, this should be interesting. 3) Stop by Copperfield's and order my new book. I figured Julia wouldn't be anywhere near Santa Rosa and I want to be sure I get my copy before they sell out. That was my plan on Wednesday and I don't think I should be changing anything except maybe the actual order that I move around town. Life does have to go on. How are YOU feeling, Julia? You've had a nasty big most this winter?
ReplyDeleteNasty big? Geez, Dale, remember to proof.....bug, nasty bug. David, our church is doing the Facebook thing, they did it last September during the Kincaid firestorm.
DeleteMy church is going online, too Deana, but I hadn't thought about the background stuff - someone needs to do the flowers, set up the silver and altar cloths, and that big old place will get dusty real fast if no one's cleaning.
DeleteAnd I'm feeling much better, thank you. Still coughing, but no fever for a week now!
The YMCAs here in the Cincinnati area are closed, except for child care for health workers. Which I think is wonderful. They also announced an online yoga class, and kickboxing, supposedly, although I couldn't find that one at their link. I'm sure they'll figure it out.
ReplyDeleteHearing about Malice being postponed was a relief, although part of my reason for attending is that my daughter lives in the area. She is moving to Africa for a three-year posting this summer (at least that's the plan), so my incentive for attendance is halved. So I have mixed feelings about it.
So many industries and citizens are affected by the virus. I'm bracing myself for the real consequences, though, and being thankful for our own, long-range social connections here. No worries about contact!
Karen, I also have family in the area I was looking forward to seeing, but I have to agree - the fact malice was postponed is a relief to me as well. Just considering the average age of the attendees...
DeleteTimely post, Julia! The Governor of California cancelled all events that had more than 250 people and since the conference in San Diego had 400 registered attendees, they had to cancel the rest of the conference. Just got an email that the Malice conference has been postponed. I did not register since I already am going to several mystery conferences in California. I hope that I can go to Malice next year.
ReplyDeleteGot lots of free books at the conference. I already own many books that I have not even started to read yet!
We will be seeing a lot of changes because of this coronavirus pandemic crisis. Unfortunately, I will not be able to do Live since I am Deaf. And the sound quality on my iPhone is iffy even when I can hear with aids.
Often I participate in Cozy Experience book club on Facebook. Marie McNary is the host and we often talk to many different authors. I love online book club chats.
Diana
I like online chats as well, Diana - they're easy to go back and see what you've missed if you have to leave your computer for a few minutes, and, as you note, they're inclusive of all sorts of differently-abled folks.
DeleteJulia, thank you!
DeleteSome bloggers, including myself, have offered to give space to authors to promote their books. If you want to do an interview or share a piece in connection with your new book, we have rolled out the welcome mat. Lesa Holstine started this, and Janet Randolph quickly got onboard, and my Reading Room blog would love to be a virtual stop for you, Julia, and others. Of course, I'll be running a review as I usually do. I've been saving my ARC, and I'll be reading it next week. I'm also using FB even more to promote authors and their new books. So, while nothing sells books and delights readers more than a live appearance from an author, please know that there are blogger/reviewers who have your back.
ReplyDeleteAnd a Happy Pi Day to all! 😁
Kathy, I have a book blog. That's a great idea about offering space to authors to promote their books.
DeleteDo you have tips about How can I do that?
Thanks,
Diana
Thanks, Diana, for adding to the lists of blogs authors can use. I know that there are other bloggers here and that I know who I'm sure would be willing to give space to authors, too, but I didn't want to speak up for ones that I hadn't already heard from. I know that some bloggers fill up their space more fully than I do mine, and I wouldn't want to speak for them. If you want to, Diana, you can go to my FB page, under Kathy Boone Reel, and add your blog link to my post about aiding the authors. https://www.facebook.com/kathy.b.reel
DeleteWhat a great idea Kathy - and a clever use of social media to organize the contributors.
DeleteKathy, thanks! I will do that now.
DeleteDiana
Kathy, what is the date of your post about aiding authors?
DeleteEveryone, I will post the link to my blog so the Jungle Reds can get in touch with me about promoting their books on my page.
DeleteDiana
Here is the link to my blog:
Deletehttps://wonderwomanbookrevew.wordpress.com/
It is heartbreaking, and so disappointing, and so terrifying, and so absolutely unexpectedly breathtaking. But! We will celebrate you, we will celebrate you! We will make this happen! I I’m about to order three of your books from an independent bookstore, and will give them as prizes! More to come… Watch this space. (well, not exactly this specific space, but just jungle red :-)) xxxxxx
ReplyDeleteYes, let's celebrate Julia! And I'm pre-ordering Julia's books from the local indie bookstore.
DeleteThank you! We should all stock up on our tipple of choice and we can have a virtual party for me and Jenn in April!
DeleteAnd, Julia, I will be in touch about career authors!
ReplyDeleteLOVE to do Career Authors, Hank.
DeleteI am so excited that you have another book in your series coming out! I love the characters, and this was a must-read series for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz! I'm so glad you love the series!
DeleteInteresting times, right? Our city libraries are still open for business, though they have cancelled programs and events. Ditto our museums. Colleges and local schools have extended spring break while they clean and disinfect. Big events, like the rodeo, were cancelled. Same with international conferences and expositions. At least postponed for now. Frank was home for two weeks but is back on the shuttle to Midland for a few days work and then home again schedule. I hope this little a month or two job that is into its sixth month ends soon. I'm hacked at my granddaughter's family. They flew her home to Cleveland for a long weekend while she's between terms. She'll be back Sunday night and start her new term at culinary school Monday. Assuming nothing changes. I just think this trip was unnecessary and not very smart. Certainly not thought out. Monday morning my son is off to boot camp. Yep. At age 42 he is reenlisting in the Army. Reserves for now. Hopefully some kind of fulltime job in the future. He enjoyed his time in when he enlisted back in 1999, despite Kosovo and the Iraq war. So we shall see what happens. I think he will get to retain his rank of sergeant or get it back very shortly. After boot camp he will learn a new job: dental assistant. That one makes me laugh. He does point out that no one will be shooting at him or blowing him up as in his cav scout job. True. Once he's had his training and is sorted out he will continue with college. That was long and wordy. The upshot is he'll be flying to Ft Sill, OK Monday and be the Army's responsibility re illness.
ReplyDeleteI haven't noticed if Murder by the Book is still having signings and talks. But I have seen a LOT of online book parties for new books. Edith is running one currently with other authors.
Pat, the one person I'm not worried about is my son the sailor. I have great confidence in the ability of the US armed forces to take care of their own.
DeleteWhile it is of course understandable that things are closing, it doesn't make it suck any less.
ReplyDeleteBook signings are one of the few things I bother to get excited about putting clothes on and leaving the house for anymore. If this health crisis causes the elimination (ironic that I'm using that word since I'm listening to the thrash metal band Overkill's song "Elimination" as I write this response) of in-person book tours, I think that will definitely hurt both the authors and the fans.
I had found out that Edwin Hill was booked to do a signing at the Mattapoisett Library. Of course, I found out on Thursday, then yesterday came the news that all events in March at that library had now been cancelled.
I had been looking forward to Edith Maxwell's events on the Cape in mid-April but as she said in her reply here, they are probably all going to go away. I'd been talking those up to other book/writing people in my life and had even managed to convince one person to go and she was bringing a friend of hers.
So far, the Joanna Schaffhausen event on April 2nd at An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA is still on but I'm not holding out hope that is going to happen either.
And it isn't just book events either. I have two concerts that I was going to be attending and I don't know yet if they'll happen. April 4th was one show and that is still on but I am again just waiting for the other shoe to drop. And the other show is May 16th in Boston, so I really am not expecting that to happen right now.
Hell, Kiss cancelled their fan meet and greets (before they cancelled the tour entirely) and you know that's bad because it meant Gene Simmons, who is known to soak people for every penny he can, was REFUNDING money. I guess REM said it best (and depressingly accurate right now): "It's the end of the world as we know it".
Hank loves to say at the end of her talks, "A signed book makes a great gift". Somehow, "I saw the author on Facebook Live" doesn't quite have the same ring to it.
It doesn't, Jay. And one of the frustrating things about the crisis is the somewhat slow-rolling nature of how its affecting events - the concert is on, it's on, it's on - oh, no, it's cancelled. It would be a lot better to just know now.
DeleteThanks, Jay. I'm pretty sure the Cape Cod series isn't going away. We'll have more in-person events by and by. Julia, that was why Malice postponing was a relief - I didn't have to keep wondering!
DeleteHugs, Julia! I feel ya. I was supposed to talk to the local mystery authors groups and we're figuring it out. It's possible it will be online but I live in a frat house of teen men. who now don't have school for two weeks - HELP ME!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about your Hooligans At Home, Jenn! My suggestion? Buy the US Navy Seal Training book and challenge both of them to get up to special forces standards in two weeks. No equipment needed! They may not actually improve their fitness, but as long as they're doing pushups instead of bothering you, it's a win.
DeleteI like how you think!
DeleteI’ve already preordered Julia’s book as an ebook along with a ton of free or inexpensive ebooks being offered right now. I’ve been social distancing my entire life anyway so my life hasn’t changed all that much. I’ve always made sure to have a well stocked pantry and plenty of cleaning supplies and toilet paper so I have not had to go into panic mode yet, except I needed to buy a thermometer and decided to order one from Amazon instead of trying the drugstore. It won’t be in stock until the end of the month. 😳
ReplyDeleteTeri, you make me think of a headline I saw: "Introverts Rejoice." :-)
DeleteOur library closed yesterday at 6– luckily I was there around noon to stock up! One of our local independent bookstores also closed, and the other two keep sending out “we’re still open” messages, but my guess is they’ll end up closing. Barnes and Noble is still open, but all events cancelled.
ReplyDeleteActually, pretty much everything is shut down here— all concerts, the YMCA, all schools. The university where I teach has moved to online classes, which is. . . challenging.
I had requested several upcoming books at the library, and am in the process of preordering the ones I absolutely cannot wait to read! I somewhat belatedly remembered that I’m actually in the over 60 risk group, so I’m settling in for the next few weeks and should have lots of time to enjoy virtual book tours!
I know, Cindy - finally, a chance to stay at home and read! It's a definite silver lining.
DeleteJulia, Weird Sisters Publishing (the indy press my sister and I run) has a blog. We'd be happy to host you, if you're interested.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gigi! I'd like that!
DeleteJulia, thanks for all the great suggestions. Of course I have HID FROM OUR EYES pre-ordered, and off to order Jenn's book as well, but I'll be looking up some of the other books, too. And of course HID FROM OUR EYES is going to do fabulously, even without in-store signings! The stores that do a big online business like Murder by the Book and The Poisoned Pen can drop ship books to you to sign.
ReplyDeleteAlso, as soon as books groups can meet again, Skype chats are a great way to connect with readers.
In the meantime, we will all spread the word far and wide!
I'm about to learn Zoom meeting - maybe book clubs can meet up on that?
DeleteJulia, the timing of this is horrible for you. Your new book was my very first purchase for my brand new Kindle. I look forward to reading it as soon as it arrives. April 8 is the night of the first Passover seder this year. I am pretty sure we won't be going to Boston to sit at my cousin's table with 20 other people even though we had planned to go. Synagogue services are cancelled, too. (Never saw that before!) So, I'll be reading it right away. Honestly, I can hardly wait!
ReplyDeleteJust picked up 2 books at the library yesterday but today they closed until March 28. My Nook is too old to get many e-books but I can buy them. I already have unread books on the Nook and on my shelves so I can catch up. I love reading, watching TV, and being on my computer, but as someone who lives alone, I will miss human contact. Texts, e-mails, phone, and Facebook only go so far.
ReplyDeletePeople, we have KINDLE!!! Every time I have thought about self-quaranting, which we are (mostly) doing, and I have felt sad about the loss of so much I enjoy, I remember that I still have immediate access to all the books in the world! -- That should really help keep the darkness away!
ReplyDelete