Virtual Vicki and Her Virtual Launch

Well, that went better than I'd expected. Once we got past the technical difficulties (lack of bandwidth that forced me to use my only semi-smart phone for audio,) I was able to talk about and read from the book at length.  

It was so heartwarming to see faces and names of friends who'd joined in to listen. (Thanks to my dear sister-in-law Fay for the above screen shot.) Some were names I know only from my blog or Facebook or from long ago and each lifted my spirits immeasurably.

Malaprop's tells me that the session was recorded and will be available for viewing on YouTube--eventually. I'll let you know.

I try not to be stressed about stuff-- in person events have never bothered me. But the fact that I've had trouble with Zoom connections recently has kept me in a state of worry--I dreamed the other night that it was time for the event and I' d lost my book and the printout of what I planned to say.

As soon as the hour was up, John opened a bottle of bubbly and we lifted a glass--to Malaprop's, to the book, to Regal House Publishing, and to all of you who've been supportive.

Cheers! And heartfelt thanks!

 

At Last . . .

This novel has been such a long time coming. Elephants give birth sooner. I began researching back in 2012; the writing came later once I felt I had a competent grasp of the subject matter. And the writing took its time, as one by one the characters loosened up and began to speak to me. 

It was finished in the fall of 2016 and then wandered in the wilderness in search of a publisher for quite a while. But now this baby is out in the world-- in a country almost as divided as it was during the Civil War when the book takes place, making it sadly relevant.

My thanks especially to all of you who've followed along on this winding journey. Your encouragement has kept me going.

Tonight at 6, the Fates and the Internet allowing, I'll be doing a virtual launch under the auspices of Malaprop's Bookstore. HERE's a link to sign up.  I'd love to see you there!

 

Disappointed! But Here's a Reading on YouTube

                 

Well.

After posting about how well the Zooming was going, I had to bow out of the virtual reading at Malaprop's yesterday because my internet connection went all weird. And I saw some of my blog/Facebook friends were there. Drat and I'm so sorry.

So I recorded my reading on YouTube and HERE it is. Not the best but I'll try again soon.

And many thanks to those friends who showed up!

Zooming Away . . .

 

Every semester Great Smokies Writing Program does an event called Writers at Home with readings by current faculty members at Asheville's wonderful bookstore Malaprop's. Unfazed by the pandemic, this Sunday at 3 (Eastern Time,) the event will be held by Zoom. 

If you're interesting in hearing the readings, follow this link https://forms.gle/C4j9KrCdY2vg89nW6 

 I, of course, will read a bit from the forthcoming And the Crows Took Their Eyes.

You sign up (it's free) and Malaprop's sends you an invitation with a link to join the event. (I don't know if it will be recorded or not.)

Getting familiar with this Zoom thing. My critique class is going quite well--it helps that they are all amazing writers and excellent critiquers--and I think there is almost as much personal connection and spontaneity as in regular classes.

(Though I must admit to a bit of a problem last night when my internet went wonky and appeared to be mired in molasses. I ended up phoning in and participating by audio only. I think I've spotted the problem now.)

I hope I have as I'll be doing more Zooming 0n October 16 with my book launch--also via Malaprop's. And I'm hoping to do a Zoom event through our county library after local folks have had a chance to read the book. I'll be looking for some discussion.

I even got an invitation to speak at our local Rotary Club via Zoom. Since the meeting's at 7:30 am, I'm especially happy not to have to travel any farther than upstairs to my workroom   er, studio. (Note my adjustable desk and quaint sound baffling techniques.)

A Student Reading at Malaprop's

Yesterday members of my Advanced Prose class read at Malaprop's, Asheville's gem of a bookstore that recently made national news with a New York Times op-ed by its manager. Malaprop's hosts this monthly event called Writers at Home for the Great Smokies Writing Program-- as well as any number of other author events. (My class was followed later by Robert Morgan, introduced by Ron Rash.)

Reading to an audience is part of an author's  life -- if you're lucky enough to have a bookstore host you. And though these particular writers haven't published yet, this was an invaluable experience -- picking something good to read that would entertain a listener and make him want to know more -- and picking something that fits the allotted time -- six minutes, in this case. 

In some cases, this involve editing -- leaving out bits that are obscure, leaving out bits that aren't necessary. Such pruning usually results in a stronger piece.

And then there's the experience of standing up in front of strangers and presenting them with a little piece of your heart. It can be daunting.

I'm happy to say there was a good crowd and the readers acquitted themselves well. That's Tommy Hays, the director of the Great Smokies Writing Program, at the mic; the nine who read are in the front row.

May there be many, many more readings at bookstores for all of them!