The Best Laid Plans . . .

A few fall clothes catalogs arrived and I flipped through them because, since childhood I've been programmed to think "New season! New clothes?" I found myself noting outfits and separates --That would  look nice for a book store appearance. A black turtleneck, some black trousers and this pop of red . . . oh wait . . .

Because that used to be something I had to think about. When one of my books came out, I would do events at quite a few bookstores in the area, along with speaking at libraries, book clubs, conferences, etc. I had a range of nice outfits, from casual to a bit dressy.

Now it's 2020 and all I need is a nice shirt.

As I paged through the catalogs, I saw how fashion is adapting--color coordinated masks.

I'll pass on those--but these big pullovers look inviting.

Truly, this is not a great time to be bringing out a book--especially after a long (9 years) hiatus and in a different genre.  Not what I'd hoped for, drat it!

But, one of the lessons of this pandemic is that many things we once thought important--Fall wardrobes, for example--aren't. 

Every day that I wake up able to breathe deeply is a blessing. Our home is a fine place to isolate, with its surrounding woods and long views. My social life (never exactly busy) is on the internet--and that's okay. 

I continue to exist in a duality of domestic comfort and existential angst over the state of the world--but not about my new book.

Rapid River Article!

Yay! The first fruit of my efforts toward publicity is here! A two-page spread in Rapid River, a local publication featuring the art and culture of the Asheville area. 

It's a nice, glossy mag, available free in the area--at art galleries, bookstores, and other places, but it's also online. 

You can read the article I wrote HERE.

It's worth scrolling through the whole magazine to see some gorgeous art and to get a feel for the arts scene in Asheville.

With thanks to Dennis Ray (the editor) for printing this piece on such short notice.

Selling Oneself

As I think I've said before, this is the part I hate--publicity. But needs must.

 I spent much of yesterday sending off emails to publications and libraries in the area, making them aware of my forthcoming novel -- pitching it to specific interests where possible. (Some of the action takes place in Greeneville, TN! Maryville, TN! Asheville! Civil War stuff! Strong women! Folk magic! The relevance of a divided country . . .)

You have to sell yourself, someone once told me. I know what they meant but unfortunately, the first thing that phrase brings to mind is prostitution. Hey, Library Director--looking for a good time  read? I'll talk dirty books online to anyone.

And Beyond . . .

First there was the letter inviting me to check out the advantages of a motorized scooter to enhance my mobility . . . then I visited my ninety-something year-old friend in the nursing home . . .

Then there was the post from Sylvia Dickey Smith in an online list. She wrote: I have been hired to write an e-newspaper column on the topic OLDER WOMEN MAKE BETTER WRITERS.

If you are an "older-middle age and beyond" aged published woman who would like to have your book spotlighted on this program, please email me off list.

And beyond . . . Well, I can't turn my back on the fact that in order to call myself middle-aged, I would have to count on living to 132 . . . and of course an author can use all the publicity she can get.

So I emailed Sylvia and in the blink of an eye, my book and I were in the spotlight here.

And then, in keeping with the geriatric theme, John sent me this pretty amazing video of The World's Oldest Showgirl.

Dang. I wish I could dance like that.