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!

 

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.)

Further Adventures in Zoom

But wait, there's more! Yesterday, with the help of the invaluable administrative assistant, I found the link to the recording of our session so that I could send it to the class. One student in particular was having trouble hearing and since an automatic transcript accompanies the recording, it seemed like just the thing to fill in the blanks.

The opening interchanges were somewhat surreal--like a lesson in a foreign language--or Waiting for Godot.

Me: Good. . .

D: I can hear you. . .

N: You hear me. Here I am. I hearing. See you. Do you see me. . .

Me: I do not see you. . .

N: can read. . .

Me: There may be a thing that you turn on. . .

If you keep on long enough, it turns into an existentialist play.