My Women of the Apocalypse book tour led into Winnipeg this past weekend. You know, for being a blasted landscape, I quite like Winnipeg. Maybe because of it’s insular qualities, there’s a thriving art community, and there a gazillion top-notch restaurants (as I was told numerous times, it has more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Canada).
Luckily, I had Bev Geddes as my tour guide. First, she took me to Aquabooks — a truly awesome used book store with an upper floor designed exclusively for readings. The MC Kelly Hughes…well, he’s a natural talker/performer. Learned a thing or two about public readings. First thing I learned — even some big-name writers really need to figure out how to do public readings (you’re not reporting the news, people! It’s supposed to be entertaining). Karen Dudley, from Bev’s writing group, did a fabulous job.
Then, Bev had a party inviting 1 or 30 of her closest friends. Sold more books. Drank some rum. Did a reading. Drank some more rum. A really fun time.
Saturday afternoon I was off to McNally Robinson Booksellers. They had a gorgeous display for the book. Sadly, my energy level (and courage levels) are at an all-time low after the whirlwind tour of the last few weeks. I knew I should’ve been canvasing the store beforehand, attracting interest, handing out bookmarks, kissing babies…
Did another reading — signed a few books.
I have to make a few stops over the next couple of weeks — but I plan on keeping things fairly low key. I need to recharge. The initial launch (for me) is over, but now begins the marathon.
Thanks Ryan. Next book we’ll have you over at Aqua and try to get a few people in for your reading.
Cheers