I put off writing a blog for a long time. It seemed everyone and their mother had one–what could I add? But I really wanted to write one. I love personal essays. I love the everyday stories of everyday people.
And everyone was telling me that if I was writing a book, I needed to get myself online. Have a “presence” and whatnot. But I didn’t want to start a blog unless it was me. So I thought and thought about it. It seems simple now, but it was about a year before I had the idea to make this blog what it is today–a place to share stories in an effort to better understand ourselves and one another. The simplest is usually the answer.
So I started True STORIES., established the almighty platform. But all of you readers here mean so much more to me than any step in a marketing plan. You are my refuge, my grounding, my reminder of why I write–not only these essays but even my novel. When the book world gets scary, as it often does, I come back here.
In fact, I consider this such a refuge that I sometimes forget to fill you in on the book side of my life. So I’d like to invite you to some of the events that have already been planned, in hopes that some of you might be able to come and we can meet. I’ve pasted them below. If none of those work for you, my friends will be hosting a Google Hangout on the evening my book is published–April 22, 7pm Central. Here’s a link to the event description:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/cusan0odiq84c484h03aop8f620
My friends and hosts even created a questionnaire so you can ask me questions that I’ll answer that night. It’s super easy to fill out and submit, I’d love for you to be part of the conversation:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iY1X8BDBku71iINuJEPv9C6gcmyNzuqYzr4F81YtSDI/viewform
Other upcoming events:
April 16 — Arlington Heights, Illinois. Official Book Launch! Barnes & Noble, 13 W. Rand Road. 7-9pm. This event is free and open to the public.
April 22 — Online. Google Hangout, 7pm Central.
May 1 — Palatine, Illinois. Palatine High School’s Writers Day. For students and faculty of Palatine High School.
May 2 — Minneapolis, Minnesota. Reading & signing. Magers & Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Ave. 7-9pm. This event is free and open to the public.
May 12 — Denver, Colorado. Reading & signing. Tattered Cover, Historic LoDo, 1628 16th Street. 7:30pm. This event is free and open to the public.
May 21 — St. Joseph, Michigan. Reading & signing. Forever Books, 312 State Street. 7pm. This event is free and open to the public.
May 28 — Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Women’s Speaker Series, Lynden Sculpture Garden. 7-9pm . Tickets include an autographed copy of The Rooms Are Filled, refreshments, and admission to the sculpture garden. Register online now.
That’s what I’ve got so far, possibly more to come. If you’d like to stay updated on future events and publications, please sign up for my newsletter. My Facebook Author page doesn’t reach everyone who has “liked” it, so a newsletter is the best way I can figure to get you information. As long as I remember to send it. 🙂
True STORIES. 