Things keeping me busier than a bartender on payday!
Much has happened in my world since I last posted here. Mostly good things, but I have to say, that sometimes I feel like I’m on a high speed rail. It’s like the old song, “Hot Rod Lincoln,” says, “My speedometer has hit top end, my foot glued to the floor, that’s all there is, and their ain’t no more!”
Not that I’m complaining though. I love what I’ve put on my plate, and the people I get to interact with make me smile just thinking about them. And there have been quite a lot of folks I’ve seen since August, when I last posted. Lots of events and activities that have filled up, seemingly, every square space on my calendar. When I bring up my phone’s calendar lately, it looks like I’m about to achieve blackout in Bingo!
The biggest event was our daughter Emma’s wedding. She was married on September 20th, and the lead up to it, and the weekend itself, were as most big weddings are; full of chaos, rushing, and lots of laughter with friends and family. The photographer is still working on some of the edits, but I’ll share a pic of our original four. Charlie, Emma, me, and our oldest, Fallon.
I’ve had several book tour dates as well. All of my events have been in Northern California thus far. I did have to cancel my SoCal date for Culver City, because there was just far too much going on. However, I may revisit that idea of going south again this spring. But the most interesting place where I had the most sales so far, was at a local winery. Fults Family Vineyards has a monthly event called Thirsty Thursday, that goes all summer and into fall. Because the band I’m in was the evening’s entertainment, I had double duty, of singing and during our set breaks, I signed copies of my books. My face hurt from smiling and laughing, it was so much fun.
Speaking of the band…we played an epic evening recently that was a 1970s costume party / fundraiser. We were all decked out in 70s garb, complete with platform shoes, wigs, and bell-bottoms. I had so many sequins that if I’d been lost, you could have just followed the trail of tiny, sparkling discs left in my wake to find me. Yes, I chose the disco era.
From left to right that is Dan Janakes, Mike Harris, myself, Dave Evans, Bill Diener, and Tim Gill. We are The Classic Set, and man, do we have fun! Of course, this isn’t our normal attire…well mostly not. Wink-wink.
So of course I’ve had many book events at bookstores. Some readings, some meet and greets, and one author panel. At each place, I’ve been welcomed and supported so well, that I have to say that the independent bookstores are the best!
Basically, I have had nothing but encouraging and loving support from both the writing community, as well as the independent bookstores across the board. My experience as an indie author has been nothing short of amazing. And a dream opportunity has been offered to me as well. Author Brenda Novak, who has more than eighty books in print, has offered to have me on her Facebook group live this coming Thursday, October 30th. She hosts a monthly book group online and I am simply over the moon excited about it. Join her group to watch.
Now, I know you must be wondering what I was talking about in the title of this post when I said, bone density test. Well, I am fifty-seven years old, I’ve only broken a few small bones in my entire life, but this year, my doctor said that since I’m getting “older,” I should consider getting one. The reason being is that in February of this year, I broke a toe. Yep, that’s it. But I also know that I am a klutz, and basically hurt myself because of the velocity of which I go-go-go! I believe anyone who runs around like a chicken with it’s head cut off like I do, is bound to have a little mishap now and again, (let’s not talk about the time I knocked myself out on a fence trying to duck under it while walking too fast with a ball cap on). So next week, I’ll get a bone density test done, like a good aging girl should.
Other than that, I’m planning to take some much needed down time with my hubby the first part of November, but after that, who knows? I am planning a trip over to the Sacramento area to put some of my books on consignment in another indie bookshop, (more on that to come). Other than that, I think the majority of my book marketing for Wildflower, and book talks will be online or on podcasts. I promise to keep you apprised.
Lastly, in case you didn’t know this, Wildflower is available on audiobook too! You can listen wherever you get your audiobooks. Some examples are Spotify, Libro.fm, Audiobooks.com, Audible, and so many more platforms.
Thank you for your support. If you have read either of my books, After the Fire, or Wildflower, I’d like to ask a favor. Please consider leaving a rating, a review, or post about it online. Letting others know about my books, from someone that isn’t me, is extremely helpful. I appreciate it more than you know.
Happy reading friends. Xoxo ~ Patti
