Debut Lit

Have just been advised (reminded) by a new friend today that being a debut author is something special. It only happens once (in fact, I suppose the curse is remaining a debut author forever). It's new and exciting. You have an excuse to know absolutely nothing at all. I also get to work with this amazing organization: Debut Lit. I am reading with them in San Francisco on Oct. 9. And I have guest blogged for them this week about my twelve first chapters. Not my first twelve chapters. My twelve first chapters. So. Many. Check out my guest blog post. Pretty cool.

Readings this Week

I have two readings this week. These have been nerve-wracking but fun. Speaking in front of people makes me very, very nervous. Certainly, that puts me in the majority, but it seems weird given that I speak in front of people every day for my job. Question: how is teaching different than speaking in front of people? Why is talking about books to my students different than talking about books at a reading? I don't know. But it is. Very.

The 'me' part of these readings has been challenging for me but great. The Q&A has been awesome. That is a lot more like teaching. It's been just amazing to meet people who are reading and enjoying the book. The kindness of strangers -- nothin' better.

So if you're nearby, do please come say hello.

Tacoma, WA
Thurs. Sept. 23, 5:30pm
University of Puget Sound
Trimble Forum
All are very welcome. There will be snacks!

Portland, OR
Fri. Sept. 24, 7pm
Powell's Cedar Hills

Bellingham, Sunday

In case you're nearby (or want a very nice road trip), I'm reading at Village Books in Bellingham, Washington this Sunday, September 12 at 4pm. Village Books is an awesome, old-school, independent bookstore with a very, very good cafe in an especially lovely part of the especially lovely Bellingham. So if you can, please come say hello. I'd love love love to see you.

Dog Love

Dog love is naked love. So this is appropriate on so many levels. I am interviewed and/or posted on a couple of Marshal Zeringue's other blogs today. Check it out. The pictures are lovely; the dog is miraculous; and I am much better at talking about Calli than talking about me.

Coffee With a Canine
Campaign for the American Reader