I'd like to share my recent book tour with you for two reasons. One, because I want those of you who haven't had one --
yet -- to know what they can be like. And two, because if you have done one, I hope we can compare notes after I've finished the installments.
I spent ten days prior to leaving setting up dates at ever venue available. That meant a lot of phone conversations with some very nice people; although having it on the July long weekend made things more difficult.
After I was packed and the house was semi-clean, I left at 9:30 on Sunday June 26th and drove straight through to Kelowna. Eight and a half hours later, within blocks of my destination, I got lost. I ended up driving over the bridge toward Westbank, spotted the circle, then headed back. I understand now why the locals call it a
stupid circle.
The next morning, friends, who used to live in Cluculz Lake, picked me up for breakfast. I hadn't seen Val and Bob for some time, so we had a lot to catch up on. Coming from quiet Cluculz Lake, my first question was how did they cope in the big city of Kelowna? They sold their condo and moved to Keremeos.
I should have taken their photograph. I guess I was more tired than I realized.
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| I snuck this from Val's facebook |
After lunch Carol Garvin and her dear husband Bob stopped by. They'd driven from their son's home in Armstrong
just to meet me. Their granddaughter was graduating the next day, so they drove back afterward. Almost three years ago, I'd found the link to
Carol's blog on the BC Federation members webpage and have been an active follower ever since. Carol is a lovely, wise, gentle woman. Meeting you, Carol was a honour.
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| I snuck this photo off Facebook too. I know, I'm bad. But aren't they adorable! |
If you haven't checked out Carol's blog, you're missing something. Her photos and her writing are extraordinary. Read a few of her
blogs entries, and you'll understand exactly what I mean. Carol is a gifted writer.
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| Me & Carol |
The next morning, June 28th, my best friend since high school, (10 years ago... okay 45!) Judi Broadhurst Geib took the day off work from Interior Health and went with me to meet my publisher. Lucky for me, Judi lives only an hour away. If asked, she'll tell you her job is to follow me around like a puppy dog, but the truth is, I couldn't do this without her. And frankly, I refuse to.
Have you seen the poster of Lucy and Ethel that reads:
Friends Forever..?
At the bottom it says:
Because you know all my secrets! Haha, that's me and Judi.
While I sat and signed some copies of
Broken but not Dead for my publisher, Judi snapped several pictures.
"
Smile, smile!" she ordered. Did I mention she's also bossy?
I know I made light of it at the moment, but holding my novel for the first time made me very happy.
After I was finished signing copies, Ann Doyon took shots of me signing, sitting, standing in the great room at En'owkin, standing in front of the foliage outside. Yes, I felt like a cross between a visiting aunt and a celebrity. Celebrity aunt? I'd waited a long time for someone to tell me I was a good enough writer to publish. That kind of acknowledgment is hard to beat.
On our way back to Kelowna, we stopped at Hooked on Books to drop off a poster for my signing in two days. As we were walking out, Judi spotted my books on the top shelf. If you look closely at the photo below, you'll see a copy of
Dead Witness (tree) on the left and
Broken but not Dead (red binding) on the right. That stunned expression on my face is me trying to digest what's happening. Talk about
surreal. It was Judi's who made me pose for a picture. Told you she was bossy.
...Remember the time you went to your aunt's and she made you sit through a two-hour slide-show? That's it for today, folks. Part two should be up in a few days.
--Happy Book Touring
joylene
