Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d ever have a book published, but Tucker Lake Chronicle was published last spring and is doing quite well.
I would be perfectly happy somewhere in a cave, hunched over a laptop making up stories. The reality is that authors are expected to attend book signings, give readings and chat with book clubs and groups.
So, I entered a new world of challenges that stretched the limits of my comfort range. My first challenge was to give a reading at Magars and Quinn, a popular Minneapolis independent bookstore. On a cool Minnesota spring evening, my daughter, oldest granddaughter and I entered the bookstore.
Once inside the lovely, book-filled place, I tried to quiet my nerves and succeeded until I spotted the set-up for this meeting. The bookstore was anticipating more attendees than I had.
The room began to fill. My mouth dropped at the number and variety of people. I was expecting 10 people… maybe. But thanks to a wonderful book review by Laurie Hertzel in the “Star and Tribune,” the empty chairs began to fill. Maybe 40 people showed up.
I looked at the podium, and microphone all set up for me and took a deep breath. I had to do something. It was all on me.
I began talking about the 13 months in 1969 when Dick and I lived in a primitive cabin on Tucker Lake, the topic of my book. It was easy to talk about that wonderful year and the following question and answer session was delightful.
Since then, I’ve done numerous readings and signing. An especially lively group met with me at the Grand Marais library, and a number of Gunflint Trail residents were happy to chat at a signing at Chik- Wauk.
However, my most interesting challenge was when I did a Facebook chat with a book club in St. Louis.
I wondered how such a meeting would go, but forged ahead with the book club representative planning a get-together. Seven thirty on a Tuesday evening, I closed my office door, plopped down in front of my computer screen and waited. Sure enough. The signal came through and I accepted the call.
There I was, in a living room almost a thousand miles away looking at book club members sitting on a sofa. They waved hello and we were off and running. They were altogether charming and an hour easily sped by.
Another new challenge met.
Tucker Lake Chronicle is available at local bookstore and gift shops and Amazon.com. I’d be happy to meet with book clubs and groups. If interested contact Joan Crosby at the glasshp@boreal.org
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