It went well, I thought. First, we had a surprising (to me) number of people show up for an event on 10:30 on a Saturday; I don’t mind telling you I was skeptical that anyone would show up at that hour. So to everyone who did: You’re awesome, and thank you.
In addition to my usual schtick of a reading and a Q&A, the library did a very nice thing and presented me with a plaque thanking me for the donations that were made through my Redshirts auction, and also dedicated a corner of the library to me — naturally, the corner where they keep all the science fiction works. I am of course genuinely touched by that, and told the folks there that what this means is that from now I can no longer get in any sort of trouble, because if they do, they might take the plaque down. And, you know. That would be bad.
I read from Redshirts and from The Shadow War of the Night Dragons, but I also read this piece from my Thanksgiving Advent calendar, in which I discussed why I was thankful I lived in Bradford. As I was reading it I was very surprised to find myself choking up; reading it in front of a hometown audience got to me, and I’m an easy crier in any event. Fortunately no one seemed to mind.
It’s a little nervewracking to do a public event in your hometown; if you flub it up, everyone will see you in the IGA later, and that’s not good. So I’m glad everyone seemed happy with the event.
And now I need a nap. Catch you all a bit later.
Thanks for supporting your local library, John.
Because we all know it’s only the power of the plaque keeping you on the rails as a decent person.
In all seriousness, it was a wonderful event. Your reading was hilarious and touching and Krissy and Athena and the library staff were very kind and welcoming to all of us out-of-towner nerds. I hope you’ll invite us back someday!
Im pictured on Whatever!
If only I could have won that raffle. Dang! Now I have to wait until summer to read Redshirts.
Aw. Sweet.
That looks like a nice library.
If I might make an unsolicited title suggestion: The Shadow War of the Night Dragons: A Novel. I think it adds a extra touch of class.
‘Twas a nice event at a nice library in a nice little town. Definitely worth the trip out. I’m looking forward to stopping back to see the railroad museum sometime.
Oh, and BTW, “The Mathless Astronomer” is the name of my next band. ;)
No shame in being a crier – it ‘s what makes what we are (I’m an an unashamedly eye-moistened myself).
Thanks so much for your presentation this morning; it was a lot of fun! It’s still hard for me to believe that a best-selling science fiction author lives so close . . . in Bradford, no less!!! Oh, and if you ever need to research a small-town, general practice attorney for . . . I don’t know . . . misdemeanors in space or something . . . I’m over in Union City. ;) Thanks again!
Easy Crier is the name of my next band.