tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post1412859973182367294..comments2024-03-29T01:17:04.775-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: The Truth about Book Tours from Ingrid and HankJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-13182096071784464022017-01-13T10:43:12.374-05:002017-01-13T10:43:12.374-05:00I have a question for all of the authors here...
...I have a question for all of the authors here...<br /><br />When you go on book tours, do you have to do your own driving OR does the bookstore send a representative to pick you up at the airport or the train station IF you are coming from out of town?<br /><br />Yes, I love book signings because it gives me a chance to meet authors. I used to live near a indie bookstore. That's how I met Rhys when she came to a panel with Penny Warner and other authors. A few years after I met Rhys, I got cochlear implants.<br /><br />Since my cochlear implants, I enjoy listening to the author read from the book because it gives me a chance to practice my auditory skills. And I love the chance to buy books too. Sometimes a book is not available unless the author is appearing at the store.<br /><br />Someone mentioned that her books were not available when she was doing a book event? Not quite the same thing though it reminded me of my frustration at my first Malice. I really wanted to buy a children's book by the author who won an award for best children's book. To my surprise, only ONE book dealer was selling children's books, though I have to say that they were among other books that were classics like Nancy Drew. None of the book dealers at Malice had NEW children's books!<br /><br />DianaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-10848736743999723212017-01-12T22:56:59.403-05:002017-01-12T22:56:59.403-05:00Clothespin! Brilliant. And so useful for so many t...Clothespin! Brilliant. And so useful for so many things..Holding, for instance, the towel you have to drape around yourself because the room is too cold!<br /><br />Danielle-momo--hurray!<br /><br />See you soon, INgrid! Safe travels..<br /><br />And I wish you all could be there, too!Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-71719408888613489562017-01-12T21:12:27.055-05:002017-01-12T21:12:27.055-05:00Hats off to all of the authors who spend so much t...Hats off to all of the authors who spend so much time on the road. We readers appreciate it. <br /><br />I read somewhere (maybe it was fake news) that the Queen never passes up an opportunity to visit "the necessary" and those are words I live by. <br /><br />My best hotel tip is to carry a clothes pin in my luggage for those drapes that won't close tight. And I hate bugs!!!<br /><br />I love author events but not many happen in Maine. I've been to a couple events with Julia and laughed out loud to Louise Penny where I was honored to meet her husband Michael. And while I'm name dropping, I went to an event with Deb Harkness. There are times I miss living outside of Boston. <br /><br />Marianne in Mainenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-79787561795607869462017-01-12T20:53:39.626-05:002017-01-12T20:53:39.626-05:00Living in Quebec,I go to Louise Penny's prelau...Living in Quebec,I go to Louise Penny's prelaunch every year since many years.<br />And occasionnaly I visit what we call: Salons du Livre (kind of book fairs where we can meet with autors). <br />They are not part of tours but they are a good way to present recent publication.<br />Would like being able to see Ingrid and Hank tomorrow.<br />For meeting all of you JRW ladies, I'll travel to Bouchercon 2017.<br />Danielle-momoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-67368584924824558022017-01-12T17:29:47.087-05:002017-01-12T17:29:47.087-05:00And I'm back on solid ground!
Jenn - Thanks...And I'm back on solid ground! <br /><br />Jenn - Thanks so much for coming to last night's event, and thanks so much for your kind words about it! Jenn and I actually met a couple of years ago at a dinner at Bouchercon, but didn't have the chance to talk, so I felt like we were meeting for the first time.<br /><br />One of the lovely things about this tour is all the joint events I'm doing. Nick Petrie (the fantastic author of "The Drifter" and the newly released "Burning Bright" did last night's event with me and Brad Taylor, which was great. Today, Nick and I traveled to Houston, and we'll be at Murder By The Book tonight (with another terrific author, Thomas Perry.) Luckily, Nick and I have become instant BFFs and travel companions. During last night's event, Barbara Peters made a joke about us dating, and when the event was over and I checked my phone, I had a text from my hubby: "Not sure about that dating thing...:)" Turns out he'd been watching the livestream video of the whole thing! <br /><br />And tomorrow night is with Hank, which is always fabulous, and I'm back on my home turf so there will be friends and family in attendance. If only I didn't have that 4:45 a.m. pickup I'd be totally thrilled!Ingrid Thofthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04063912686011336076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-81611963724771593862017-01-12T16:07:11.155-05:002017-01-12T16:07:11.155-05:00Karen, what great stories! I'll bet you're...Karen, what great stories! I'll bet you're a terrific travel companion.<br /><br />I have had big issues with remembering the plot of the book I'm promoting on tour when I'm in the middle of writing the next one! So confusing, and really hard not to give spoilers.<br /><br />I don't read at signings unless the venue absolutely insists. I can't read my characters the way I hear them in my head--and I can't do a British accent!! I think hearing me read in "Texas" must be very disappointing to the listeners. When it can't be avoided, I keep it short!<br /><br />Aisle seats!!! Always take water and a snack. NEVER EVER EVER pass up a chance to pee!<br /><br />And room service, dinner and breakfast, on a book tour are pretty much worth murdering for.<br /><br />I do like to go to other authors' events. Unfortunately, since Dallas hasn't had an independent mystery store for years, I don't get much opportunity. But Terry Shames will be here signing at The Wild Detective (a new indie, although not specifically mystery) on January 26th and I am so looking forward to it!<br /><br />Ingrid and Jenn, I wish I could come to one of your events...:-(Deborah Crombiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16988750789088153601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-26897080735058888632017-01-12T14:55:43.635-05:002017-01-12T14:55:43.635-05:00I am in danger of suffering from whiplash. The we...I am in danger of suffering from whiplash. The west coast, the east coast, the west coast, the east coast. Author events that I would love to attend, but not being close enough to events on either coast. As the song goes, "I'm stuck in the middle." I know that the event with Hank and Ingrid will be amazing. How could it not with the two of them and it being Friday the 13th. I happen to love Friday the 13ths. Ingrid, have a great night tomorrow night with Hank!<br /><br />I am in awe of the work authors do in addition to the hard work of writing their books. I was looking at a Where's Waldo book yesterday, and it puts me in mind of a book that should be published, Where's Hank. Actually that could apply to so many authors. One of the aspects of the Jungle Reds I admire the most is your support of one another in thought and deed, so often attending each others' book events or having a combined one. And, then the generosity of time that you all show your readers is, of course, dear to my heart. Where do you all get all that time?<br /><br />I hadn't thought much about authors discussing their currently published books, but being smack dab in the middle of working on the next one. That must be a fine line to walk, trying to avoid spoilers. I will definitely appreciate pauses when I ask a question next time. <br /><br />Ingrid, I so happy to have someone in agreement about the lack of calories in airport candy or snacks. Hank (and Rhys), good idea about taking a picture of your room number. I have a recurring dream that I can't find my room because I've forgotten the number, and sometimes the floor. I like the author to read a small bit from the book, as it gives me an insight as to the author's take on it, her voice. However, I most enjoy the interaction with authors. Oh, and I think five minutes reading aloud is certainly long enough, perhaps a bit too long at a time. I would prefer shorter clips, maybe several at a minute or two.<br /><br />I do love going to book events when I can catch one close. One that should be particularly interesting to this group is only an hour away from me on April 23rd. Ann Patchett will be at the Southern Kentucky Book Fest in Bowling Green, KY. I'll definitely be going to that one. Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-2319493018013595082017-01-12T14:10:25.640-05:002017-01-12T14:10:25.640-05:00Perfect, Nancy! Yes, locally, I always have books ...Perfect, Nancy! Yes, locally, I always have books in the trunk. ALWAYS. <br /><br />And the underpants story has to be a whole blog. I'll be in touch...<br /><br />Peanut butter? Great. And ALMONDS. PLus..take the water from Jet Blue. Drink it in the hotel instead of buying it. TAke an extra pack of cookies for dessert. LOVE Jet Blue!Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-78012772234016729442017-01-12T13:33:39.848-05:002017-01-12T13:33:39.848-05:00Some airports have hotel rooms you can rent by the...Some airports have hotel rooms you can rent by the hour (I am looking at you, Dallas) which is perfect when you need a nap or to take off your shoes and write for a while. (Never mind sex. On tour, a nap is more precious than anything!) Ask at the info desk. <br /><br />A friend of mine went to her signing in the company of a bunch of friends only to discover the store was closed. And she had called to confirm! They simply forgot. So I always confirm twice. And if traveling by car (three weeks on the road in the Midwest----thank you, BMW!) I keep cartons of books in the trunk in case of store blunders. Oh----And I mail my laundry home and buy new undies along the way. Have I ever told the story of airport security asking me to open my suitcase full of two weeks of underpants? Never mind.<br /><br />Also, peanut butter and crackers.NancyMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-36990588323004112942017-01-12T13:22:51.973-05:002017-01-12T13:22:51.973-05:00Readings: I don't do them - I always tell the ...Readings: I don't do them - I always tell the audience pick the book up and leaf through it yourself. But if you like to read, keep it SHORT: I was at a book festival and saw Hallie read the beginning of NEVER TELL A LIE. Just a few paragraphs, but it was absolutely compelling.<br /><br />My hotel secret: my comfy eyemask! Inevitably, the curtains don't shut and you're facing the well-lit parking lot, or the smoke detector blinks on and off, or you can't turn the bathroom nightlight off. I carry my own blackout shades with me, and sleep just fine.<br /><br />And I'll have to try Rhys' trick as well - I've had several instances where I've tried to get into the previous night's hotel room!Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09553268569509053159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-38549090897160793332017-01-12T13:05:24.097-05:002017-01-12T13:05:24.097-05:00Congrats to Ingrid on her new book, and I wish I w...Congrats to Ingrid on her new book, and I wish I was near Boston to be able to see both Ingrid and Hank. I don't think I've even been to a book event where more than one author appeared.<br /><br />I enjoy going to book events. At times, I really wish I lived closer to Houston because I would attend so many Murder By the Book events.<br /><br />I don't mind if the author does a reading, but it seems like most authors prefer to do Q and A instead which I really enjoy.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to Deb's new book event here in Dallas on February 7th!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16432509313245703368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-8068772504367603022017-01-12T12:55:52.255-05:002017-01-12T12:55:52.255-05:00Hank, I agree, a good reading does verge on perfor...Hank, I agree, a good reading does verge on performance--I think a good reader is a natural storyteller (as opposed to being a good writer, too!). Like Karen, I prefer to hear the author talk about the craft of writing, the ideas for the characters, just anything, really, because it adds to the experience of me reading (or re-reading)the book.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-15670016136673783202017-01-12T11:40:30.430-05:002017-01-12T11:40:30.430-05:00Yes, I get so stressed trying not to give spoilers...Yes, I get so stressed trying not to give spoilers, I get brain freeze every time! Love you ladies' stories on the road. So much good info!Ritter Ameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08061350506378402974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-45475140134244203582017-01-12T11:01:17.500-05:002017-01-12T11:01:17.500-05:00I love going to book events! I don't go to as...I love going to book events! I don't go to as many as I used to because authors don't come to bookstores close enough to me to make it doable.Mark Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11567392254011373198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-13019906260750961332017-01-12T10:41:45.450-05:002017-01-12T10:41:45.450-05:00Readings? Not as much as just meeting the author a...Readings? Not as much as just meeting the author and learning more about their books, although hearing an author read their own work is sometimes instructive for inflection, etc. I'm usually more interested in the back story of where the idea or inspiration came from. I find that endlessly fascinating. Some authors are funny, and I do enjoy humor in an author talk.<br /><br />I spent many years on the road, too, traveling not to bookstores but to consumer shows. Some of the stories are funny: thin hotel walls in a really nice Indy hotel, with an incredibly amorous couple on the other side; a mouse that went from my boss's room to mine next to it, and his hilarious reaction; a prostitute being shared by two different men whose rooms were opposite ours--the traffic back and forth, with attendant door slamming was bad enough, and then they refused to pay her. All hell broke loose then. And my friend with whom I traveled, 6'2", who realized that for our three-day stay one of her three outfits had moth holes all down the front. We were staying out in the boonies, and there was no hope of finding a new outfit for someone her size. Her solution was brilliant, though, creating a new outfit out of unlikely materials. By hand.<br /><br />Luckily, I never had any really scary experiences. I did come to enjoy the convenience of having a real breakfast in my own room a few times, although it's an expensive indulgence. Karen in Ohiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13846039203123720312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-1627980817128490862017-01-12T10:35:28.459-05:002017-01-12T10:35:28.459-05:00LOL on not remembering the details of the book you...LOL on not remembering the details of the book you are touring for - I once got my series mixed up and started talking about the wrong series at a book signing. Doh! I'm not big on reading aloud - feels to lectury (new word) so I prefer not to but I did attend a signing by Neil Gaiman and he read aloud and it was lovely. The Brits can say anything and it's wonderful so maybe if I were British I'd be more inclined to read to the audience. <br />I did get to see our Ingrid at the Poisoned Pen last night - packed house - and she was smart, funny, and charming, naturally. If any of you get a chance to catch her on tour, I highly recommend attending. <br /><br />Back to revision madness...Jenn McKinlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214926031147370862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-10743519712464664382017-01-12T10:30:17.560-05:002017-01-12T10:30:17.560-05:00Ingrid, sending you good thoughts for your book to...Ingrid, sending you good thoughts for your book tour.<br />I have so many horror stories of flights and hotels, like the time I was put out at a hotel in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of a snow storm. I did drive by signings all morning then was delivered to my hotel to rest up before my evening event. I hadn't eaten since I left the previous city at 6 that morning.<br />"Where's the coffee shop? I asked.<br />"It closed at 2," I was told.<br />"Room service?"<br />"No room service."<br />I looked out at the expanse of snow. Nothing in sight. Then I was told they had a hotel shuttle. The desk clerk drove me around until we spotted..... Golden Arches. So the hotel bus went through the drive through and I survived.Rhysnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-61578563724169782252017-01-12T10:27:29.113-05:002017-01-12T10:27:29.113-05:00 And Will, you are so right! Never miss a chance t... And Will, you are so right! Never miss a chance to use the restroom, always take the water, and always carry a snack. Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-20049497817438192272017-01-12T10:26:24.819-05:002017-01-12T10:26:24.819-05:00I agree, and five minutes is almost too long! Whe... I agree, and five minutes is almost too long! When somebody is good they are very good, it's really a treat to listen to, (Gregg Hurwitz comes to mind,) but you are so right, it has to be on the verge of performance. <br /><br /> And pssst… This may be the first post ever done from a dentist chair! Might as well use my time efficiently, right? Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-49368609197555831812017-01-12T09:47:26.630-05:002017-01-12T09:47:26.630-05:00Hank yes - the showers! Why can't they all wor...Hank yes - the showers! Why can't they all work the same way?<br /><br />Will, I have a friend who does marathons/triathlons and she says the same thing: never pass up a chance to use the bathroom.<br /><br />I admit to preferring window seats.<br /><br />And yes, the bug would have freaked me out.<br /><br />Readings: keep it short. And if you do it, try to put some drama - don't read in monotone. If you aren't comfortable doing it, don't.<br /><br />I will store all these tips for someday when I get to do a book tour - maybe. Hopefully. In my fantasies. :)Liz Millironhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04919409969263609919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-77964797922896470162017-01-12T09:43:43.821-05:002017-01-12T09:43:43.821-05:00Reposting... since I had the wrong night...
Terri...Reposting... since I had the wrong night...<br /><br />Terrific post! So much fun to join the pains as well as the pleasures... because there are both.<br /><br />The trick with reading is to pick a really compelling and SHORT (5 minutes or fewer IMHOP)... Especially if you're a good reader. Do it near the end and tell them you won't go on for long.<br /><br />Ingrid, hoping to see you TOMORROW night in Framingham!! Hallie Ephronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04759439029582054503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-35263311054475523032017-01-12T09:26:43.462-05:002017-01-12T09:26:43.462-05:00*NEVER* miss a chance at a restroom. E V E R! Neve...*NEVER* miss a chance at a restroom. E V E R! Never, ever, EVER, miss a shot.Will Grahamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-10581884301598334022017-01-12T09:09:09.853-05:002017-01-12T09:09:09.853-05:00I find the potential for toe-stubbing quite high. ...I find the potential for toe-stubbing quite high. Unfamiliar room layouts and different thresholds throw me off.<br /><br />I will say that when on the road, I never wake up wondering where I am. However, I'm positive that one night next week, I'll wake in the middle of the night, in my own bed, and think, "Where am I?" Very weird, but it happens after every tour!Ingrid Thofthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04063912686011336076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-53033563488023054772017-01-12T09:06:49.061-05:002017-01-12T09:06:49.061-05:00I love this. YES, they never warn you in any of th...I love this. YES, they never warn you in any of the how-to writing workshops about how hard it is to remember what happened in earlier books or in the book you're currently promoting when you're already well into writing the next one! Not that I'm complaining. It's a marvelous problem to have!<br /><br />I agree with aisle seats because of the restroom issue. However on shorter hops, I do like the window seat. <br /><br />Sticky note over the peep hole? Dru, that's genius!<br /><br />Oh, who am I kidding. These are ALL great ideas. Taking notes. Annettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02755947919433555176noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-53812652594934958322017-01-12T08:42:16.393-05:002017-01-12T08:42:16.393-05:00And I always go crazy trying to turn on the shower... And I always go crazy trying to turn on the shower. How many different kinds of ways can there be to turn on the shower? And does the redline mean you're getting more hot or less hot? Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.com