Book Tour Begins!
After six years or so, it is hard to imagine that Away To Me is actually out in the world, and I’m out talking about it. The first talk was last week in Spring Green at the Gard Theater, sponsored by Arcadia Books. I was “in conversation” with Nickolas Butler, one of the country’s finest novelists, (he called me once out of the blue and I was giddy with excitement, literally fanning my face), and about 120 wonderful people who showed up on a weeknight and warmed my heart.
Speaking of a warm heart, my brilliant and talented niece, singer/songwriter Wendy Piatt (sweetlovesounds), created this short video about it.
And here are my stalwart supporters, Jim and Wendy. Have I mentioned how much I love you both?
I have to keep this short, because I’m writing this on Monday, March 2nd, and Jim and I are soon on our way for a talk in Stevens Point (tonight 3/2) and Green Bay (3/3). Heartfelt thanks to Bound to Happen Books (SP) and Lion’s Mouth Bookstore and the Brown County Central Library for all of this support. Thursday I speak at Mystery to Me in Madison (might be full, but they have a wait list AND they are live streaming the talk!) with another brilliant novelist, Maggie Ginsberg. It’s an honor to be in the same room with her (and she is SO FUNNY!). After that we get a brief break and then on to San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas. [It’s a long story why I’m going to Texas but I have few contacts there! All Texas dogs lovers please come up and say hi!]
Here’s the thing about book tours: They are great in some ways because you, bookstores and libraries get to support each other, which feels wonderful. I get to meet the people who come to the talks, which I LOVE doing–so many wonderful, interesting people–and sign books with deep gratitude.
But, they are exhausting. Publishers tell you that you basically have two weeks to get your book “out there,” before the tsunami of other just-published books floods you out. As my editor said: “Book tours are a marathon,” but I’d add that they feel like running a marathon at a sprint pace. But what’s hardest for almost all authors is that we are basically in charge of marketing our own books, something which is both awkward and a skill set/knowledge base that none of us have. We all want our books to somehow catch that one key person’s attention and take off onto a best seller list, while we are busy writing the next one.
Later on in this post I’ll mention a few details that have made this tour especially, uh, interesting, but I have to call out the stores and libraries in Milwaukee and Lake Geneva where I spoke last Thursday and Saturday. All the organizing is tiresome, but both places rolled out a red carpet and were SO good to me. And I really did love meeting the people who came, and the chance to talk about what it’s like to switch from writing non-fiction to fiction.
I got to speak with another excellent Wisconsin writer, Patricia Skalka of the Dave Cubiak mystery series set in Door County at Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee last Thursday. Here we are at the book signing table:
At every talk I’ve been asking Humane Society staff to stand up so that we can thank them for all they do. We missed the money shot of me handing her the book, but here is Casey from the Wisconsin Humane Society with a book donated by Boswell’s. A foster dog plays a huge role in the book, and it only feels right that the people in shelters and rescues deserve our public thanks!
I’m crazy grateful that people are so patient to stand in long lines! One women bought 8 books, and the people behind her could’ve rolled their eyes, but everyone was in support of everyone else. Sometimes our species really does make us proud.
Last Saturday, the Lake Geneva Library and Lakeside Books pulled out all the stops at the Riveria Ballroom, a gorgeous venue right on the lake. I am beyond grateful that about 65 people braved a snowstorm to hear my talk and get books signed. [This is when I did mumble to Jim that my novel was supposed to come out in April, but then they changed it to “March.”]
Below I’m being introduced by Library Director Emily Kornack, and the owner of Lakeside Books, whose name I should remember but I don’t cuz my brain is starting to feel like oatmeal mush.
I know it’s a lousy photo, but here is what was out the window. Ice fishing anyone?
So . . . wish me luck on the rest of the tour, let us know if you’ve read the book yet (check out the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads–which, of course, like all authors, I do several times a day). FYI–some reviewers have said it’s more of a “cozy” than a “thriller,” which I understand. Personally, I think it’s most like the Louise Penny Three Pines books, except those have sold a gazillion copies, and my novel has not. But through all the adventures it’s important to laugh about the things (see below) that have made this “book launch” especially interesting.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: Uh, stuff happened, just in time to sign lots of books and travel. I developed deQuervain’s tenosynovitis in my right wrist–couldn’t even sign an X for a few weeks. My wrist has improved, I won’t bore you with details, but at least I can now sign my name so that you can recognize it is something a few levels above chicken scratches. Last Monday, the day before the first book talk, someone shot a bullet into my knee while I was getting into the car. At least it felt like that. No diagnosis yet, possible meniscus or ACL. Right now I’m on crutches, BUT, HUZZAH!!! I was finally able to get up the stairs to our bedroom last night, instead of sleeping on the couch last week.
Whoops, time is flying and I really have to go. Jim has been a saint but I can’t let him do everything! But I can’t leave without a few photos of Maggie and Skip. They have been SO CONFUSED, especially worry wort Skip. It’s okay buddy, we’ll be able to work sheep together again soon, and that weird scary thing that I clomp around with will be history!
Here’s a lousy photo of Maggie, but it is a good contrast to who is worried and who is not.
Sending out love and chuckles about life’s adventures to you all. Let us know how you are doing.
And, uh, read any good books lately?
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About the Author
Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, CAAB Emeritus is an applied animal behaviorist who has been working with, studying, and writing about dogs for over twenty-five years. She encourages your participation, believing that your voice adds greatly to its value. She enjoys reading every comment, and adds her own responses when she can.
LEARN MORE FROM PATRICIA’S BOOKS & DVDs!
Patricia is known the world over for her clear and engaging books and DVDs on dog training and canine behavior problems. You can also “meet” Patricia in person on her seminar DVDs, from The Art & Science of Canine Behavior to Treating Dog-Dog Reactivity.
Just finished reading; your book and really enjoyed it! Some people read start to finish without any break or interruption. I took a few days because I didn’t want it to end. I thought the story was intriguing. I also liked the interjections of behavior observations and modification treatments. Congratulations and good luck with your book tour and sales.
Om my! The bitter and the sweet. Glad your hand has mended enough to sign your name, hoping you are off crutches soon! I purchased your book months ago and will start it this weekend with a good cup of tea and a sun spot in my house. I so admire your talent, spirit, and tenacity in getting this book written, sold, and now marketing it on the book tours. Wow, just in awe of you! Skip does look worried, poor dogs, they so love a routine! Here’s hoping you’re on the NYT bestsellers list soon!
How exciting for you and for us. Thank you Patricia for continuing to share your love of animals in such a meaningful way. Please keep safe…hopefully this is just a short yet painful blip in your journey. Waiting to receive your book ordered this morning ❤️
I read your wonderful book in one day because I simply couldn’t put it down. Excellent plot, wonderful characters (especially the dogs!) and I agree that it reminds me of the beloved Louise Penny novels. I REALLY hope you are writing more!
Enjoyed the book thoroughly…thank you, Dr. McConnell! This is not typically my genre….i read a lot, mostly literary fiction and nonfiction, but I love your nonfiction and I’m a great admirer of your work in general, so I preordered a copy, more out of curiosity than anything. Wow, what a ride….i gulped it up in two days! I don’t know about cozy though….the scene where Maddie and her dog (SPOILER AHEAD) find Cisco was INTENSE….my heart was racing, I kid you not. DId not expect that! Anyway, thank you…..looking forward to the next one!
I am soooooooooo bummed I have to work this Thursday and miss you at Mystery. I wish you the best on the tour (say hello to my UW bestie in San An, TX!) and may your body be ok. Soon. ❤️
I loved the book–read it twice! Lovely quote on the jacket from Sy Montgomery, whose writing I love. Heal well and quickly so you can play with the sheep and dogs!
Read the back of the book jacket that said something like, “. . . you’ll stay up until 2 am reading and won’t mind doing it the next day . . .” Well, I stayed up way past my bedtime! I didn’t mind. I love the book! Woo hoo, Trish! I hope your book tour is as much fun as work!
Congratulations-have a great time on the tour. Sending best wishes to you and gentle ear rubs for Skip and Maggie.
P.S. I’m on the hold list at the local library. Want to read it before purchasing a copy for a dear friend. Can’t wait to get the card to pick it up. The shared excerpt reads wonderfully. 💙
I don’t suppose you’ll be coming up to Alaska…. we have ice fishing here to make you feel at home. Best of luck on the book tour and take your vitamins so you won’t get any more injuries. Isn’t life a trip?
Read it and LOVED it! I don’t read a lot of mysteries since Dick Francis “retired” but I do enjoy them, and this one kept me engrossed for two days as I read instead of watching TV or doom scrolling – and that’s HUGE. It takes a lot for a book to keep my attention to that degree anymore, with my brain being rewired to a (very) short attention span because of social media. Away to Me was so great with the dog angle, with a writer who obviously knows her subject well, and I could relate to SO much of Maddie’s thoughts and feelings around them (the junk food diet, not so much – LOL!). Loved all the characters and am going to reread for sure. SO SO gpod! I read it on Kindle and gave it 5 stars, but need to write a real review for it. Thank you for a wonderful book!
Thank you for a great book. I have not read a book so intensely for years. The story is constantly moving, not an idle moment. I love it. What a great way to express your love for dogs, sheep herding, and the beauty of flora and fauna. I love your non-fiction and now your fiction writings.
I finished the book last night and loved every minute! I’m one of those who likes to read in bits to make it last. What vivid scenes and characters! I hope you heal up from your injuries in time to enjoy springtime on the farm!
I’m about half way through Away to Me and I’m loving it! There are far too few books with a portrayal of my favorite things in the world (dogs, training and sheepdog handling). It has been another long (when are they not long in Wisconsin?) icy winter of no work for my little Gingersnap. Her mother, Qwill, does all the chores all winter, which basically just means coming with me to feed the sheep. But Gingersnap got a nice training session yesterday and went really well. She’s not the bravest dog, but she is trying. I have to say, in terms of weird dog behavior, she has her quirks. She HATES the snow on the barn. She thinks it’s trying to get her and she will stand out there and bark at it for… as long as I let her. Then some snow slides off and her suspicions are proven right! The snow on the barn roof IS trying to get her!
Sadly missed you at Boswell Book Co. last week. My bitch went into heat and my dog and I sequestered up north while my husband catered to her in MKE. It works this way solely for the care and comfort of the canines and meant making the difficult choice. My husband attended and dare I say, I think he’s in love! He waxed eloquent over your smile, your voice, your charm and your grace. Now I wait for him to finish the book!!!!
Awww, Norah, what kind comments from your husband! Sorry we missed, but good luck with your bitch!
I read it and really loved it – hope to hear from those characters again!! Felt like people I would want to sit around a cafe table with…in say Three Pines??? (Surely you get Ms. Penny’s newsletters and know about the bookstore/cafe?) Take good care of yourself – on tour and when you finally get a reprieve.
Thank you Jen! Yes, I am a huge Three Pines fan!!! Once the dust settles from the book promotion merry-go-round, I’ll get started on writing Come Bye!
I loved your book, “Away To Me!” Good luck on your book tour; it sounds exhausting. I hope hand and knee all heal quickly. I will be looking forward to the next adventure in your series.
Thank you Mary F! I can’t tell you what it feels like to hear that people love the book. Its other-worldly and wonderful and I still can’t quite believe it. Spread the word if you could, my agent just told me that word of mouth is huge in fiction….
I’m loving the book but not loving the amount of available time I’ve had to read it!! I just want to sit and read it to the end. Hoping so much that your injuries will be healed soon, in time to enjoy the spring. If you ever want to venture to NH, Sy Montgomery and I have an in with the Toadstool Bookstores in Peterborough and Keene NH! Sy, of course, has ins with many bookstores, but lives locally and. In addition to working with dogs (I helped Sy train a prior border collie rescue, Sally and her current border, Thurber, came to my daycare as a youngster) I’ve had my own bookkeeping/accounting business for 37 years, 34 of which involved doing the books for the Toadstool. You’d be welcomed with very open arms!
Chris: Oh oh so tempting! You and Sy and a great bookstore? Wish I could beam up and be there this afternoon!