Less than a week ago, it was 30-something degrees in Richmond, but I was wearing a tropical print outfit and looking at my flipflops. Because I had a book signing to attend and I've made a "thing" out of appearing at book events dressed in my beachy clothes, I knew I had to wear the flipflops. But in 30 degree weather? I opted instead for getting to the signing in my Uggs boots, then changing into the other shoes. Now, there's a fashion statement for you: beachwear and Uggs.
Ah, the trials of promoting a beach book during a U.S. winter! (Yeah, I can tell you're all very sorry for me. And you'll be even less sympathetic when you learn that I'm posting this blog from North Caicos, where it's warm enough for shoes to be optional.)
In addition to wearing strange stuff, promoting a book also has me doing other things that are new to my life. I now go almost nowhere without having a few books with me, just in case. I blog. I Facebook. I Twitter. I talk to strangers and offer to sell them something. What a weird world.
Here on the island, I do less of the social media thing and more of the purely social thing. For one thing, it's easier to talk to strangers in a place where there are tourists coming through eager to hear more about the island. And that, of course, makes it easier to sell a book about island life.
My first book signing here is tonight. I don't have to worry about pumping up the inflatable palm tree, because the real things will be just outside. The beach chairs are already on the porch. The weather will suit my clothes.
Changes in latitude, changes in attitude, indeed!
Ah, the trials of promoting a beach book during a U.S. winter! (Yeah, I can tell you're all very sorry for me. And you'll be even less sympathetic when you learn that I'm posting this blog from North Caicos, where it's warm enough for shoes to be optional.)
In addition to wearing strange stuff, promoting a book also has me doing other things that are new to my life. I now go almost nowhere without having a few books with me, just in case. I blog. I Facebook. I Twitter. I talk to strangers and offer to sell them something. What a weird world.
Here on the island, I do less of the social media thing and more of the purely social thing. For one thing, it's easier to talk to strangers in a place where there are tourists coming through eager to hear more about the island. And that, of course, makes it easier to sell a book about island life.
My first book signing here is tonight. I don't have to worry about pumping up the inflatable palm tree, because the real things will be just outside. The beach chairs are already on the porch. The weather will suit my clothes.
Changes in latitude, changes in attitude, indeed!