My reading at The Regulator Bookshop

I've been going to The Regulator off and on--it's fairly far from my house--for over twenty years. It's one of those independent bookstores with a strong personality: liberal politics befitting its location near Duke, homey, a great variety of interesting books, and a sense that everyone there really cares about books. I had hoped to do a reading and signing there for my first novel, but the cover and publisher were enough to convince them not to give me a slot. For Children No More, though, they were willing to talk, and after meeting with Gina, they let me sign earlier tonight.

I'm the very least qualified person to assess how it went, but from my perspective it was at least okay. More than two dozen folks showed up, though I must admit that I knew the majority of them. I read a couple of chapters from CNM and two of the blog lessons, and then I answered questions. Many people bought books, and I signed a bunch of them.

Thanks to Gina, I have a few pictures from the reading. I hate posting pictures of myself, but folks complain when I don't, so here I am at the reading podium.


Now, check me out in artistic black and white, answering a question.


Do I look all writerly?

Unless something unusual happens, this will be my last solo signing for Children No More. I'll probably participate in the World Fantasy Con group autographing session on Friday, and then I won't be signing anywhere for many months. So, if you want me to sign something--a book I wrote, one I didn't, a particularly sensitive body part--just come on by the con.

If you're in the Triangle area and not busy Tuesday (10/26/10) night...

...please drop by The Regulator Bookshop at 7:00 p.m. and see me read and sign. Then, please buy some books. This is my first appearance there, and I'd like to make it a good one.

Thanks for the consideration.

Bookstore joy and sadness

Yesterday (Tuesday) was, as Tuesdays generally are, new book day at the major chains. I'd heard that Barnes & Noble would be putting One Jump Ahead on the New Ficition table, but the information was backchannel, so I wasn't counting on it. As you can see in the photo, it was indeed on that table, front and center. Allyn took this photo for me, so I haven't actually seen the display myself, but I hope to do so tomorrow. Just the image made me unreasonably happy for a few nanoseconds, before the crush of work rolled back over my psyche.

Alas, my bookstore news was not to be all good. My assistant, Bonnie, had been checking the local stores for the book as part of preliminary efforts at setting up signings. Two of my favorite local bookstores, places I've supported for a very long time, Quail Ridge Books & Music in Raleigh and The Regulator Bookshop in Durham, told her they did not plan to carry the book. That saddened me, particularly because I've done group signings at Quail Ridge before and even spoke briefly at BEA with one of their buyers. We'll try to persuade them to stock my book, but whether they do or not, I have to recommend them both to anyone in this area; they are simply great stores.