I was going to write something political for Barack Obama Day but I just don't have the energy. I'm so sick and tired of being fearful. Tired of hearing the word "dystopian." So, with the words of "Long Walk Home" ringing in my ears ("that flag flying over the courthouse means certain things are set in stone; who we are and what we'll do and what we won't"), I think I'll just write about the signing I'm doing this afternoon. Because it gives me great joy, which is very much what I need right now.
Book signings have gone the way of the dodo bird, as bookstores become fewer. The old author publishing day thrill of driving from bookstore to bookstore, moving every copy of my book to the front table or making sure the cover faces outward from shelves, then signing every copy in stock is no more. There's only one local bookstore for me to drive to. Not even Costco sells books. So to have the luxury of speaking before a small audience about my book, answer a few questions, then sign books with a written dedication feels luxurious.
This afternoon's signing at Barnes and Noble in Aliso Viejo starts in an hour or so. Obviously, I need to get cracking. But for those of you who will one day publish your own book and wonder how to prepare for a signing, let me walk you through it.
It's a Saturday, so I sleep in a little. Cross country practices don't start until Monday, but once we get up and running (pun intended), I won't be able to sleep in again until December. Then it was a long cup of coffee with Calene, planning our divide and conquer day. She's off for Father's Day lunch with her dad. There's a neighborhood BBQ this evening. Then it was off to Perspire for a sauna, followed by a run in O'Neill. The boy scouts are setting up for their annual takeover of my beloved wilderness park, so I am very glad I will be away all next week.
Got home at 11. Quick lunch. Shower. Tried to figure out which clothes I want to wear today — certainly not coat and tie, but my wife will be very displeased if I go with a hoodie. Decisions, decisions. Put that off for the time being. Spent an hour working on the running book, which is at a very pivotal point in the writing. Sadie sleeps at my feet. Love that dog. Django has been digging up my garden lately. I love him, too, but he's in the doghouse right now.
That's it. All I have to do is drive to the signing. I carry a couple Sharpies, even though I know they'll have plenty. This is a great sunny day for a sandwich at Board & Brew, but if I have a sandwich I'll have a beer, which I don't like to do before I speak. Even stone cold sober, I am more than capable of a well-placed F-bomb. I don't think the book buying public needs that from me today, particularly if C-SPAN is filming the whole thing.
I'm off. Wish me luck. I don't plan what I'm going to say. Wherever you are, however you are spending your weekend, I pray your day is safe, sane, and vitriol free.