I had a friend ask me if I’d be going on a book tour to promote the October release of, “Growing Up in the Real Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
I told him my book tour never ends. It’s me going from my office on the third floor at the Tin Lizzy down to the first floor to sell six, pop into Flappers to sell three, and then returning to the third floor again and again.
The tavern, so full of character (and characters), is like an interesting and reliable drinking buddy in my blog and books. And lots and lots of readers are eager to experience it.
I never meant for it to happen, but the result has enriched me both financially and personally.
In just the past month, readers from Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, York, Virginia, Tennessee and Florida have all popped in or called in advance to arrange a howdy. The mostly have area ties, but some go out their way to visit.
All are welcome under any circumstances, but I’m especially fond of the shy pop-ins. I hear the steps creaking as they make their tentative approach.
“Oh,” they’ll say, “we hope we’re not disturbing you.”
The exact wording allows me to break the ice with a self-deprecating joke:
“You’re too late,” I say, “I’ve been disturbed since 1992.”
That’s when someone suggested I’d make a fortune freelance writing.
I am very lucky.
Interest seems high. And the folks who’ve read the book have been complimentary.
I am busy booking speaking engagements and am grateful to all the groups who are having me back so soon after the Palmer book talk. I know there are bound to be some rotarians who’ll be rolling their eyes when they see it’s me again with many of the same old jokes, the same old stories.
To them, I say …
“Just be glad you’re not my wife!”
From my pitch sheet:
“Part history, part biography, ‘Growing UP …’ is a freewheeling conversation about what makes this one small town so special. One big reason is Fred Rogers, a man visionary educators are beginning to equate with spiritual leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. It tells the stories of couples he married, souls he saved and if calling him ‘Christ-like’ is blasphemous or accurate. It has previously untold stories of Rogers being a life-saving superhero and of him being perfectly human. It’s about how Latrobe influenced young Fred; how adult Fred influenced it; and how both influenced the author and the world. In a world that cries out for civility and healing, it’s the only book about Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood by an author who actually lives there.”
If you’re not tired of me and would like me to share my stories with your group — any group — please get in touch. I’ll travel pretty much all over western Pennsylvania.
Or you’re all welcome to come here to the Tin Lizzy.
Successful authors enjoy book tours.
I’m satisfied being one of those authors where the book tours come to him.
Booked:
October 9, Life Options Pittsburgh (“Crayons!”)
Oct. 10, Riverstone Bookstore, McCandless Crossings, Pittsburgh (North Hills), 7 pm
Oct. 11-13, Ft. Ligonier Days, Second Chapter Books, Ligonier
Oct. 26, Jeannette Public Library, 1 pm
Oct. 27, Ligonier Library, 2 pm
November 2, Greensburg-Hempfield Area Library, 2 pm
Nov. 4, Mt. Pleasant Public Library, 6 pm
Nov. 9, Vandergrift Public Library, noon
Nov. 12, Ohio Co. Public Library, Lunch w/ Authors, Wheeling, WV., noon
Nov. 14, Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, noon, TBD
Adams Memorial Library, Latrobe, 6 pm
Nov. 18, Murrysville Community Library, 6:30 pm
Nov. 19, New Florence Public Library, 7 pm
Nov. 22, (tentative) Barnes & Noble, Greensburg (movie debut party)
Nov. 23, Barnes & Noble, Altoona, 1 pm
Nov. 29, Tin Lizzy/Flappers Black Friday bar celebration, 7 pm
December 1, Barnes & Noble, Greensburg, 2 pm
Dec. 12, Upper St. Clair Library, 7 pm
Jan. 29, Bethel Park Library, 7 pm
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1 comment:
Just so very happy for you and actually proud to say I know you. Your “Crayons” book continues to speak to the hearts of people everywhere I go. Sounds corny I know, but I am blessed to know you.
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