Dispatches from the book event circuit
And the friends you make along the way
Back when Skip to the Fun Parts was still in progress I would joke to friends, “get ready for me to be super annoying when my book is about to launch in the spring!” I was looking forward to it, of course—it meant my book would be done and available to purchase, which was inconceivable at the time—but I also imagined book promotion to be a victory lap. Instead, it’s more like the part of the run where you kind of want to barf. But also truly great and makes me feel incredibly fortunate. It’s hard to describe!
So yeah, asking people for lots of favors in a concentrated period of time is not for the faint of heart. But one of the best parts about publishing a book is the people who come into your life as a result. New friends, old friends, and even just nice interactions with people in a book signing line have all been really meaningful, and a nice reminder that, lest we forget, a book is a way of connecting with other people.
One young woman I signed a book for asked me to inscribe something encouraging to a friend who was going through a nasty breakup. “My friend is amazing,” she assured me. “But is going through a real hard time. I think she’ll cry when she reads your book.” I’m not sure what I wrote will do much more for her psyche than will the passage of time, let’s say, but I was touched by the request. Who knows, maybe my book can make someone in a rough patch feel better! (Also for the record: oof, BEEN THERE.)
Leigh Stein did an amazing job moderating both of my New York events.1 “You only get to launch your first book once. And a book launch is kind of like a wedding,” Leigh said, quite accurately, when she introduced us at Powerhouse. “Everyone that showed up tonight, Dana is going to remember you for the rest of her life.”
And last Thursday I had an event at the Union Market Politics and Prose with Philippa, my longtime friend who socially engineers meaningful conversations for a living (among many other impressive things) and is exactly who you would want to moderate your creativity-themed book event in DC.
And not to mention: my friend Natalie coming to NYC for my book event and taking it upon herself to be my stylist / makeup artist / hype woman, my lovely agent sending me champagne AND flowers AND coming to both of my New York events, the photographer in my nerdy group of local cartoonists surprising me to take pictures at Union Market, the group of writers Leigh introduced me to who I fell in love with immediately, the relatives I hadn’t seen since my wedding who showed up, the friend who bought so many copies of my books to give as gifts that I finally forbade her from buying any more. Basically anyone who went out of their way to trek into the city on a school night, or otherwise say something nice when they didn’t have to. I know the revelation “it’s important to show up for people” isn’t exactly going to stop the presses, but if I can convince one of you to remember to go to your friend’s concert / art opening / D&D game / whatever, it’s a good thing to keep in the back of your mind.
Before You Go…
I’m hosting a Ladies Drawing Night Against Humanity + Book Talk on TONIGHT, May 25th at the Shop Made in DC in Georgetown. No drawing ability required, but a twisted sense of humor doesn’t hurt. Tickets are $25 and there will be booze and light refreshments. Use code SUMMERISFORMAKING for 20% off tickets.
On May 31st I’ll be talking about Skip to the Fun Parts at Atomic Books in Baltimore with Tim Kreider (of The Loaf, with Tim Kreider
fame). ICYMI, he wrote a very nice plug for my book and our talk.
Mari came down with COVID and couldn’t make my launch at Powerhouse, so Leigh heroically stepped in at the last minute. We are wishing Mari a speedy recovery!
💕💕 it was a such a fun night and I’m so happy we met!