A Writer on the Road
Leaving my characters to meet my readers
I am both an introvert and an extrovert. I love my time alone with my characters be it in my home office or a coffee shop or sitting on a park bench. But unlike other writers I know, I also love going out on the road and meeting my readers.
These last few weeks have been busy with events in Florida. My first invitation came from the excellent Literacy Services of Indian River County where I was the speaker at their annual fundraiser. Literacy Services tutors students of all ages, both American-born and immigrants, to improve their literacy and language skills. Many of their students go on to become American citizens.
I was in conversation with a dear friend and longtime educator, Lorna Stengel.
We talked about my memoir, Daughter of Spies, about the difficulty of telling the truth in memoir, about the importance of story. And then I did a reading.
The photo in the background comes from a slide show. There I am at the age of eighteen, holding my newest baby brother, the youngest of six of us.
From Vero Beach, I traveled to Boca Grande where I spoke at the Johann Fust Community Library to a crowd of over 200 interested readers and library patrons.
Author events these days usually include a conversation with an informed and provocative questioner. In this case, Bobbie Marquis, the Executive Director of the Library, and I had a great time, filled with good stories and lots of laughs.
I only hope the audience had as much fun as I did.
I also love the time afterwards when I sign books and have a chance to greet old friends or meet new readers.
Nights after book events I sleep very soundly. When I wake up, my characters are sitting around giving me the evil eye. Where have you been? they ask. We have a life to live here, and you’ve been ignoring us.
It takes me a few days to slip back into my introvert writing self, but I’m always happy to find those pushy companions waiting for me to move their lives forward.
I started a note to you and it flew into cyberspace. Whether you got it or not I have no idea. My name is Serita Winthrop and I wish you'd come to OBLONG to do a reading and book signing. I want to meet you in person after enjoying your memoir so much. What I was telling you is that my older brother, John Winthrop, is married to Elizabeth Winthrop, and she is one of my closest friends. More when we meet in person, because I bet we will. I live in Rhinebeck NY (646-431-3388) and am so happy you wrote your memoir. I published one under a pseudonym of Alexandra Cabot. Sending my very best to you, and sincerely hoping we meet in person. With a grateful hug, Serita
You've done a great job with getting out there are promoting your work - something that publishing houses used to do. In the 1970's I worked on a book called The Business of Art and the Artist for the NEA. Many artists simply gave up when it came to business and the promotion of their work. You have an ease with people, which makes all your efforts seem easy, but I know full well it is NOT always easy to reach out and be your extroverted self.