It finally frosted, and talking about books...

Cold morning, eh? Well, at least it is here, at 26 degrees. We finally have had a frost. It's time. That said, brrr... I need to find some gloves.

The hot water heater is being fritzy (super heating... not good). I am hopeful that we can get that fixed asap. It appears to be the thermostat(s). Nothing like getting scalded by the kitchen tap. Good times.

Good stuff, though, is coming apace. I booked a "local authors" table for the craft show in Lisbon (Nov. 30) to sit with my former student/fellow writer and show off books. Well, she's got books. I'll have flyers for my book. But either way, it could be fun. And the postcards are ready for pick up. And I spent a couple of hours last night writing/sending off a press release for the book, making up a printable order form, and, in general, trying to inhabit the role of "published author who is trying to hustle a book." It's an itchy costume, so far. 

It's never been my goal to make money on this book thing. I just really, really want to see my name on a book that I'm holding in my hands. And I know I'll never even "break even," financially, from this venture-- the table costs a little, the printing costs a little, and it all adds up-- but that is not my goal. So, if you want to help me make it happen, order a book and I'll sign it. 

I'm offering a little "spiff" for teachers, too-- buy a book, and I'll happily do a zoom meeting with either a class or do a one-on-one brainstorming chat about poetry/how to teach it. For those who are (I hope) going to order a book at the craft show, I'll be offering a signed broadside of a poem from the book as a gift with purchase. I'm not above bribery! (Ok, material gratitude.)

See? I'd rather chat about my little book-to-come than about national politics. That stuff is giving me heartburn. I'm trying not to focus on that scary dystopian mess, so I can get excited and motivated to bring my book into being. It has a pretty cover, doesn't it? I love that cover. Meg took the photo for me. That stool and I go way back... which is the subject of the title poem from the book, What to Keep. 

Maybe that's what I need to focus on-- the things and people I want to keep in my life, regardless of what transpires in less than three weeks. 

I hope your day is a good one,

C