Books Down South was an awesome gathering of local literati, filled with a lot of energy and camaraderie. My highlight: I was stationed next to a French poet! How cool is that? So while the literati swirled around us, Brigitte Byrd and I chatted in French. If anyone approached our table, Brigitte leapt up to announce, "We are the poets!" Who could resist the charm of a French accent?!
Well, quite a few actually. We had a few sales, and while I was quite satisfied with mine, Brigitte was frustrated. When one of the organizers consoled us with typical American cheer--"It's more about the connections you make than the books you sell!"--Brigitte stared her down. Awkward silence. The typical French reaction at that point would have been to flip all the books up in the air, and storm home to write about it.
Sure enough, as soon as our chirpy organizer left, Brigitte looked at me and said in French, "That's not French. We would fling all these books in your face and leave!"
I laughed, and she relaxed a little as I bought one of her books and asked her to sign it. We will be in touch for coffee soon; in the meantime, I am enjoying her "Song of a Living Room." Brigitte has invited me to read at Clayton State University's poetry lecture series next year. Mais oui! Bien sur!
In the meantime, the next clambake for me is in St. Augustine, FL. I leave Thursday, coming back in time for the Dogwood Gallery evening. And another event has edged into the calendar the following week.
Looking for more amazement and hope you are part of it!
Nov. 7-10: 2013 Other Words Conference, Florida Literary Arts Coalition, Flagler College, St. Augustine, FL. I'll be attending as a poet with Finishing Line Press, but this also affords time to promote my book, take advantage of a number of workshops, and network. I'm looking forward to a little change of pace and a day or two to explore St. Augustine.
Nov. 14: Dogwood Gallery, 6:30-8:30 pm: Book Launch Party. Stop for some poetry, art, wine and nibbles!
Nov. 22: An American Tour in Words and Music: Friends of the Peachtree City Library invite you to “An
American Tour in Words and Music” from 7:00—9:00 PM on Friday, November 22.
Local authors Pat Butler, Sara DeLuca, and Paul Lentz will read from their
recently published books. Music will be performed by Tom Watts, and
will include selections from his recent album, “One Sweet Day.” (This is an “after-hours event; only the front
door of the library will be open.)
Pat is the author of the autobiographical chapbooks, “Poems
from the Boatyard” and “The Boatman’s Daughter.” Sara’s poetry has been
published in numerous regional and national journals. She will read from her
new chapbook, “Shearing Time.” Paul writes of rural Georgia during the Great
Depression in his coming-of-age novel, “The Gospel Truth: Tales from Ty Ty.”
Refreshments by Blue Donkey Coffee—a regular at the Peachtree
City Farmers Market in the Aberdeen Village Shopping Center.
Reminders:
To order The Boatman's Daughter, here's the link.
Poems from the Boatyard is now available on Kindle.
Website: theliteryarboatyard.com, & iphone app!
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