Helen Simonson's Blog: Is the first novel the hardest? - Posts Tagged "book-tour"

I can't believe my book tour is over but I'm looking forward to a long summer of writing and reading. My favorite spots for reading: a hammock under a very large London Plane tree or a poolside lounger with a tall beverage! My favorite writing spot: I need to be indoors and away from any such mesmerizing natural beauty.
Book tour took me all over the USA and to Canada and the UK. I was so happy to meet my readers and so many of you were such heartfelt Major Pettigrew fans.
I can report that The Summer Before The War is selling wonderfully and has been on many bestseller lists including six weeks in hardback on the New York Times Bestseller List. Thank you to all who are supporting the book. I'm hoping readers and booksellers will continue to recommend it through the summer and it's my dream to see my novel resting on someone's beach towel. Regards, Helen S.

I'm getting ready for the paperback release of The Summer Before The War which happens on my mother's birthday, February 21. I'll be launching at Malaprop's Bookstore in Asheville and then touring six cities in all. My website has all the event details. I don't know about other writers but for me book tour means struggling with serious literary issues...will I look fat in that middle seat on a regional airline? Is it appropriate to charge that martini to my expense account? Should I hit the hotel gym or watch rubbish TV and raid the mini bar for Snickers? Actually, for a girl who grew up without the funds to travel, I absolutely love book tour and can't wait to head to the airport. It's also the dream of my life to be in book stores talking to readers and meeting booksellers. If you're in the neighborhood I hope you'll come and meet me. If not, I'm always happy to meet you and your book group via Skype or phone. Wish me luck, here I go...

As my paperback book tour approaches I'm looking forward to meeting my readers around the country. But of course I can't get to as many places as I'd like. So just to say that like many authors I do visit book clubs, libraries and bookstores DIGITALLY. One day perhaps I'll be able to visit by hologram but right now I do offer SKYPE or FaceTime meetings. Of course it's free of charge, Just send me an email with a couple of dates and tell me a little about your group. If we can line up our schedules I'll be glad to pop by! Apparently over 1,400 Goodreads folks are currently reading The Summer Before The War. I hope I get to meet a few of you at least, on the road or on a laptop screen near you! Best regards, Helen S.