Promo and things!

[Jo Zebedee]

I'm currently stuck at home with an injured foot and Ireland's a bit of a long way away, so I won't be able to come along to anything. But good luck with everything. You're certainly putting the work in.

I would ask one question. You're writing much darker stuff than me, from the sounds of it. One of the advantages I've had at signings is that I can effectively say "Aw, come on, it's a laugh!", which works surprisingly well. Is it harder to sell books "cold" to people when the subject matter is more serious?

You're excused (this time -and I hope the foot gets better

I think, in this era of grimdark, it's not too hard a sell. Also, in terms of darkness - it's there for story reasons and that's partly to invert some of the trope, and people are open to that (or they were today).
But there's loads that's escapist in mine, too - space pursuits and some humour, so I made sure I mentioned that, too.

But with an opening line of "like a grimdark Space Opera" people who were interested stopped, those who wanted something lighter wandered on with a smile and a thanks.

 

[Juliana]

It all sounds busy and scary and wonderfully fabulous, and I really, really wish I could have been there! Congratulations Jo, both on the events and on getting them set up in the first place.

 

[millymollymo]

Upgrade your business card lanyard (this one is from zazzle - but Red Bubble has a few "Ice Breakers" too.) I'm glad to hear it went well though!

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Just a quickie - tomorrow night, Thurs 14th May, I'm in Waterstones Belfast at 7pm for Abendau's Heir's official launch. I'll be doing a short reading, and signing, and chatting. The fantastic Emerald Garrison, a Star Wars cosplay society will be there, and there'll be refreshments. It's getting a bit of a buzz and will hopefully be good craic. Anyone who's around would be very welcome!

(My status describes where I'm at with it currently! )

 

[Susan Boulton]

Fingers crossed that is will be a super night for you!

 

[Juliana]

Sounds like a great evening. Good luck! Take lots of pics!!

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Sounds like a great evening. Good luck! Take lots of pics!!

Kids are on photo duty and my mum is hoping to record the reading - if it isn't too awful, I'll post it somewhere. I'm getting better at it, I think, and will do it standing up. As a trainer, I always find it easier to be on my feet.

 

[Juliana]

will do it standing up.

I went to my first ever readings in February (Elizabeth Bear and Max Gladstone) and they both stood. I imagine it's easier both from a psychological viewpoint and in terms of voice projection?

You'll be brilliant. Just remember to have fun.

 

[Cat's Cradle]

You'll be terrific, Jo! I hope it's a fun (if slightly terrifying) evening!

 

[Glitch]

Good luck Jo. I'm sure you'll be fine

 

[Kerrybuchanan]

I'll see you there and heckle applaud every word, causing you embarrassment giving you a boost. I'll also drink all the wine flirt with the storm troopers tell everyone how wonderful you are.

That's OK, isn't it?

K x

 

[Remedy]

Good luck, Jo! It sound scary and exciting

 

[Jo Zebedee]

I'll see you there and heckle applaud every word, causing you embarrassment giving you a boost. I'll also drink all the wine flirt with the storm troopers tell everyone how wonderful you are.

That's OK, isn't it?

K x

Just stand next to my family. You'll fit right in (and Ty for coming )

 

[Kerrybuchanan]

I've just had a wonderful evening in Waterstones in Belfast at Jo's book launch. Her reading (prologue) was great - you'd swear she's been doing it all her life

There was a great turnout and the atmosphere was brilliant. We had a selection of science fiction characters in costume and I got my picture taken with Scottie from Star Trek, but someone had forewarned the stormtroopers and I couldn't corner any to flirt with.

I'm sure Jo has better photos because there were real photographers there and her family were snapping away too, but here is one I took of her doing her reading:

 

[Juliana]

Thanks for the update Kerry! Great stuff, Jo.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Whew. Wow. Firstly, a massive, massive hug to @chrispenycate for his blog tips. I used lots of his tricks and felt more confident. And to @Kerrybuchanan for coming and for introducing me to writer friends, and for entertaining my kids.

It went really well. Lots of interest and buzz, books sold. One person drove from Dublin up to get a signed copy - he was planning to buy it on line - and we had a great chat about Star Wars and how dark space opera can go.

My reading went well, I'm told. I was nervous but my lecturing/tour guiding took over and I went for it. The prologue worked well, I think, and we had a wee laugh at me saying bitch in front of my twn year old (mummy swore....)

In all, a successful launch. The Emerald Garrison were great, Waterstones were really supportive, it all went well.

 

[Juliana]

You worked very hard to get that set up, so I'm delighted it went well!

 

[Remedy]

Great news! Well done, Jo What an awesome event.

I would've been a quivering wreck if it had been me.

It must have been great to be there to support, Kerry.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Well done, Jo! You are doing such a superlative job of promoting your book. I am glad that the event went so well!

 

[thaddeus6th]

Glad it went so well

Don't forget to share your own tips and tricks.