Books, Beers, Bub's, Bars, and Havin' a Blast

Book events are like a box of chocolates--you never know what you're going to get.

On Saturday, I got the really good chocolate with the caramel center.

Bub's Pub in Sandoval, Illinois, is the Cheers of my hometown region.  Everyone indeed knows your name.  Parties are scribbled onto a dry erase board, which magically reels in a nice turnout and a great time.  I'm no exception--a friend had the awesomely brilliant idea to have a book party at Bub's, and I wouldn't exchange the moments I experienced on Saturday for anything.

It was an opportunity for the many people in the area who snagged my book to catch me for a discussion and a signature.  It was a great way to catch up with family.  It was a nice night out with my lovely wife.  It was great to see some friends I hadn't seen in a while.  And it was cool to grab the house mike, and skip reading or talking about myself or my book and just tell everyone thank you for the support.

I had a bunch of books behind the bar and I came with some extras never thinking I'd need them--and left empty-handed.  The support continues to be incredible.  I had the chance to talk to almost everyone about the book and plans for the future, and thank them in person.  Just a whirlwind evening that was quite surreal.  And it was nights like this that made me realize what an honor it is to have the love and support of so many people behind me on this journey.  It's touching and motivating.

It makes me reiterate what I promised myself I would do as the book hit print--no email, Facebook message, Tweet, text, or call will go unresponded.  If you're in the area and you want to talk about writing, reading, the book, anything--I'm there.  Every classroom event, library, workshop, book club--I'm one call away.  I wanted to get the most out of this experience, and that means total access, making myself a boots on the ground author, but also, a resource that is completely available.  Because when it comes down to it, I'm not looking for readers to be my fans, I'm a fan of readers, and want to give as much as I can when it comes to this experience.  

Perhaps that sounds a little silly.  And it just shows that I don't have a gazillion fans knocking on my door that I can make such a pledge, but I'm going to do all that I can to live up to it, for as long as I can.  But one promise I know I can keep--I don't care if it's my next book or my tenth book, whether it's a small release or a New York Times bestseller--you will definitely be able to find me at Bub's doing the same thing.

So thanks to everyone who came out, and thanks to Bub's Pub for hosting.  And yes, that is the legendary Bub in the photo.  (Not the blonde, that's my wife Krissy).