There Is a There There

Last night, we were in Oakland, California, the hometown of Gertrude Stein.  Not even early I-80 traffic and very dubious parking kept us from being on time, sort of.  However, due to those famous "unforeseen circumstances", we weren't quite ready when the first folks started arriving.  Luckily, Nell and Matt are two very good friends of mine so we were able to get away with it.

Here's a lesson learned about book touring: Foresee the Unforeseen.  No, you need not be clairvoyant to publish a book; you should just assume something to go awry and not get all freaked out if it does.  There do always seem to be a glitch or two.  Last night one was where to put the screen for the continuous photo display.  We had the space at Farley's East all arranged and then had to rearrange it for the screen, which then made the party impossible, so we had to re-rearrange.

Then, the food and drink.  It was in a logical place when Josh, the Farley's manager, and I did the walk thru but logical turned out to be too far from where people actually hung out during the party.  (Darn those illogical humans.)  Thankfully, my friend Kristin helped me ferry all the edibles to a much better space: the tables vacated by the screen.

This sounds very disorganized I'm sure, but David and I had three meetings about the event, and Josh and I talked several times and did a walk thru.  Sometimes, your life just gets rearranged by the Universe.

But I am painting a negative snap.  The event was anything but negative; it was a success.  We had our biggest crowd yet, people had fun, and we sold a lot of books and ginger/gingerphile tshirts.  Re-ordered tees today.  It's like writing.  You are pushing words towards your planned climax and suddenly the story takes off on the path not taken.  So, Go With the Flow.  The Universe won't do you wrong.

Starting today, we have a little event break.  Yay!  The Ginger Choo Choo is unscheduled until 11.19 in New York, New York.  We need the time, baby.  Final planning for NY, NY! and more planning for post Turkey Day events at Alley Cat Books, GLBT History Museum, and Cliche Noe Gifts.  Besides, dudes & dudettes, it's my birthday and I'm all busy celebrating.

Today's Game:   Guess my birth day & win a present.  What is it?  Hey, it's a surprise!

Preview our book at http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3577527