Hibernation is Over

For a good portion of the year, I’m content to hide in my subterranean cave, butt in chair, fingers on keyboard (BICFOK). I toil away, lost in another place with a cast of deranged characters fabricated entirely from my feverish mind.

It’s what I do. I’m a writer.

But now that I have a new book being released, I’ll be venturing out into the real world, into the harsh sunlight of the public’s critical eye, so I can talk about my book. Promote my book. Sell my book. I’ll be the guy in the blue blazer passing out bookmarks and taking names.

It’s what I do. I’m a writer.

A year ago, before my first book came out, I’d already decided that I wasn’t going to like giving presentations and book talks and appearing on panels and at book festivals. Etcetera. Talking about myself and my books. Ad nauseum. But I put on a brave face and did a lot of events. I got out there. I met a ton of friendly people who really loved books. I met scores of great volunteers and booksellers and conference organizers who really loved books. It felt as if I had found my people.

Yes, I actually enjoyed my excursions into reality. I was eager to hear about other books people had read and about writers they had discovered. I loved listening to other writers describe how they approach their craft and about the books they had written. Once or twice, I even derived some small amount of pleasure talking about my own book.

It’s that time again. My shoes are shined. My pants are pressed. My presentations are prepared. I’ve practiced signing my name and talking and smiling at the same time. The spark plugs on the proverbial promotion machine have been changed and it’s all gassed up. I’m ready to roll.

It’s what I do. I’m a writer.

Although the official release date of KILLER ROUTINE is April 8, it’s available now! I’m happy to say pre-release reviews (Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly) have been good. Here’s the latest pullquote, from RT Book Reviews (4 stars, out of 4.5 stars): “Gritty and full of surprises, this is a fascinating glimpse into the world of stand-up comedy; it’s definitely worth a read.”

Alan