Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Hibernation is Over

Killer Routine 72dpiFor 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

17 comments:

Vicki Doudera said...

Congrats, Alan. My book is early, too, which I'll take any day over being late...

Anonymous said...

Alan - I think it's actually good for a writer to come out from the cave once in a while, so to speak. It help the writer keep a perspective and stay in touch with what real people do. That makes for better quality writing.

Dru said...

I love the cover and this book is definitely a must read.

Lisa Bork said...

BICFOK? Hmm.

What about the food handouts? You scored big at Malice last year with your baking, too. What's the delicacy for this book?

Lois Winston said...

Best of luck with the new release, Alan, and the great review from RT.

NoraA said...

Congrats on finishing and getting the new book out. While you're on the road, don't forget to pick up tht 5lb box of Matza for Passover next month.

Alan Orloff said...

Vicki - Thanks. Congrats to you, too, on KILLER LISTING. We should go on a "KILLER" tour together!

Margot - But I like my cave.

Lisa - My protagonist likes Froot Loops and Lucky Charms. Hey, he's a comic!

Thanks, Lois!

NoraA - Thanks. Matzo already procured (my grocery store had a coupon!).

Alan Orloff said...

Dru - Thanks! Midnight Ink does great covers.

Darrell James said...

Alan- And you do it "all" so well! Congratulations on your latest!Let us know how the killer tour is going!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Congratulations, Alan! And you're right--writers wear so many different hats. Congrats also on the great RT review. :)

Alan Orloff said...

Thanks, Darrell and Elizabeth. What's that saying? Jerk of all trades, master of none?

Keith Raffel said...

Alan, good to hear you're all gassed up.

Kathleen Ernst said...

Congratulations, Alan! Looking forward to the new one.

Alan Orloff said...

Keith - Maybe you should be writing a series with a comedian in it.

Kathleen - Thanks!

Keith Raffel said...

Too late, Alan. I hear a good one is coming.

Julia Buckley said...

Congratulations on Book Two!

Raquel Byrnes said...

You make presentations sound doable...great encouragement. Congratulations on your release.
Edge of Your Seat Romance