Author Events

I've had a couple of very successful author events recently. First off, I had the official launch for EVIL? at the Indigo Spirit in Royal Bank Plaza, here in downtown Toronto. I sold 16 copies of the new book, as well as three copies of EPOCH and a couple of Attack Of The Intergalactic Soul Hunters. Not a bad day's work!

A bunch of my friends came to wish me well, including my good friend Vijay, who took the photos I've posted here.

Sadly, no one from the media came. I was hoping for at least some interest from one of Toronto's newspapers, but there we are. Anyway, it's a small complaint. The event was a success, and much fun was had.

This is me with my friend Martha, who came to get EVIL? and wish me well.



The second event came a week later at the Ralph Thornton Centre, a community centre and library where my friend Lucille runs a writing group. We met while working for the same market research company, and she asked me if I would come for a special event. Absolutely, said I, and I'm glad I did. I read two chapters of EVIL? and answered questions from the audience, who were made up mostly of people from Lucille's writing group. Also in attendance were my wife Violet, my sister Claire, and a few friends who hadn't been able to make it to the launch the week before.

I'm happy to say that EVIL? is off to a great start. More events are coming; I'm doing a library appearance in the fall, and at least one more book signing in the lead-up to Christmas.

Can't wait!

Meeting Fans at Polaris 23

I've been bad at blogging lately. It's been three weeks since I attended Polaris 23, the sci/fi convention formerly known as Toronto Trek, and I'm finally getting around to writing about it now. I rented a table and promoted my books, and had an awesome three days.

It almost didn't happen. I was late signing up for panels, and I didn't book my table until the last minute. I really must stop procrastinating. I'll start tomorrow.

Many people helped me out. The programming team got me onto five panels, my parents sent me enough money to cover the cost of registration and table renting, and my wife Violet rented a car to get us to and from the event (she also sat at the table with me).

I met some old friends and made a bunch of new ones. I sold lots of books, and gave out hundreds of flyers for EVIL. I really felt like I was doing a good job, promotion-wise. More than that, it just felt good to be there. I was among my people, doing what I was meant to do.

When it ended, a profound sadness followed. It was a good sadness; it meant I'd really enjoyed the experience and was sad it was at an end.

I'm not sure when the next con will be - for me, that is. I'm considering Con-Cept in Montreal and even Astronomicon in Rochester, but it all depends on money and time. Of course, once EVIL? becomes a worldwide phenomenon, I'll be able to attend all the cons I like. I look forward to that.