England events
One an interesting difference between the UK and the US, from a writer’s point of view, is that bookshops in the UK look upon events with mistrust, and the offer of a passing writer to sign their books on their shelves receives a look of befuddlement. “Why,” these good people clearly wonder, “would readers want you to scribble in their books?”
Hence, my lack of a full calendar during these weeks of research and visit. If you wish to catch sight of LRK in her British perambulation, you have your choice between attending this weekend’s Crime Fest in Bristol, or making your way to Cambridge on the evening of the 28th and joining us at Heffers/Blackwell’s. Strictly speaking, this is a limited event, but if you phone to 01223 463200 and let them know you’ll be attending, they’ll happily add you to the list.
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And in June, I migrate home again in time for the brand new Bay Area Book Fest, in Berkeley, June 6. This one should be great fun!
You know you’re always welcome in Scotland, instead! Sorry to have missed you this trip, I hope you enjoy these two events, at least, as well some good holiday ‘down’ time;-)
All part of that famous British diffidence, I guess – but they are missing out on a good time, Laurie!
So glad to see that you’re coming to Cambridge! Another local bookshop which I’m sure would have been keen to add you to their numerous author events would be Toppings (Ely, Bath, St Andtrews) http://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/events/
Look forwards to May 28th!
Amy
That’s odd. Perhaps it wasn’t always so. I own a very beat-up copy of Gaudy Night that I treasure because it was signed by Dorothy L. Sayers. It’s not inscribed TO anyone, so I’ve always assumed it was done in a bookstore signing.
Thank you for posting the link to the Bay Area Book Festival. Now I have my ticket for the Getting Away with Murder event. Can’t wait!
Ha! Laurie, your description of the diffident British, as well as their astonishment at the notion of scribbling on one’s book, is perfect.
May see you at Bay Area Book Festival–old pal Cherilyn is launching it and some of us L.A. folk are coming up to make sure that it is well attended. Seriously, though, we know it will be well attended, but we’re set on cheering for Cherilyn’s accomplishment (along with her team) of this dream.
J.K. Rowling alluded to this British inscribing-skepticism in a 2000 yahooligans (may it R.I.P) chat: “The first time I saw my book on sale was better than receiving any literary award! I wanted to sneak it off the shelf and sign it, but I was worried I’d be told off for ruining the books, so I didn’t.” That would have been a signed first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Crikey!