Let the nerves begin!
I’ve loaded my van with De memorabilia for this afternoon’s book reading/signing event in Lakewood.
I’ve confirmed the time and place with the appropriate Starbucks.
Now I’m wondering what to wear
It’s freaking cold outside and Starbuck’s isn’t noted for being warm in the winter — probably because a window must stay open all day to serve drive-by customers and because the doors are opening and closing every few seconds to let customers in. So, I’m thinking sweatpants and sweatshirt. Not the classiest or most professional clothing, but I don’t suppose anyone who’s coming will be dressed a whole lot different, unless they’ve been to church beforehand and wear what they were wearing then. It certainly has to be warmer in churches than it will be at Starbuck’s!
It’s a pickle. I no longer have many professional-type clothes and what I do have isn’t for prolonged winter weather. And this is far from a professional setting or presentation. It’s more like a coffee klatch!
I guess I’ll just stop stressing about it. That’s a good solution!
Three spots remain
We filled all but three spots, and we may fill one or more of those before things get underway today. If you see this and want to attend and haven’t already RSVP’s, e me at kris@wordwhisperer.net RIGHT AWAY. Or text me at 253 474 6240 and let me know (no later than 12 PM).
MEMORABILIA AND IMAGES
I’m bringing a sampling of De Kelley artifacts and even a McCoy standee — in case anyone wants a “photo op” with McCoy. The standee was Heidi’s idea. I thought about it, but hadn’t decided until she brought it up unilaterally.
Yeah, it’ll be fun.
I’m bringing a series of photos of De and me together, my star polishing fans, some articles that were in magazines about De after his passing (including an interview that Bilie Rae Walker did with me for STAR TREK Magazine), and some other stuff, including several copies of each of my other titles, in case guests are interested in other things I’ve written about.
Heidi will be taking pictures.
I’ll post the best of them here later.
TO BUY MY BOOKS AT THE EVENT
Bring fives and tens with you if you think you might want to buy one or more of my books at this event. I will be selling them for less than they sell for at Amazon (because I get to cut out the middleman and keep more of the money) but I don’t have any way to accept credit cards or debit cards. If your financial institution offers Zelle, I can take payments that way, but that’s the only way, other than cash…
NO LIVESTREAM OR VIDEOTAPING…
Far-flung fans have been asking if we can livestream or videotape it. Afraid not. That’s too much tech for a coffe klatch-type gathering. We weren’t planning to make it anything more than a simple meet-and-greet. And heck, I’m nervous enough as it is to think about live-streaming it! (With videotape I could at least look at it first before deciding to release it to the world!)
… BUT MAYBE…
If this turns out well, maybe Heidi and I (or someone else and I, if Heidi is too busy) can produce a 90-minute show with a Q&A, record it, and release it later.
Let’s see how this one turns out before we think in grander terms!
Wish me luck!
UPDATE!
The event was a total success! 
Heidi tells me she received effusive thank yous, and Jessie Richards called tonight to tell me the event was “spellbinding!” She’s a retired teacher and we have been friends since we were four or five years old, so her comment carries serious weight with me. She is not prone to uttering hyperbole.
WOW!
Feeling relieved and very, very happy!
UPDATE: A few more photos from yesterdays’ event, courtesy of Amy Ulen:
