Author Karen Viggers shares her experience visiting 87 bookstores to talk about her latest book Sidelines.
Writing a novel means spending long hours buried in a cave, aka my office. It’s intense work in which I become caught up in my own headspace, living through my characters and uncovering their lives and journeys. I do speak to people two days a week, when I work as a veterinarian. And up until recently, my little dog Toffee used to curl up on a cushion in my office while I wrote. She was good company and we would often conduct entire conversations together … I would talk for her, of course. Sadly, she died last year, so now it’s just me and my computer and bookshelves, with my husband tapping away on his computer in his office next door.
When my new novel Sidelines was released early this year, I was keen to go into the world to talk to people, not only about my book, but about books and reading in general. So I took two months off paid work, and with help from A&U, organised a multitude of bookshop visits and library events. That’s where you find fellow booklovers, right?
My tour took place over nearly two months, and it was an absolute delight to meet so many people passionate about books. I drove my car around the country, bunking down with friends I hadn’t seen for years and occasionally staying in motels (not nearly so much fun).
Part way through, I almost lost my voice. Who would have thought that talking to people could be hard work? But it is. And vocal strain was a very real thing for me. I recommend lozenges with local anaesthetic in them ...
My bookshop visits were brief but joyful. How could a booklover not be excited about visiting a bookstore? What a thrill it was to discover so many bookshops. So far, I’ve visited 87, and they’re all different and have innovative ways of making readers feel welcome. An appealing entrance. Mood lighting. Nooks to browse in. Seats to sit on and get a taste of a book. Children’s corners. Toys. Lamps. Bookmarks. NOTEBOOKS - (my special weakness).
My wallet experienced a hammering and I came home with many more books than I have time to read. But I also made numerous new bookseller friends.
Chatting about Sidelines was also a good way to hear other people’s stories. Sidelines is about teen sport and parents living vicariously through their kids. And, of course, everyone had an experience to share.
Another aspect of my tour was giving talks at libraries. Sometimes I had a librarian to interview me, which was always lovely. At other times I had to perform alone. But that was fine … I’ve done lots of public speaking over the years. What struck me was how important regional libraries are for their communities. And how grateful readers and librarians were to have me there. Often, they put on a spread of nibbles and wine. And people came from far and wide to hear me speak, often driving up to an hour to be there. Even on a Friday night!
Would I recommend a book tour? Yes, of course. It has been a wonderful experience. But it takes lots of time, and it’s not something I could have done when my kids were still living at home.
And now? A few more library talks and bookshop visits. Some festivals. Then it will be time to get on with writing my next book …
Sidelines
by Karen Viggers
A teenage sports game descends into a brawl after a controversial line call in a fast-paced contemporary novel from the bestselling author of The Orchardist's Daughter.
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