I am writing this from above the clouds, somewhere between Chicago and Seattle*. I am about halfway through my book tour, and since I have always enjoyed sharing what happens behind the scenes, I thought I would offer a closer look at the daily life of a touring author.
Media escorts. In every city I visit, a media escort has been hired to accompany me. This is someone who knows the area, has my full schedule, and drives me from one appointment to the next so I do not have to think about taxis, maps, or directions.
This person, whether a man or a woman — and no, it is not that kind of escort — can also become a kind of last-minute helper when a television appearance is planned. Sometimes that means assisting with food styling; sometimes it simply means keeping things moving smoothly. Most of the time, the media escort also points out landmarks, shares local stories, and gives me a quick introduction to the city as we drive around. I had no idea this job existed before the tour began, and I do not know how well it pays, but it seems like a rewarding occupation. It offers the chance to meet authors, attend different kinds of events, and see the city through a constantly changing schedule. In any case, the escorts I have met so far have all seemed cheerful and wonderfully capable.
Schedule. The events listing is only the visible part of the book tour. Alongside the public readings and booksignings, the tour is also about reaching local media — television, radio, and print — and finding opportunities to talk about the book with new audiences.
You have already read about my segment on the Today Show, and I am scheduled to appear on KNTV‘s Bay Area Today sometime between 10 and 11am this Thursday Friday. I have also had the chance to visit a few radio studios, which I have always found mysterious, cool, and strangely fascinating. What I had not realized is how chilly they can be, so I have made a mental note to keep a sweater close at hand. As for print media, journalists either come to one of the booksigning events or meet me for a one-on-one conversation, usually in the bar area of my hotel, which makes the logistics much easier.
Blow-ups. Before each booksigning event, my publicist sends the organizers a blow-up of the book cover: a lightweight cardboard poster, like the one pictured above. The first time I found myself standing next to this odd, flat, almost life-size version of myself, it was a little startling. Since then, I have more or less grown used to having her by my side. I do draw the line, however, at having one shipped to me in Paris, as someone kindly offered. What could I possibly do with it? And no, I am not asking for creative suggestions, though I appreciate the thought.
Signing the stock. When time allows, another part of an author’s job on tour is to visit local bookstores and sign the copies they already have in stock. The store can then place a sticker on the cover to show that the books are autographed, which naturally makes them more appealing to readers. Media escorts often help by calling ahead so the manager can have the books ready, but I also made a surprise visit to a large bookstore near my hotel in Chicago. The sales attendant seemed just as intimidated as I was, which somehow made the whole exchange more endearing.
Downtime. In the middle of all this movement, the rare moments I have to myself are usually spent exploring the cities, buying fruit and yogurt for the next morning’s breakfast, and catching up with friends over good meals. I have found hotel breakfasts consistently disappointing, so I prefer to take matters into my own hands. I have also become remarkably skilled at cat-napping whenever the opportunity appears.
Boston greeted me with cold rain, but I tried not to let the weather affect my impressions. Paul O’Connell, chef at Chez Henri, kindly took me out to lunch so I could eat the lobster roll I had been craving. Afterward, he drove me around and introduced me to the elegant city in record time. I also loved my visit to the French Library, which is housed in a beautiful Back Bay mansion. Julia Child used to give cooking demonstrations there, in the very room where I gave my own little talk.
Chicago. I had a little more time in Chicago, along with much more sunshine, and that made it easier to appreciate the city’s atmosphere, architecture, and energy. If you are a fan of Schuiten and Peeters‘ graphic novels, Chicago might feel like a dream city. There was also a lingering smell of hot cocoa in the air, which I was told came from a nearby chocolate factory, though not Willy Wonka’s. I was glad to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, where the photography exhibition made my day, and to spend time in the café at Fox & Obel. I also found myself blinking in amazement at the genuine moon rock displayed in a glass window at the foot of the Tribune tower.
Finally. I would like to thank everyone who has come to the booksigning events so far. It has been a real pleasure to meet you, and I hope you enjoyed the gatherings as much as I did. Many thanks as well for the messages of congratulations and support you have posted or sent by email over the past few days. They mean a great deal to me, and I am thrilled to hear that you are enjoying the book.
(If you have a moment, I hope you will consider posting your own review on the Amazon page, to help other readers decide whether this is the right book for them. Thank you!)
* The actual posting happened a little later, of course, once I was settled in my hotel room.