Every time I say to myself that I have done everything I can as far as marketing my book, I get an unexpected boost from someone like my amazingly generous author friend Leslie Johannson Nack, who is currently helping me get the word out about our upcoming slideshow and talk at the Oceanside Yacht Club. I’ll paste the flier at the bottom of this post; the talk is open to the public but please register by emailing the club at office@oceansideyc.net.
Speaking of registering, I hope everyone who intends to attend my first book-signing and talk at The Wine Pub in Point Loma, hosted by La Playa Books, will register for the event in advance on EventBrite. There is no cost for the talk, unless you want to buy a book in advance. Check it out on their EventBrite event page here.
Speaking of San Diego writer’s events, there is one happening tonight at San Diego Writers, Ink, with my friend Jill G. Hall (This is the same event venue where I’ll be reading Feb 2nd) Don't miss a chance to attend a reading by the author of the award-winning Anne McFarland Series. The reading will be held tonight at 5:15 PM at SDWI Ink Spot at Liberty Station. Free event! You can learn more about Jill here.
Next week I will have links to our other “Team Redmond” (Russel and I presenting) slideshow and talk at Helix Brewery in La Mesa for Wild Wednesdays, which is hosted by A-16. Find info about the location, and some brewery info here at their website. I have been a fan of A-16 for years and I reached out to the owner a few onths ago about doing an event with them. Little old Squeaky Wheel, that’s me!
Wandering the historic streets of Port Townsend this summer I had targeted three places that my book just had to be for sale. It is now available in two of them, the Imprint Bookstore on Water Street and at Aldritch’s in uptown, and I just found out today that pretty soon it will be for sale at the Pacific Maritime Center, too. Now I can bundle up and walk the windy streets, knowing my book is for sale all over town. All three venues basically just required a bit of a push. Ms Squeaky Wheel at it again!
I had a blast being interviewed by Alicia Dara of Womancake this week, and I will post the link to the interview as soon as it is live, later this month. Swimming naked came up more than once, along with the topic of post-menopausal sex. Stay tuned.
Alicia Dara with her latest toy, a new Telecaster!
Speaking of Alicia, she wrote a great post today which so perfectly echoed my own thoughts about Substack and the ongoing struggle for us writers to all fight against hate speech, while still supporting free speech. Check her post out here on the Womancake Substack, which I highly recommend.
Also this week my favorite book review and recommendation site, Shepherd, launched yet another opportunity for authors to get their book in front of new readers. I am a Founding Member of Shepherd—that fee already paid for itself by bringing my book to a new readership, and now I get a free sponsored ad from them too. Nice bonus.
Here is what the sponsored ad looks like on the site, or you can click here to see the whole page. This advertisement will be found by readers who search using a variety of keywords—in my case Mexico, sailing, memoir, and biography. It also shows up below the two previous Shepherd Lists I created, my Best Books of 2023 and my Top Five Nonfiction Baja Books That Can Transport You There.
The wind has really picked up as I have been writing this post. Luckily, the rain has stopped so I can still get my daily walk in on my way to the Co-op to get some groceries. They have excellent produce, including organic tangerines which are my go-to breakfast fruit in winter. I need a sweet goal to induce me to get out in the wind!
Looks like next week we may get some snow here, or at least freezing temps, just as we prepare for our road trip back down to Southern California. Next Fridays post will be my last from Port Townsend for quite a while…But we are already looking forward to summer cruising (after the boatyard work is done).
hasta pronto!
Hello Sister Sailor, You are about seven months ahead of me with your book launch. I look forward to discovering your book and insight!
Wonderful...all that noise being made about you and your beautiful book. We're ready with our noisemakers for your appearances in San Diego. Welcome home. Oh and yes, Womancake and Alica Dara! Love her and all she does, that great energy and good writing. Like you!