Publishing in a Plague Year

When I set out to write my memoirs, pandemic was a word from History, or perhaps from a Science-Fiction novel. Little did I realize that the same year my books were published, the Covid-19 virus would sweep around the globe. Bookstores were closed, book tours and signings couldn’t happen, and the publishing industry, already stressed, went into lockdown as did the rest of the economy.

Rats!

I had been so looking forward to taking Cold ‘Coon & Collards and Lightbulb Coffee on the road, and my dear wife (and partner in crime) Josie was hot to trot as well.

The Novel Coronavirus has changed our way of life substantially; big time sports and rock concerts are fading in our memories, and dining in a cozy little bistro has become too dangerous for most of us to contemplate.

Nevertheless, a few brave souls are still following their dreams. Stephanie Culen opened a bookshop in the tiny village of Duncans Mills, just Inland from Jenner, a spectacular spot on the Sonoma County coast.

Stephanie Culen, yogini and bookseller

Josie and I were camping nearby, in celebration of getting our second doses of vaccine. We bought croissants and cups of tea at the open bakery, and explored the boardwalks of the charming village.

Just past the General Store and an antique shop, we came across the Poet’s Corner Book Shop. I love small, independent bookstores, and this one won my heart. I immediately saw books that I wanted to read. Just opening up, the proprietor was friendly and we immediately struck up a conversation about books.

Josie and I were planning on walking along the beach at Jenner that morning, so we took our leave, and walked back to our parked truck. Inside the cab of the truck was a copy of my memoir, Lightbulb Coffee.

A lightbulb lit in my mind, and I grabbed the book, and walked back to the little shop. Stephanie the owner looked up and I handed her the book. I suggested that she might want to read it, or maybe even stock it in her bookstore.

“I’ve been looking for more memoirs to sell,” she said, “I can set up a reading for you if you’d like”

…and just like that, I got my first reading as a published author.