Tom Swift » Events

Minnesota Twins Event On Deck

Tom Swift — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:16:15 +0000

The Minnesota Twins have kindly invited me to speak to season ticket holders before the Twins-Chicago White Sox game Tuesday night. Should be a fun event with a lot of time devoted to Q&A — always the best part of my events — though it is not open to the public. As I understand it, I will also sign copies in the concourse for an inning or two.

At The Book Shelf

Tom Swift — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 01:41:23 +0000

I heard the name Chris Livingston long before the book was published. I’m eager to see his renowned bookstore, which I will visit on Saturday evening when I will share Charles Bender’s story with anyone who’d like to listen and sign copies for anyone who would like to receive one. Hope to see you there. If nothing else, I bet you can get some holiday gifts out of the way.

Update: This has nothing to do with me other than I think it’s cool: Livingston will appear on NPR’s Morning Edition on Thursday, Dec. 11, to discuss great holiday book options.

Special Invitation

Tom Swift — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:49:06 +0000

I was asked to be the featured speaker at the Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce’s 21st annual awards dinner Thursday night. The chamber’s worthy mission is to act as an advocate for American Indian businesses, organizations and professionals. What a terrific opportunity for me. Ironically, in his day Charles Bender was a sought-after speaker for similar banquets. He told good stories, he could, if the occasion called for it, sing, and he was funny. At least I will be able to offer one of the three: a good story — his.

Event At Garrison Keillor’s Store

Tom Swift — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 09:06:39 +0000

Charles Bender was born just north of Lake Wobegon and he made his name during the baseball games that are played in October. Seems fitting, then, to gather on the eve of the World Series at Common Good Books, Garrison Keillor’s bookstore, to recall the days when Minnesota’s first Hall of Famer was the game’s premier “money pitcher.” I’ll talk, maybe read a little, field questions, and personalize copies of Chief Bender’s Burden for those who want one at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21 at CGB. The event, of course, is free and if you’re reading this post you’re invited to attend.

Last-Minute Signing Booked

Tom Swift — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:01:26 +0000

I would have told you sooner except I just found out myself: I will sign copies of Chief Bender’s Burden from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., tomorrow (Saturday) at Central Avenue Bookstore. This free event — of course, it’s free — will be held in conjunction with downtown Faribault’s annual Fall Festival. At least that’s what’s on the posters. Store owner Meg Arsenault tells me that more than anything else, downtown businesses will celebrate the completion of a road project that created a summer-long headache. So you may want to come if only to see smiling faces and retailers in a generous mood.

Convention Notes

Tom Swift — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:20:04 +0000

I signed the tall stack of books in a dash and along the way met many pleasant booksellers. Afterward, I joined four of them (and a fellow book-signer) for some Italian. Good food, great time. The next day I picked up some books — and engaged in interesting conversations about some of them. I met more people, saw some familiar faces, and along the way came up with an idea that may prove useful. I admit that there was a part of me that didn’t want to give up the time. I had had a commitment every night the previous two weeks and was looking for a break. But I’m so glad I went and so grateful I had the chance. Thanks, MBA.

Time To Suspend The Career

Tom Swift — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:06:19 +0000

I have decided to suspend my writing career. I think we can call agree it’s the only prudent thing to do, given the financial crisis our fundamentally sound economy is enduring. These times are just too critical to do anything but sit and think about a subject that, like others, I admit I know almost nothing about. (By the way, never mind that I taught a writing class last night. Or that I’m doing a book signing tonight at the MBA convention. Or that I am, in fact, posting to this blog.)

Cleveland Rocked

Tom Swift — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 14:59:12 +0000

My thanks to Mark Moore, senior subject librarian, and the rest of the staff at the amazing Cleveland Public Library for hosting yesterday’s panel discussion. The Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium is a terrific venue and a great crowd turned out. I am fortunate to have been included in such a first-rate event. As I mentioned in my remarks, I was especially pleased that I had the chance to thank SABR in public while standing in front of a microphone. If you spend any amount of time with “Chief Bender’s Burden” and take anything away from the experience it is foremost because of the direct and indirect help I received from SABR members. That SABR invited me to participate in the panel is yet another reason why I am indebted.