Tom Swift Writer’s Notebook

Bookish notes from a couple of days in New Orleans …

We were in town for all of an hour when we crossed paths with the release of Jackie Collins’ latest bundle of paper gold. In fact, the Savage Beast crashed the party. I would say more but I’m afraid that would leave too much of [...]

I took five flights — was supposed to be six, but one was cancelled — in the eight days leading to the holiday weekend and somewhere in one of a handful of cities I picked up an ornery bug. During the second-to-last flight’s descent my sinuses felt as though they were being squeezed with a [...]

People frequently ask about what it feels like to publish a first book. More than the satisfaction of publication or the pleasant surprise of a flattering review the thing that hits, and hits even more often than the question is asked, is the kindness of readers. It’s the e-mail out of nowhere, thanking me for [...]

I have learned that during Saturday’s signing I will face off against another author: Lou Nanne.
If you live in Minnesota and you can explain what it means to ice a puck you know the name Nanne. He was an All-American for the University of Minnesota and a defensive stalwart for the Minnesota North Stars. After [...]

Father’s Day is coming up! This year I have had that date mentally marked for months. Most years I have to be reminded by the thoughtful person in my marriage. I still don’t know what I am getting my dad but I have good idea (if I don’t say so myself) what you should get [...]

Don’t ask me how I know, but I have it on good authority that “Chief Bender’s Burden” has been added to the River City Books staff selection display for May. Why should you care? Well, this means you can buy new, signed copies for 25 percent off the cover price. The discount applies in-store as [...]

“Chief Bender’s Burden” has been nominated for the 2008 Midwest Booksellers’ Choice Awards. The ballot is, naturally, open only to Midwest area booksellers. If you are one of those and you happen to be reading this post, first, I am sorry Google led you astray and, second, I would sincerely appreciate your support during this [...]

The other day, as a kind person was helping me line up an author event, I was accused of being too modest — a charge that could be refuted by the testimony of many credible witnesses. Also by the fact I have an entire Web site devoted to myself. Besides, I’m not self-effacing. I’m self-interested.
As [...]

Here I thought I was merely reading a fun little item about a man who had been hogtied and paraded about town in the back of a pickup after being shocked with a Taser (who among us has not done that after tipping back a few on a Saturday night?), when I learned something incredibly [...]

A devoted reader (OK, so she also happens to be my devoted wife) pointed out that soon one will be able to buy “Chief Bender’s Burden” for 11.31 pounds sterling. See No. 11 on the list.

OK, you can stop calling Ticketmaster. My book tour dates have been set. It’ll be a whirlwind two-city tour. In addition to the Twins game signing, here’s the schedule:
• 3 p.m., Saturday, April 5, River City Books, reading and signing. Books are and will be on sale for 20 percent off through the event.
• 7 [...]

Sometimes people drop me a note. Just bought your book, they say. Wow. Few e-mails make you feel better than that one.
I always offer a thank-you reply and I wonder if, across cyberspace, my appreciation comes off. Maybe I sound as though the person ahead of me just held the door open on our way [...]

There’s a perfectly good reason I haven’t announced any signings or readings till now: I’m a lousy planner. In my defense, some targets have been moving.
I do, finally, alert the media, have an event to put up on the board. And it’s a fun one. I will sign copies in the Metrodome concourse before and [...]

I wrote in the book’s bibliographical essay: “I found that when you dig around in the past you meet a lot of selfless people in the present.” So many people, even some I’ve never met, helped along the road. And now that it’s in the world I continue to benefit from the generosity of good [...]

Why Northfield? The list is long. High up are the engaged and talented and kind and bright citizens I see and meet during walks along Division Street. And many of them form the town’s dynamic online community. Northfield.org was kind enough to spread the news and I am grateful. This is not the first time, [...]

Kudos to you, Jessica Paxton. If you scroll down the list you will see one name clearly out of place amongst the mental giants. I sincerely appreciate it.

I’ve been used.

If you’re not yet nauseous with info about yours truly, grab a paper sack and breathe slowly. Pages have been added here and here. On the latter site, you may need a free subscription. I don’t know about you, but I can’t say Red Room without hearing this.

In addition to those already mentioned I am grateful to three other indies who started selling the book before selling the book was fashionable:
• River City Books. Because to the kindness of store manager Jon, the book’s on sale for a generous discount not reflected at the direct link!
• Carleton Bookstore. If you stop by, [...]

I have finally updated the excerpt page. I know the delay caused anxiety in people’s lives and I am truly sorry.

Ernie Montella, another kind soul at the PAHS, says he has copies on order. Should be on sale starting next week at the museum.

While researching Charles Bender’s life I met so many people who were willing to help me even though there was nothing in it for them. Among those who donated time and expertise was Max Silberman of the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society. The PAHS bills itself as the most successful organization of its kind; it’s not [...]

I’ve been blogged. I never thought it would happen to me. Then again I don’t think it counts when the person has paid you before. I’ll have to get a ruling from someone who actually knows something about blogging.

I just heard that copies are now available at The Monkey.

The book’s official pub date is still six weeks out but already copies have shown up in the warehouses of wholesalers and chain stores. This means you can buy one at your local bookseller. If your store doesn’t have a copy on hand you can — immediately after chastising the manager for the oversight, that [...]

There’s something special about receiving a box of books with your name them. Last week I had that experience for the first time. Pretty cool. Of course you can toss my opinion out the biased window if you want, but I think my publisher did a terrific job with design. The cover is compelling and [...]

If this blog isn’t TS-centric enough for you, I have a mailing list. If you’d like to be added, drop me a line. Trust me, your address won’t be shared or sold on some mailing list black market. You also won’t be inundated. Heck, I can hardly afford to send out one mailer. Besides, it’s [...]

During the spring I will undertake a whirlwind book tour — coming soon to a street corner near you! — so please contact me if you’d like me to visit your bookstore, book club or bughouse.

What one book, aside from the Bible, should the next president read? A journalist I respect recently posed that question. Many fine options have been offered. I was surprised to hear of one suggestion. But later I found out the suggestion came from a person who lives in a padded room. And that he’s related [...]

Although we’re still months before the pub date, someone alerted me to the fact that apparently a few copies have begun to show up online. Hey, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Your sweetie will think you’re so romantic.