Who would have guessed promoting a book involves doing audio and/or video podcasts in cities half a world away from yours? Getting up before dawn to do makeup and hair and ensure you’re somewhat awake so you can follow the interviewer’s questions and train of thought. And when it turns out they don’t know where they’re going, you’re prepared to artfully jump in and redirect the conversation.
Fortunately, I learned how to do that a long time ago.
Earlier this week, during two different podcasts, something about my story caused each interviewer to start crying. “I was supposed to meet you, today,” one of them said through her tears. “Thank you.”
In that moment, I felt such a responsibility. I’m not sure what I said, but it was something like, “Then I’m grateful I was here this morning.”
I do remember thanking God for putting me where I was needed.
The MAYA BLUE book tour shouldn’t be any different than the podcasts and recording the audio book: An awesome, emotional experience. While I was recording the book, I got choked up and started crying, reading a passage I didn’t expect. I pulled myself together for two or three words, then lost it again. Neither one of the producers on the headphones with me said anything so I kept reading. When I finished the segment, it was a long time before any of us said a word. Then in a soft voice, the producer, who’s been doing Audible books for two years, said he’d never heard anything so genuine and moving, and with my permission, he wanted to leave it just the way I recorded it. I agreed, but I haven’t listened to it. Right now, I’m not up to it. As a friend who saw me later that afternoon said, “You look drained.” And I was.
Here is my book tour schedule, just some of the cities where I’ll be doing in-person book events. I’ll continue to update the list, but for now, if you’re anywhere near one of them, please go online and check them out, and put one of them on your calendar to attend. One of them, the Half Price Books Flagship store in Dallas, requires you to buy a ticket in advance—the price of the book and for the bookstore to host the event—so please bring your friends and your bookclubs and buy your tickets ASAP.
If you’re in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, please don’t leave me sitting alone in an empty bookstore! I know famous, NYT best-selling authors who’ve had this happen. How awful!
My biggest hope is that I get to meet most of you. After all this time, I would be thrilled to put a face with your names. Then there are people like the woman from Sullivan Cliff Gardens. A decade ago, she came to an event, hoping to meet me. I didn’t know this at the time, and literally it was a “Hello. Goodbye” as she came in the door and I was leaving. Fingers crossed she and “Miss Kelly” can make it to one of my events in New York City.
If you’re interested, here’s a link to my author website. You can read a few of the reviews about MAYA BLUE, and I’ll keep it updated with my book tour schedule.
29 thoughts on “MY BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE”
I haven’t read your book yet Brenda, but I have a hunch you’re going to touch a lot of lives in a good way. Blessings, Xo, Barb
Barb, What a sweet thing to say. Thank you. ♥️ Brenda
Brenda you must be so excited! I’m excited for you!
I’ve been so slammed with work I haven’t had time to get too excited, but I’m getting little glimpses of what’s to come, and yes… I think it will be the experience of a lifetime! Thank you!
XOXOX, Brenda
You just posted your age on Instagram! Seriously? Don’t tell anyone. They won’t believe you. You rock Brenda! So inspiring. Good luck with your tour.
You’re sweet, Candice. Thank you! XOXOX, Brenda
Wish we had a bookstore near me! Would love to see you again!!
Thanks, Cindy! I’ll figure out something! XOXOX, Brenda
No Houston stop? Darn! Maybe next time? I wish you great success.
Hi Jeanne, No Houston stop at the moment, but I’d love for you to come to one of my three events in San Antonio! What do you think? Can you make it? XOXOX, Brenda
I feel like it was yesterday we started texting during Covid. And now I am anxiously waiting for the rest of your story! I wish you every blessing!!!
LOL! I know what you mean, Linda! Thank you for the well wishes. They mean a lot to me. XOXOX, Brenda
Fabulous!!!
On THE ROAD YOU GO‼️
Breath drink water and ENJOY IT‼️
Xoxo
Thank you, Elizabeth! It’s going to be a roller coaster ride! XOXOX, Brenda
Wow…just wow!! I am at a loss for words and beyond proud of you…always have been. I’ve had my book on preorder and I’m anxiously awaiting its release. You are an incredible powerhouse and I’m eternally grateful for our friendship and you are going to rock this like never before!! Love you my friend!!!
Thank you, sweet friend, and blessings! You and Jonathan and Mike are in my prayers every day. God knows what I’m going to say. Love you! Brenda
I’m a Dallasite but will probably have to miss your stops here. Waiting breathlessly for my copy of Maya Blue to arrive. Have a wonderful tour!
I’m disappointed to hear this Diana! Fingers crossed something changes and you can make one of them. I’d love to meet you. XOXOX, Brenda
Okay make sure I know when you’re heading this way!! My mom is 91 and fell and broke her knee cap so I was with her in the hospital for over a week. Now she’s in rehab but I’ll have to stay home with her when she gets out. I don’t want to miss your book tour if you’re nearby! So excited for you. Enjoy every minute!!
Oh dear! I know you’re caring for your Mom, but a kneecap! Ouch! At the moment, nothing’s firm for Austin, but I have four San Antonio events. Imagine it will be impossible for you to get away. If Austin firms up, I’ll announce it. XOXOX, Brenda
Hi Brenda.
Wow, lots of emotions, I’m with you in spirit soul sister on your journey,
Take TLC of yourself. Hope you eat super well, and get plenty of sleep to help you on the road. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
You’re the best, Katherine! So sweet and kind. I appreciate you SO MUCH! Thank you! XOXOX, Brenda
Hi Brenda,
I was thinking about you yesterday, hoping the Penn Oaks Golf Club gala went well since you were the “keynote speaker.”
I did go on line to see if you are scheduled to come to Arizona. If so I don’t know the month, date, time and city or cities. Arizona is a big place. I was not successful going to:
brenda-coffee.com/events-and-news
I’m so hoping if you are scheduled to come to AZ that I get to meet you. Maya Blue was pre ordered as soon as you said we could. I’m so looking forward to receiving it. The icing on the cake is having the privilege of meeting you.
You’re a love, Katherine. Thank you. The gala in PA was fabulous! Would you believe they gave me a standing ovation? I was over the moon! Nothing scheduled in Arizona yet but we’ll see. XOXOX,
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
I’m thrilled for you that you received a standing ovation. What a WONDERFUL way to start your book tour. I bet you were over the moon. You must be comfortable and a natural doing public speaking. Just another gift that you have.
We shall see if Arizona is scheduled on your tour.
Katherine, What major city are you near, and do you belong to a book club? I ask that because if I do an event at a bookstore, they require the author to bring their own readers to a bookstore event, so you and your book club members could come. xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda,
The city I’m near is Phoenix (that covers a huge area). Also Scottsdale, we lived in Scottsdale for 22 years. We now live in the North Valley, in a community called Anthem. We wanted to be closer to our retreat in Oak Creek Canyon (Sedona). It sold in 2016.
No, I do not belong to a book club.
I will just chill about getting to meet you in person. I was just hoping to.
Hope all is going well in your world, and you’re not feeling too over whelmed.
LOL! Overwhelmed? Oh, my! Some days are nuttier than others, but they’re all crazy, fun busy! Thanks for asking! I have a “book world” friend who lives in Scottsdale, so an event there isn’t totally out of the question. xoxox, Brenda
Dear Brenda,
I saw a funny greeting card that said, “So now that you’re married – when are you having a baby?” So now that you’ve written a book, when is the next one coming out? Just kidding, sorta. I read MAYA BLUE in one sitting and loved it. It must have been difficult to write but, thank you for bringing it to the world.
Virginia