Next Tuesday I’ll be interviewed by Dr. Veronica Esagui, chiropractic physician and author, on “The Author’s Forum,” a public access TV program seen in the Portland area. That’s pretty much all I knew. So I figured I’d spend the night and take some time placing the book in new venues. Almost two weeks ago, I sent emails out to Portland contacts, all venues that carry the book in the Portland area, and to the person who will be interviewing me on the program. I felt so on top of it.

Powell’s Books and two contacts got back to me right away. “We don’t need any more at this time, thank you.” and “I can’t think of any other venues, Judy. You’ve got the main ones covered.” were the responses.”

By the following Tuesday, I hadn’t heard back from anyone else, including Veronica Esagui. So I called her, and she must have sensed the panic in my voice because she sent everything I needed to know by that afternoon. She even included instructions not to wear a white jacket or stripes. I discovered that the interview would be held at a TV station in Oregon City—not Portland. That means that I should be researching and contacting bookstores, museums, and libraries on the east side of Portland. Plan B coming up. Good thing I’m flexible.

Winter River Books in Bandon is a good example of an independent book store.

When it comes to bookstores, I’m looking for independent bookstores that carry new books covering many areas of interest. What I found were specialty bookstores, carrying only Christian books, children’s books, or used books. And I found two strictly online book “stores.” For example, Lake Oswego has six bookstores listed, but only one seemed appropriate and I only got to talk to voice mail. Some towns I didn’t find any listed that might work. I kept telling myself to be patient; something will turn up. And it did—a neighborhood bookstore in northeast Portland. After checking it out online, it seemed to be exactly what I was looking for.

Whenever I call for the first time, I mention that I have a new book and can send an email with information about it along with a cover photo. I also say that I’ll be in their area with copies of the book on such and such a day. After a year of dealing with dozens of venues, this seems to be the preferred way of doing business.

So it was a bit of a surprise when the person in charge of acquisitions said that he would not have time to read my email and would probably be in a meeting whichever day I came, so would most likely not be able to see me. He also said that I could leave a book and they will consider it for consignment. Hmm! As a Scorpio, this call just got my hackles up. So I sent an email anyway and will probably stop by. I may or may not leave a book and definitely won’t do consignment. A bit of a challenge, eh!

Then I called a bookstore in Corvallis and was back to what I’m used to––friendly and sounding eager to see the book. That bookstore recommended another bookstore in town, which was equally friendly. Of course, I sent info to both and I’ll stop at each. I’ll continue trying to contact more of the east of Portland towns, and I’ll call some bookstores in McMinnville before my trip Tuesday.

I discovered that my interview on Tuesday will not be live. It may be a month or more before it is aired on Channels 21 and 11 and evidently, it will run several times a week for two weeks. Channel 21 is seen on Comcast Cable and Frontier FiOS systems and serves Washington County except the cities of Sherwood and Wilsonville and includes Lake Oswego and Rivergrove. Channel 11 is seen in Washington, Multnomah, and Clackamas counties on Comcast Cable Channel 11 and Frontier Channel 22 and 23. Got that!  Whew!

For the rest of us, the interview will be posted on the Pacific Publishing website (http://www.connectflorence.com) and on YouTube as soon as I receive the CD in the mail. That should be a couple of weeks after the interview.

Books by the Bay in North Bend also has a great cafe--The Grounds Cafe.

I received a call yesterday (Thursday) to drop off five books at a North Bend bookstore. After I checked my schedule, I realized the only day I could do it during the coming week would be today (Friday). So I interrupted my trip planning for next week and called venues south of Florence to see if anyone else needed books. Within a half hour, I knew. I’d be stopping at two terrific independent bookstores that carry new books in many areas of interest–Books on the Bay in North Bend and Winter River Books in Bandon. Total of 11 books sold, and that’s worth a trip. Did I mention that it’s good to be flexible.

Kathryn Damon-Dawson's delightful children's book written with the help of two grandchildren.

I, also, called an acquaintance, Kathryn Damon-Dawson, who is a renowned artist in the Florence area, to congratulate her on her first book that she has done with two of her young grandchildren and to let her know that I would be at her book signing at the library in Florence on March 17. Within a few moments into the conversation, I found myself in the role of mentor giving advice on what to do and not do in promoting her book.

It reminded me of where I was a year ago, receiving advice and taking notes madly. Many experienced authors willingly shared what they had learned, and I am eternally grateful. Now it’s my turn to pass it forward.

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Crossings: McCullough’s Coastal Bridges can be yours for $24.95 plus $4.99 shipping. Order from Pacific Publishing at http://www.connectflorence.com or pacpub@oregonfast.net. It is also available on the coast in bookstores, museums, and gift shops; in Eugene at the airport, the historical museum, and several bookstores; in Portland at Powell’s and the Oregon Historical Society; and in Made in Oregon stores throughout the state.

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Judy’s PowerPoint presentation with book sales/signings:

March 29, Thursday, 7 p.m.—Coos Bay Public Library, Coos Bay (525 Anderson Avenue).