Friday, March 7, 2008

Anchors Away - Aweigh - A-???

By Lonnie Cruse


Though my book has been out since December, I'm *officially* launching it Saturday week, (March 15th 2-4 PM, Metropolis Public Library, 313 Metropolis Street, and in case you want to fly in for this event, the nearest airport is over in Paducah and I'll send someone to pick you up!) Where was I? Launching a book.

The library is providing cookies and I'm bringing Coke floats. Anyone wearing something from the Fifties is entered in a contest, winner taking home a free signed copy of the book. So why here, and why now? Here, because the Metropolis Public Library has always been VERY supportive of my books. And the meeting room downstairs is lovely. And I think the librarians are the greatest. Did I mention how supportive they are?

Why now? Because it's March and all threat of bad winter weather is past. NOT! Today we expect two grandchildren and four inches of snow. Hubby is about to hunt up the sled, in case. Hopefully NEXT week will be better. If not, bring snowshoes and maybe we'll make snow cream instead of Coke floats. Whatever.

Writing a book is tough. Can I do this? Will anyone publish it? Read it? Like it? Launching is worse. Will anyone come? Buy the book? Like it? Yes, I'll take some cheese with my whine.

Apparently publishing is getting harder and harder. Fewer people reading every year. Fewer books sold. And that, of course, trickles down to writers. More people seem to be writing and hustling to get published. So competition for readers is stiffer. Sometimes we think about giving up. Surprise you? Me, too. But mostly we keep on writing. And hustling. And worrying. And hoping. And serving things like cookies and Coke floats.

Meanwhile, I'm thirsty. Think I'll just do a test run of a Coke float. Just to be sure I remember how to make them. Hopefully, it will bring good luck. Coke floats were lucky for me 47 years ago when I met Hubby at the Blue Onion drive-in in Las Vegas. You just never know.

Okay, let's make this interesting. Tenth person to leave a comment to this post wins a free signed copy of Fifty-Seven Heaven. And you can't post more than once. Any takers? I'd include a Coke float, but you know how fussy the USPS is about liquids.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

I'll bet everyone's waiting to be 10th, but someone has to be first first. Oh, well.

BTW, you don't mention which city/state the library is in. I know it's too far for me to go, but I'd like to know how far I can't go. ;-)

Anonymous said...

I'll be second :) Congratulations on your new book, Lonnie!

And somehow I've reached middle age without ever having had a Coke float. Fish tacos, yes. Sushi, yes. But a Coke float? Not yet!

Janet K.

Sofie Kelly said...

I know I can't win, but I can help everyone else get one post closer to number 10. {grin}

Anonymous said...

Never had a Coke float, but I love Brown Cows...that would be the equivalent of a root beer float. I have a friend in Paducah, and my daughter's piano teacher's family is originally from Metropolis! I'll mention your book to them. Have a great day at the launch.
Mary Beth

Lonnie Cruse said...

The library is in Metropolis, Illinois. Southern-most tip of the state on the Ohio River. Brrrr. Thanks for stopping by.

Lonnie Cruse said...

Janet and Mary Beth,

I'm shocked - SHOCKED, I say, that you've not had a Coke float. It's a glass or cup of coke with a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Maybe a cherry and whip cream if you want to get REALLY fancy. Hehehe. Thanks for your comments.

Lonnie Cruse said...

Okay, change of rules, you can post more than once to win the prize. We gotta give a book away here!

Anonymous said...

I think Marlyn should get it...the first shall be last; the last shall be first...she went first not having any idea where she wanted to go even if she could get there.

Mary Beth

Lonnie Cruse said...

I agree, Marlyn, you were indeed brave to comment first. Send my your home addy to nevada1943@yahoo.com and I'll mail you a signed copy of my book. And I'll STILL honor the promise to the 10th comenter, and I'll still give a third to the best '50s story. Assuming anyone knows what I'm talking about.

Anonymous said...

Ok, I'll be #10, AND I'll promise to share the book with my piano teacher family. They still have ties to Metropolis, so I KNOW they will enjoy it!

Mary Beth

Lonnie Cruse said...

Okey dokey, Mary Beth was #10 and she and I are in touch about me mailing her a book. BUT I still want to send Marlyn a book as well, so contact me! And the '50s story contest is still going on, on my other post. Only one entry so far, so get your stories in, folks! Thanks, Lonnie