Introvert on book tour
Here's how it's *really* going
Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains has been out in the world for two weeks now, and life since then has been a whirlwind of book talks, workshops, and interviews.
Yesterday, a friend asked me “How is book tour going… really?” I appreciate this question so much. That single word added to the end changes the whole question from a surface-level inquiry to a heartfelt check-in. My response? “Surprisingly well!”
The fact that I’m doing well is a surprise to me because, as much as I’d been looking forward to my book coming out, I was pretty nervous about all the events that my publicist and I had lined up for the fall. Between workshops, gallery openings, talks, and school visits, there are over 20 events on my schedule! I remember way back in the winter, when we first started booking these events, I would wake up in the night thinking, How the heck am I going to handle all of this?
Connection > comfort zone
In case you didn’t know, I’m an introvert. Throughout my life, I’ve spent an inordinate amount of energy trying to be LESS visible. In fact, part of what makes me an effective nature observer and illustrator is that I feel totally content being perfectly silent and alone for hours and hours on end. Why, then, would I put myself through a full-fledged, totally-optional book tour?!
Because sometimes, I think it’s necessary to leave our comfort zones in order to pursue connection. In my book, I included 14 personal essays that I call Trail Thoughts. I went back and forth many times on whether to include them because they are pretty intimate. On one hand, having these stories out there makes me feel vulnerable, exposed. On the other hand, I’m an avid reader and am filled with gratitude when other authors share personal stories that I relate to—it makes the world feel much less lonely.
The same is true for these events. I love going to artist and writer events and hearing firsthand from someone who has created a collection of work. I like talking to the maker and asking them questions. And after years of working on this project in solitude, it felt like it would be extra special to physically hand readers a copy of my book and chat with them in person.
And I’m learning that I can still be true to myself, even while pushing the limits of what I consider to be comfortable. For example, I intentionally scheduled all my book events for weekends so that I can have weekdays at home to rest and spend time outside. I’ve been practicing self-grace when a wave of nerves washes over me while I’m public speaking. I’m a sensitive soul, and I’ve been allowing myself to show the emotion that arises while I’m telling my stories instead of pushing it down. And I’ve learned that this openness actually helps others feel comfortable sharing their own raw emotions.
Coming full circle
One of my favorite moments from book tour so far took place at the gallery opening of my Clay Center exhibit, which features 40 original paintings and illustrated maps from my manuscript and is on display until December. A little girl named Ella was in attendance and while I gave my gallery talk, she was busy drawing something in the corner.
At the end, she gifted me a daisy that she’d drawn for me, a project from my book Watercolor in Nature. When she asked for me to autograph her book, I thought about how I wanted to encourage this little human who bravely shared her art with me. I had a flashback to when I was a kid and went to a book talk given by nature artist and author Julie Zickefoose. After my dad told her that I liked art, she wrote “Keep drawing!” in my book. I still have that book and Julie and I have actually reconnected in the past couple of years since I became an author, too.
So naturally, I wrote “Keep drawing!” in Ella’s copy of my book and swallowed down the emotion that bubbled to the surface. This is why I chose to do a book tour, even if it’s out of my comfort zone. To be part of the cycle of being inspired and inspiring others, to celebrate the beauty of our world and our collective creativity.
Some Tiny Worlds highlights so far:
The overwhelmingly beautiful book launch party in my adopted hometown of Elkins, WV. I am so grateful for my supportive local community!
My book was featured by the wonderful nature magazine, Orion. Read here: A Peek at the Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountians - Orion Magazine
Getting to talk to an auditorium full of West Virginia high school art kids about my book and what it’s like to be a professional artist
Barbara Kingsolver (one of my favorite authors) wrote me a personal letter and called my book a treasure!
My ever-supportive father drove many hours to attend my first two book events
The book has been selling so steadily that the publisher is already working on a second printing 🎉
A few upcoming events:
SEPTEMBER 29, 2024
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop: Painting Tiny Worlds in Watercolor
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
New River Gorge National Park, WV
Limited to 15 students. Register by phone with name of your group and number of attendees at: 304-465-2632
SEPTEMBER 29, 2024
1:30 - 2:30 PM
Book talk & signing
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
New River Gorge National Park, WV
Free and open to the public
OCTOBER 11, 2024
Keynote speaker & book signing at the Mount Rogers Fall Naturalist Rally
Blue Ridge Discovery Center
Troutdale, VA
Register here
OCTOBER 12, 2024
Workshop: Introduction to Nature Watercolors at the Mount Rogers Fall Naturalist Rally
Blue Ridge Discovery Center
Troutdale, VA
Register here
OCTOBER 14, 2024
6:00 PM
Book talk, signing, and live painting demonstration of an ambassador animal from the Wildlife Center of Virginia
Shenandoah Valley Arts Center
Waynesboro, VA
Register here
I'm still waiting for my copy of your new book to arrive with great anticipation! I am such a fan. I've done all of the exercises in your watercolor book -- you have made me realize that I love to do watercolor and that I can do art. It only took me 60 years to get there! Thanks to you I have a whole new access to my creative side. I appreciate your blog as well. You are following your heart and it is taking you to some wonderful places!
Well done for stepping outside your comfort zone and actually enjoying it😊