An Introvert's Guide to an Extroverted Book Tour

So much sleep, not too much wine and room service

If you’re one of the few who hasn’t ordered The Parisian Heist yet, you are missing out. Folks are loving this book and finishing it in a couple of nights. Grab it so we can all talk about it. I’ll open up the reading thread for any and all questions.

AND I WILL BE IN PHILLY TOMORROW NIGHT. Come see me at the Center City Barnes and Noble. Tickets here.

I’m also extending the offer for one year of this substack free when you order Parisian Heist.

Just order The Parisian Heist and drop your email here. If you already have it and want to send one to a friend who might want the newsletter, as a gift or just because you love them, put their name in.

In the past 16 days I have been to 18 book events in 14 cities. They have all been glorious and really different. In Crozet Virginia I celebrated with Bluebird & Co. and walked down the aisle of King Family vineyards with one of my favorite fellow authors Bruce Holsinger. I also sipped a lot of wine. In Dallas I got a guided tour of the impressionist art wing before the event and the staff dressed up like heisters. In Greenville we had a ladies luncheon and books over drinks in the afternoon with M. Judson books. In New Hope I played on a lovingly restored trolley and had a three course French tasting menu.

I get asked a lot if I get exhausted on tour. The honest answer is no as long as I take care of myself and follow my own rules for not getting exhausted on tour. Most people don’t believe me when I say this, but I am something of an introvert. I need a lot of solo time to recharge and I need a ton of sleep, nine hours if possible. But I do get energy from being around readers (not all people mind you, but readers, mostly women) so maybe that make me an introvert with an asterisk.

It’s also worth noting that on this tour I don’t have my kids or my husband along. I love all of them dearly but being solo frees up all the mental space of searching for socks, shoes, chargers, snacks, sushi (for Bea) and the innumerable day to day headaches of life lived with other people.

So here’s what I do to stay sane and strong and happy on the road.

I don’t worry about what’s happening at home.

I am married to a wildly competent human who was an active participant in the creation our three children. He’s got this. I have the tour right now and we both know our lanes.