Today: details on an evening Up Close and Personal CHFI appearance that you can win chances to attend. I’ll share that with you below. But first…
 
They say that “ignorance is bliss” but I’m afraid it’s been less than blissful not to know just how the book business works. An overwhelmingly positive experience, I’d like to show you just the stumbles and learning opportunities I’ve experienced.
 
I didn’t have to write a book and shop it around – or I just wouldn’t have done it. Doing a little digging (thanks to medium.com) I learned that 1% of all first-time authors who submit a manuscript are published. I’d put myself in a far, far smaller fraction of lucky writers who had a publisher come to them and say, “I think you’ve got a book in you…” and I will always, always be grateful to Iris Tupholme at HarperCollins for being in the audience of CityLine that day. It was a fluke encounter and, yes, I think Lauren had a little something to do with it. 
 
I was given basic instructions on how the book should go (don’t write in chronological order, as that’s not how you would tell an interesting story at a party) and went from there. Or I was supposed to; for a few months I dragged my feet. Eventually, Iris gently asked if I wanted a ghost writer. That was enough to get my butt in gear and I said, “No! I can do this!” and eventually, with the help of Rob and a team of incredible editors, we did.
 
Fast forward to the end of 2018. The short list of book signings and appearances (and long list of media visits) begins to take shape. Someone tells me on FB or Twitter that they see Mourning Has Broken: Love, Loss and Reclaiming Joy is available for pre-sale ahead of its February 26 2019 release, on Amazon. Yippee! (I later learn that of course it’s available at HarperCollins.ca – which I should have assumed.)
 
Then January, and actual dates and times arrive. And I learn that if you are coming to a book signing, you need to buy the book there. A visitor tells me that she was in Chapters Indigo in Oshawa on Monday and was told that they’ll have my book for sale on its release date, February 26. She was also advised that she should buy the book that day, go in early (before the actual appearance and signing on the 27th) and she’ll be placed in a group and informed of the time. Also, to bring the book and receipt when she goes.
 
I’m not entirely sure what this all means, but I’m hoping you do. Again, I just put words together – not events. But if you have questions, I’ll ask you to call the store. And I’m sorry not to know more.
 
What to tell people who pre-ordered: “Sorry, you can’t come?” My intention is to meet, hug and sign for whomever wants it, but I understand fully that the reason a book store holds a book signing is to sell books. Duh! If you’ve pre-ordered, it’s unlikely you’ll receive your copy in time to have me sign it (if that’s what you want), especially for the events prior to February 26th.
 
So here’s what I’m going to suggest: if you’ve pre-ordered, you might try to find someone who might want to buy it from you, then perhaps you could buy another at the book signing event. I know that is probably impractical and not very bright, but I don’t know what else to suggest. Just know that I’ll be doing everything I can to make this right, all along the way. The last thing I want to do is upset anyone who has been supportive of our little family and this great big book. So we’ll beg forgiveness or permission, but I have to put the rules (not mine) out there for you. 
 
For anyone who’s been wondering why I’m not doing a Toronto appearance per se, I can tell you that there has been something in the works through my – and your – favourite radio station.
 
It’s a website-only promotion for now (meaning you’ll hear about it next month), but I can tell you that morning goddess Maureen Holloway will be interviewing me in the intimate confines of the Rogers Theatre at 1 Ted Rogers Way. It will be from 7-9 pm on February 26 and if you’re not there, excerpts will air on the morning show the next day. Thanks to the radio family and friends at CHFI who made this possible. And of course there will be book signings! Here’s a link.
 
While the two Oakville and two Uxbridge appearances are now sold out, there may also be another appearance in the works, but I’m not at liberty to mention it yet. I’m hoping to have more details, but please click LIKE on my Facebook page for instant updates or just go to the What’s Up section of this website. I’ll be updating that – including those media appearances if you care to know – on both spots. I’m not 100% on Instagram, as you have to have a picture (and how many times can I post a book cover?) and of course I’ll keep you abreast on Twitter too @erindavis. 
 
So that’s where I am. Getting a nosebleed from this learning curve and trying not to cause too much upset along the way. All I know is that I have had just the most amazing support and kindness, from you and from the HarperCollins publicist, Melissa Nowakowski. She’s been terrific and so hard working that I want to send her flowers every day.
 
Also, from a more personal standpoint, if you’ve emailed me of late and haven’t yet received a response, it’s because I’m working on a recording project. I’m having to prioritize my time and, trust me, if you’ve written about loss or are seeking some perspective or advice, I have tagged it in red and am answering as soon as I can have a few quiet moments. Your emails and notes have always meant a lot to me. When I click Like on your FB comments, I mean it. And I’ll often respond when I can, as well. Please know I read every one.
 
Also, with FB, if you haven’t yet hit LIKE, you may be on the dormant one (with the whiteout picture). Just go to the right one and click LIKE and anytime there’s an update, you’ll get it immediately.
 
Gee, I’m sorry for all of the info and minutiae here. I hope even a bit of it is helpful. As I’ve said, there’s so much to learn and, in its way, this has been the most challenging part of an already grueling (but satisfying) journey. Stay with me. As my longtime employer Ted Rogers always said, “The best is yet to come.” 
 
Have a peaceful day and thank you.