I am SO excited to host this author, Sarah Angleton, here on my blog! She is a new author to me and I have this book on my Kindle. I am anxious to read it. In the meantime, let me share with you some really cool stuff about Sarah and her new book!
I’ll turn it over to Sarah!
Thank you, Jan, for hosting me today!
Lately I’ve come across a question of etiquette I’ve been unable to answer. I’m not always the perfect lady, but I more or less stand up straight and understand basic table manners. I say please and thank you and try to treat everyone I meet with respect, to learn their names and use sir and ma’am when appropriate. I hold open doors, try not to tailgate, and offer sincere compliments when the opportunity presents itself.
But for the life of me I do not know how to respond to the following statement: “I didn’t know you are an author. How cool!”
I hear a version of this exact statement at least once a day, especially anytime there’s a little extra buzz because I’m launching a new book, which I have recently done.
Like most writers, I’m a bit of an introvert. Though I could write you a brilliant essay about what I do, when we meet in person, I will most likely shy away from the center of attention and won’t have much to say about myself.
Of course, if I’m asked a direct question, like “What is it that you do?” I’ll gladly answer. If that leads to follow-up questions, I’ll answer those too. And heaven forbid you ask me about my latest book, because that’s when I will launch into an elevator-worthy pitch about a lost manuscript, a 19th century conspiracy theory, dangerous religious fanaticism, and a dashing conman. That question, my friend, you may come to regret asking.
But the most frequently reoccurring comment I get is not a question. And this poor introvert doesn’t know how she is supposed to respond. I mean, I’m not likely to go to my next dental appointment and say, “Oh wow, you’re a hygienist. That’s cool!”
So, I’ve decided on a few options. I could simply say, “Why, yes, you’re right, it is pretty cool.” I imagine this is accompanied by a point and wink.
Probably not my style.
I could also respond with complete honesty: “Sometimes it’s cool, but mostly it means I spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer in my basement, typing and then deleting and then typing again while battling a crushing sense of self-doubt with every rejection I receive. You know, on the good days.”
I’m guessing no one wants to hear this.
Or I could turn it back on the speaker and say, “Yep. You should give it a try.”
Actually, I have said that.
But most of the time I shrug and just say, “I enjoy it.”
No one knows how to respond to that, either, but I figure if I speak last, then I won the conversation. I’m pretty sure that’s how it works. Unless I want to tell someone about my book. Really, all he or she has to do is ask.
Book Blurb:
New York, 1872.
Diviner Ada Moses is a finder of hidden things and a keeper of secrets. In her possession is a lost manuscript with the power to destroy the faith of tens of thousands of believers.
When a man seeking the truth knocks at her door with a conspiracy theory on his lips and assassins at his heels, she must make a choice.
Spurred by news of a ritualistic murder and the arrival of a package containing the victim’s bloody shirt, Ada must either attempt to vanish with the truth or return the burden she has long borne to the prophet responsible for one of the most successful deceptions in US history.
Protecting someone else’s secret may save Ada’s life, but is that worth forcing her own demons into the light?
Author Bio:
SARAH ANGLETON is the author of the historical novels Gentleman of Misfortune and Smoke Rose to Heaven as well as the humor collection Launching Sheep & Other Stories from the Intersection of History and Nonsense. She lives with her husband, two sons, and one loyal dog near St. Louis, where she loves rooting for the Cardinals but doesn’t care for the pizza.
Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/sangletonwrites
Purchase Links:
Amazon:
Barnes & Noble:
Sarah is giving away 5 e-book copies of SMOKE ROSE TO HEAVEN and all you have to do for a chance to win a copy is to leave a comment below.
To follow along with the rest of her tour, please drop in on her 4WillsPub tour page.
Shared and wishing Sarah a fabulous tour!
Thank you, Bette!
Thank you, Bette!
Thank you, Jan, for hosting her.
It was truly my pleasure to host Sarah!
You are not alone, Sarah, with encountering people, or should I call them clueless people who ask clueless questions. We are in a world of people who do not read anymore. And because they do not read, they do not believe people are still writing. I am not surprised!
Thank you for your comment, Joy!
Most people I talk to who haven’t done much writing strike me as fairly impressed with the idea. It’s just not something everyone has ever thought about attempting, especially, it seems, if they are not avid readers.
Hi Jan. Thanks for this wonderful introduction to Sarah. It sounds fantastic. Hugs to you both!
Thanks, Teagan. She is a new author to me as well and I’m impressed with her blog posts on this tour!
Thank you, Teagan! Nice to meet you!
Great show of support, Jan! Thank you for always stepping up and hosting our wonderful RRBC members.
It is always a pleasure, Beem! Thanks for stopping by!
Hey, how cool you’re an author, because I have this great idea for a story – you could write it & we’ll go halves on the gazillion royalties! (I’ve had this said to me on many occasions!!!). Ideas are easy – shaping them into novels takes effort. I always smile and say I have enough ideas of my own, thanks. An author’s life involves a massive commitment -that is probably only appreciated by other authors.
You turned down half a gazillion dollars?!! 😉
I had to laugh out loud at Sarah’s comment, Wendy! 🙂 I agree with your final statement 100%! Thank you for stopping by!
I’d be thrilled if someone I knew said that to me: “I didn’t know you are an author. How cool!” Of course, when I tell them I write about Bulgarian folklore, their eyes glaze over…. Usually what I then get is a shrug and change of subject. 😉 And then the comment about the cover the first time one of my previous co-workers saw it…. “That looks like a real book.” Um, yeah, well it is. 🙂 So little respect and understanding from those we know and love.
Rebecca Carter (writing as Ronesa Aveela)
“That looks like a real book,” sounds to me like a similar comment. Kind of an expression of awe. It IS a big deal to hold a book you wrote in your hands. People think about you a little differently when they see that, because it’s not something they’ve done. Or at least they should, because it represents an awful lot of hard work. I think it’s cool that you’re a writer. 😊
Yup, Awe and surprise that a fellow tester could produce something “real.” 🙂 Thank you for the different perspective. I think it’s cool to be a writer and meet other cool authors.
You make a good point, Rebecca. Even our families don’t have a clue what hard work it is writing a book. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for Sarah!
I’m enjoying your posts Sarah. Congratulations on your tour.
Thank you for dropping in!
Yes Sarah, I too am an introvert. It’s easier for me to compose a poem than involve in small talk. Blogosphere is a wonderful place where conversations flow naturally. I am fascinated by the title of your book and would like to explore further. Wishing you great success with it. Thanks for this lovely post Jan.
You make a great point, Balroop. The blogosphere is a great place to carry on natural conversations with no social awkwardness. Thank you for stopping by!
Hi Balroop! Titles generally do not come easily for me and this one certainly didn’t, but fire is a recurring image and strong theme in the book. Toward the end of the book that extends to the image of rising smoke as well. It wasn’t the original title, and was in fact the suggestion of the defunct publisher that was originally supposed to publish the book. I have grown to love it anyway.
Great topic, Sarah:) I have heard that one many times, too. I have no good answer other than an awkward laugh and nod. Then I get, I have a book I want to write. I tend to hold back how much work is involved and like you said self doubt. I look forward to reading this book and its on my TBR list.
Thanks for hosting, Jan:)
Thank you for your comment, Denise! I agree with the awkward laugh and nod. 🙂
Oh yes. Or I sometimes get the, “I have an idea for a book you should write…” That’s when I usually tell them they should just write it themselves and I invite them to my local writers guild.
Good response.
First, Sarah, I’m going to have to disagree with you on the “Like most writers, I’m an introvert.” I don’t think that most writers are introverts – actually, I find this to be quite the opposite in my experience.
Now, how would I respond to your question? With a nod of my head and a smile…if there are questions, I’ll gladly answer – and when asked “Is the writer life really that awesome?” I would respond: “Every single second of it and I don’t recommend anyone try it unless they are sure they are up for it, unless they were born with the talent to do it or have learned and mastered the talent of writing, and lastly, unless they have the thick-skin for this business.”
Enjoy, Sarah! Great post!
What an interesting observation, Nonnie. Most writers I know are introverts. I am not, but I know many who struggle to carry on conversations. 🙂 But, then we all know different people. I love your response to Sarah’s question!
Oh yes, thick skin is maybe the most important part!
I suppose I might be trying to make myself feel better by assuming most authors are introverts. I’m sure you’re right that there are plenty who are not. I envy them.
It’s interesting how the public perceives the life of an author, compared to what it’s really like, LOL.
Great post from Sarah, and her book sounds very interesting! I’m going to check it out further on Amazon.
Thank you so much, Mae!
You are so right, Mae! And the same could be said for musicians. Everyone thinks it would be such a glamorous life, but being on the road 300 plus days per year, sleeping in cramped quarters and sacrificing a home life puts a different spin on it. Thank you for your comment!
I am in a critique group actually with a writer whose wife is an up and coming blues phenom (he’s her awesome drummer) and it has been so interesting watching them experience this reality in her burgeoning career. I keep encouraging him to write more about it, which I’m sure he’ll do if he ever manages to find the time between gigs. 😊
Thanks for hosting Sarah on your lovely site today, Jan! That was an interesting question and explanation, Sarah. I can relate.
So what would your response be?
Hi, John. I totally enjoyed Sarah’s piece today. Thanks for stopping by.
Lovely to see Angela featured here, Jan. I have her book on my ever-growing TBR. Being an author is hard work, the average person has no idea how much effort goes into writing and publishing a book.
That is definitely true. The other question I tend to get is, “Are you working on another book yet?” People are usually pretty shocked to hear that I’ve been working on a new book since long before the current one was published and they probably still won’t see it for a long time yet.
I totally relate to that, Sarah. I have a book that I finished three years ago that has not seen the light of day yet!
Yes, that is true. I have only written one full length book to date, although I have written a number of books for children. My new adult novel is taking longer than any of my previous books and will probably only be published at the end of this year or beginning of next year despite the fact I started it in March last year.
This writing life is not for the impatient. It’s rewarding, though.
I, too, get that question a lot. And since I haven’t been writing, it makes me feel a bit guilty. Lol!
Well, by “working on” of course I mean somewhere in process. Book launches, blog tours, family stuff, etc. (TV shows) all get in the way sometimes. I carry around my share of guilt, too. 😊
That is so true, Robbie, and I know that you meant to write Sarah, not Angela. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
Oh bother, Jan. I did mean Sarah. It is her surname that foxed me, somehow, when I see it, I think Angela.
Ha! I actually didn’t even think about it. It’s surprising how many times that happens, with people anticipating the Ang in my last name. I also have a cousin Angie and so even before I married into the Angleton name, I was already often mistakenly an Angela. 😊