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.
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