The first two weeks of A New Season
Writing Life: 40
Apologies for all the content revolving around my ninth novel, but as you might imagine, it’s what has been consuming my time and efforts lately. I’ll return to a broader focus on the writing life when the dust settles, so bear with me. I also consider my Substack to be a virtual scrapbook of sorts for this “novel journey” I’m on, where the events of my writing life are recorded for posterity, even if I’m the only who might look back at it now and then when I’m in my dotage.
A New Season already a #1 bestseller (#Thankful)
One of the few indicators writers have of a novel’s success—beyond our twice-yearly royalty statements—is the bestsellers list. I should say bestsellers “lists,” as there are many, using various criteria and national sales databases. The two most common sources of bestsellers lists in Canada are Bookmanager and BookNet Canada. To be clear, being on the bestsellers list really only means that your book sold better than most (or all, if you’re lucky) other books for that particular week. So hitting the bestsellers list for one week is not such a big deal. But staying on for a few months definitely means something. Time will tell.
At any rate, I feel blessed that, in the two weeks after the launch, A New Season has appeared on multiple media outlets’ bestsellers lists at either #2 or #1. It simply means that my ninth novel is out of the gate and seems to be doing well, at least for now. I’m thrilled and grateful. Thanks so much to all of you who picked up copies in the first few weeks. It really helped as you can see below:
Goodreads ad
McClelland & Stewart/Penguin Random House developed and placed an animated banner ad across the top of the page on Goodreads. The ad morphed through five different panels at a sprightly clip. It’s very well done and, I hope, sparked the curiosity of many a Goodreads user. Thanks to the marketing team at Penguin Random House that made this happen. Ads do help draw readers’ attention to the book.
Signing books at the North 49 Books warehouse
Rather than traipsing around to multiple books stores to sign their copies of A New Season, we decided to let efficiency dictate our approach. So last week, I drove out to the North 49 Books warehouse in Scarborough and signed more copies of a novel of mine than I’d ever seen in the one place before. North 49 Books is a major wholesaler, particularly for independent bookstores. Nice folks, too.
On the road:
Last week my book tour began in earnest with some travel here in Ontario.
Waterloo
The Kitchener-Waterloo region has always been very supportive of my humble novels. In 2010, when only my first novel, The Best Laid Plans was in the world, it was chosen as the region’s One Book One Community selection. And I’ve been returning to the area with each new novel ever since. Last week’s sold out event was co-sponsored by the Waterloo Public Library and Words Worth Books.
Meaford
The morning after my Waterloo visit, I drove north to Meaford for another sold out event. My thanks to the Meaford Public Library and Jessica’s Book Nook for a great afternoon.
Orillia and the annual Leacock Medal gala weekend
I have not missed a Leacock Medal gala weekend in Orillia since I won the medal for the first time back in 2008. Winning the Leacock Medal with my debut novel instantly changed my life as a writer and led directly to signing with McClelland & Stewart, thanks to Douglas Gibson my editor emeritus. So as long as I’m able I’ll return to Orillia every year for this annual gathering.
I was the emcee for the Friday night “Meet the Authors” evening, and then at the Saturday night Gala, I introduced one of the three finalists’ books for this year’s Leacock Medal. It was an honour to speak on behalf of Wayne Johnston’s wonderful memoir, Jennie’s Boy.
Drumroll please… and the winner of the 2023 announced at the end of the evening (an agonizing wait for the three finalists) was in fact Wayne Johnston.
What’s coming up?
In the coming week, here’s where I’ll be for book talks:
Tuesday, September 19, 2023: Huntsville
Thursday, September 21, 2023: Tweed
Saturday, September 23, 2023: Gananoque
Sunday, September 24, 2023: Toronto International Festival of Authors
Check out my Appearances page for more details.
Many thanks for checking this out. More travels to come. Here’s hoping you’ll consider subscribing (it’s free) and sharing if you haven’t already. See you in two weeks.
I eagerly awaited this book...I pre-ordered...always a good idea...incredible read...full of all aspects of human life, however the sheer power of love, family, friendship and a desire to explore one's own heart takes this novel to a new level. Incredible! Thank you for this wonderful gift.
Congratulations again, and to Wayne for Jennie's Boy. I suspected that his book would be the winner. My mom and I really enjoyed the Friday night Leacock event again this year, and will continue to attend as well.