Catching Breath

01-18-2012 8 comments by Alex George

Not really.  No time to catch breath.  Just under three weeks until publication, and things are going ever so slightly bonkers.  But in a good way.

Lots of news to share with you.  Where to begin?  Let’s see…

A GOOD AMERICAN was named #1 Read to Pick Up for February in O Magazine.  Yes, that’s Ms. Winfrey’s little publication.  Kind of a big deal, and we’re all very happy about that.

The book has also been named as a Midwest Connection Pick for February.  These are books chosen by the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association.  I’m very honored about this, and obviously pleased and proud of the novel’s connections to this part of the world.

My editor, Amy Einhorn, was profiled in the New York Observer on Monday.  And yes, she really is as smart and as kind and as generally wonderful as the piece suggests.  My book got a mention as being this year’s February Amy Einhorn release, following in the footsteps of The Help, The Postmistress, and The Weird Sisters.

So.  No pressure there, then.

As I type, I am suddenly spooked by the lack of definite article in my book’s title.  Eep.  (Because, like, I didn’t already have enough things to keep me awake at night.)

This week also saw the online publication of a great interview with BookPage, which will appear in next month’s magazine proper.  It was one of those interviews that was scheduled for 30 minutes… an hour later, we were still talking.  (People who know me won’t be especially surprised by this.)

You will have already noticed that things have changed a little around here.  Yesterday saw the launch of the new site design , and I hope you like it.  Quite possibly (= almost certainly) there are typos and mistakes lurking; if you catch any, or find some dodgy links, or have any other suggestions as to how the site could be improved, please do write to let me know.  My deepest thanks to web genius Paul Boomer for all his hard work on this.

For those of you in mid-Missouri, I’ll be reading and signing books at the Barnes & Noble in Columbia Mall at 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday February 7 – the launch date of the book.  I’m not quite sure yet exactly what format the evening is going to take, but I’d love to see you there if you can make it.  Details on other tour dates can be found here.

Finally, speaking of travel-related matters, on Sunday I am flying to Dallas to the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting.  I get to deliver a little talk to a roomful of yawning librarians on Monday morning while they eat breakfast.  Tough room, I’m guessing.  Now we’ll really find out how far a cute English accent will get you.

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8 Comments read it below or add one
  1. Erika Robuck 01-18-2012

    Alex, this is all so exciting! Huge congratulations on all of your nods and picks, and best wishes on the tour. I wish you were scooting a little closer to Maryland, but we’ll catch up some day.

  2. Christopher Gronlund 01-18-2012

    Congratulations for all the attention A Good American is receiving–very cool! Here’s hoping you are soon considered one of those “overnight successes” [who's already written a handful of novels].

    The weather down here in Dallas should be nice this weekend, so enjoy. While the music scene isn’t what it once was, there are still a decent handful of jazz clubs in Dallas if you’re able to get out and about.

  3. Mary Furness 01-18-2012

    WOW! Huge congratulations on so many wonderful things happening at once with the book! What a busy couple of months you’re going to have– wishing you the very, very best. I intend to do my best to be at B & N on the 7th….

  4. Missy Olive 01-19-2012

    Wow! this is all so exciting! congratulations. Ride the wave!

    and I love knowing the little tidbit that Amy was the editor on Weird Sisters. Very cool!

  5. Diane Magras 01-19-2012

    A breakfast presentation isn’t as bad as a pre-lunch one, so consider yourself lucky. And never underestimate how far your accent will get you in a room of Texans! Congratulations on the recognition you’re receiving. I’m in the middle of A Good American, enjoying it thoroughly, and can attest that you’re due the applause.

  6. Katy (@mamapoodle) 01-25-2012

    I agree with Diane about the accent in a room of Texans! (Being a Texan myself as well as born and raised in Dallas!) I am so proud of your success because you’ve earned it. So much hard work, love and dedication has gone into this book it makes me want to read it that much more. I can’t wait to finally hold it in my hands! Congratulations on your deserved recognitions and I wish you only more success.

  7. Jen Marie 03-19-2012

    I imagine you are way beyond ruminating over the nuances of your title, but after spending the last two days obsessively buried beneath A Good American I must say, the title seems just right, no definite article needed. It’s a lovely book, engaging, funny, heart wrenching…you’re a first-rate storyteller. Well done.

  8. Alex George 03-19-2012

    Ah, thank you – what an absolutely lovely thing to read, especially on a dreary Monday evening. You’re very kind. Thanks for making my night!!

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