Contributed by Caitlin M.S. Buxbaum
Last May I hosted my first virtual book launch via YouTube for my seventh collection of poetry, Interstitials. On August 31 of this year, starting at 6 p.m., I’ll be hosting yet another virtual launch, for my first collection of fiction, The Birthday Picture: and Other Stories. Fortunately, this is not out of necessity, and I am grateful to also have the opportunity for an in-person book signing this year.
As you well know, Alaska — particularly the Mat-Su Valley — has relaxed its COVID-19 mitigation restrictions to the point where we can pretty much go where we please without a mask, despite the fact that much of the world still requires social distancing or is re-implementing quarantine procedures due to COVID-19. Whatever your perspective on the situation here or Outside, things seemed to have somewhat returned to “normal” (at least for now) and many authors can once again celebrate their newly published works with people in the flesh. However, what I learned from my last launch — and my interactions with writers all over the world in various virtual capacities during the height of the pandemic — is that technology is able to foster truly precious communication that we should continue to take advantage of in positive ways.
For this new book, which consists of nine short stories (seven previously published, individually), I contracted a college friend of mine to create multiple pen-and-ink illustrations. Since she lives in Minnesota, and travel is still costly and not always feasible, this virtual launch allows us both to celebrate the publication of the book, along with all our friends and family, connecting people who might not otherwise ever come in contact with one another. Attendees will get to see and hear Briana and me talk about the process of creating the book, in addition to readings of the stories, and have their questions answered via the live chat function on YouTube. It’s exciting, right?
But we authors are also a little desperate to see readers in-person again, to enjoy signing a book and handing it over to a fan for purchase in our favorite local bookstores. For my part, I am happy to bring some more business to Black Birch Books at their new location on Sept. 4, from noon to 2 p.m. Each event is sure to be a good time, with special giveaways and discounts, so everyone is invited to attend both and enjoy this new hybrid life we live.
For more information on how to host a virtual book launch (and to read more of my work), please visit caitbuxbaum.com/blog
To pre-order a copy of The Birthday Picture: and Other Stories, please visit redsweaterpress.com/store
