Newsletter 06/10

June 2010

My last Newsletter was in April, so if you don’t remember a May Newsletter you are not losing your marbles. Or…did I post one in May? Let me know.

More importantly, today, Tuesday, June 8 is publication day for The Lion! Hopefully, you’ve pre-ordered your copy online or at your bookstore and you won’t have to wait in long lines or be disappointed by empty shelves. Most bookstores are limiting sales to two per customer, so bring the whole family if you want more than two copies of The Lion. Many stores will stay open late tonight to handle the crowds, but I suggest you get there early. The Lion is also available on CD in abridged and unabridged formats, and includes an interview with me, done by Scott Brick who is the narrator of the AudioBooks. Scott does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, so if you still like to be read to, then curl up with your Teddy and ba-ba and let Scott read to you. The interview at the end of the book is interesting and revealing, and if you play it backwards you will be shocked by what you hear. Also, The Lion is available in most e-book formats, including a cocktail table edition.

At the end of May, I went to BookExpo, the annual publishing industry gathering which was held this year in New York City at the Javits Center. When I walked into the convention hall, there were thousands of people jammed into the huge lobby, dozens of photographers, reporters, and TV news crews, all facing me. I was totally overwhelmed by this turnout, and I waved and flashed the V sign to the assembled throng, then I shouted, “Lion!,” and repeated it — “Lion, Lion, Lion!” — hoping that the crowd would take up the chant.

Then my publicist whispered in my ear, “They’re waiting for Sarah Ferguson.”

“Who?”

“The Duchess of York.”

“Huh?”

“She’s here to sign her books. She writes children’s books.”

“Really?”

My wife advised, “Let’s get a cup of coffee.”

“Where’s the bar?” I asked.

The rest of the day went better and I signed advance reading copies of The Lion, did a stage interview with Scott Brick, and went to the booth of my publisher, who does not publish the Duchess of York, and where I am appreciated.

It was a good BookExpo and there was a lot of buzz about The Lion, with many bookstore owners saying, “Nice cover.” One book wholesaler commented, “Thank God it’s shorter than your last three.”

Afterwards, my wife and I went to a party that was generously sponsored by the New York Times and I started a rumor that Sarah Ferguson and Nelson DeMille were arriving together. This got everyone moving to the front door and away from the crowded bar where I was able to get a scotch and soda.

But I digress. The Lion is on sale today and I’ve already bought my copy. There are 999,999 left. Father’s Day is June 20. Need I say more?

Hope you enjoy The Lion and hope you are enjoying the summer.

Sincerely,