Book Tour!
Red Alert! Hidden Queen book tour imminent!
After tour plans for The Desert Prince fell apart in the pandemic, I feared I would never again take part in this sacred ritual of the book launch. I built up so many relationships with readers in different countries and towns all over the world with repeated visits, it felt like a huge part of my social life had been cut away. I haven’t been on a proper international book launch romp since 2017. I missed those of you I used to see terribly, and am hoping to see many of you again this year, and perhaps some new faces as well.
You can find all the tour dates and links to get tickets/preorders (for those venues that require it) here: www.petervbrett.com/appearances
This is also a great chance to give you a sense of what to expect from one of my events. I’ll repeat most of this stuff in person (hopefully funnier) at the actual events.
First off, I don’t do readings. Y’all know how to read, or you probably wouldn’t be at a book launch event. If I’m gonna come all that way for us to get together, we’re going to make it interactive quality time. I usually sneak out before the event starts and take some selfies with anyone already waiting; kiss books, sign babies, etc.
Then at the start time I monologue for 10-15 minutes, starting with a request that everyone try to think of one question they would like to ask me (that does not involve shouting out the name of a character I have killed). We’ll circle back to that soon. Then I do the standard stuff—thank the store and all the attendees, encourage you to buy something on your way out to support bookstore events, give guidelines for the event, etc. I try to work in some laughs and cheap thrills, like a Jongleur with a bag o’ marvels.
That’s when your questions come in. Don’t leave me hanging, fam. I want to talk about what you’re interested in. Deep dive into sharusahk? I’m here for it. Was there an unused draft of The Warded Man where Rojer and Leesha end up together? I can confirm or deny. Questions about movie deals, audiobooks or writing in general? I’m all yours for ~45 minutes, and swear to speak only honest word.
After that we get to signing. Folk are asked to form an orderly queue, and sometimes the wait can be a while. I apologize for that. But one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in this career—and it’s happened again and again—is the camaraderie that forms between the readers waiting in line, sometimes blossoming into friendships that last beyond the event. What? We live close to each other and like the same stuff? What are the odds?
When it’s your turn in line, you will have my full attention for 1-2 minutes. More if the crowd is small. Got a question? Lay it on me. Want a selfie? I’m your huckleberry. Sometimes I’m at a little table I can easily get up from. Sometimes I am stuck behind it. Either way we can make it happen.
Want me to sign more than one book? No problem. Even if you have every novel and novella, which is (!!) 10 books total, I can handle that in 1-2 minutes. Don’t worry your pretty head about it.
If you’ve got more than 10, you’re still cool, just be considerate and keep something like at the end of the line. I won’t leave while there are still books to sign. If the store closes and kicks us out with some people still waiting, I’ll sign out in the parking lot until it’s done.
I’m not doing you a favor by being there. You’re doing me a favor by showing up. When I am at an event I am there to serve. It’s increasingly rare for authors to tour at all anymore, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity. Who knows, by the time I finish my next book you may just be able to ask ChatGPT to tell you dumb jokes in the style of Peter V Brett and there won’t be a need for me at all. I’m gonna make the most of it while I can. I hope you’ll join me. And bring a friend who likes fantasy and bad jokes.
One last thing: If you can’t make it to an event, remember you can always call the store and reserve a copy for me to sign while I am there to be picked up or shipped to you later. This is standard practice at most every bookstore, so don’t be shy if you want a signed book but can’t find a sitter, or are stuck at work.