My Maiden Voyage.

Last night was my first ride without training wheels.

In front of a hometown audience at Hebron’s Douglas Library, I read excerpts for 90 minutes from “Monkeyface: A Memoir.”  To say that it was well-received, is to understate the affection and support I felt. 

Buoyed by the reception, I relaxed and felt confident enough to pause, expand on some parts, tell jokes. People laughed, they clapped (!) and they lined up for autographs in their copies and bought more books. Imagine!

I had sketched out a tentative outline of what I thought to read, and decided that I should read at least one essay from each section of the book. That happened, but not as planned, as readers’ requested certain essays.

I don’t expect any other readings I do can eclipse that first experience.

That feeling will sustain me, and carry me forward  as I address strangers, in other towns, other venues. Thank you, Hebron! You had my back yesterday—and it means the world to me.

Thank you, Douglas Library! Drusilla Carter, for welcoming me with open arms, and a great poster, and to Clare Betz, who choreographed the evening.  I feel more confident, more ready to take on the next reading with a new audience, and hopefully, new fans.