I feel your pain! The lack of writers that visit the Southeast drives me insane! I used to live in Minneapolis where it wasn’t as much of an issue but currently live in North Carolina and don’t ever get visited by anyone :( Even the rare author who has a connection with the area (like Jack O’Connell, whose latest book was published a few miles down the road) are nowhere to be found. I suspect that part of it has to do with the sort of bookstores that one finds in these parts. There are plenty of great independent bookstores in this region but many of them seem to cater only to those who want to read about Southern history and culture. I can think of several instances in which I’ve suggested that an independent bookstore that frequently hosts signings contact a particular author only to be told that they “don’t do fantasy and science fiction.”

Cat,

Interesting posts so far. I’m looking forward to checking out “The Orphan’s Tales: In the Night Garden.”

It’s likely a Catch-22, as you imply. To get people to come out for these things, you have to know the people first and if you aren’t in the area, who’s going to know you to come out? Tough situation to be in, I agree.

Fabio: It will never be dead until booksellers cease having to sell books. For authors though, it can be irrelevant. But mostly we tend to play the games of those who sign our paychecks.

E is for Extraordinary.

Larry: What an interesting question! For me, it’s because it’s VERY FAR. I don’t really know anyone down there, so my tours, which tend to be Tours of Your Couch, Loyal Readers!, don’t find purchase down there. Even the West, though farther, is easier, because I grew up there and know the area. There’s probably also an impression that there are not so many readers in the area that it’s worth the trip, except for Dragon*Con. But many of us live in the Midwest or Northeast, and the distance is just prohibitive. If you want to attract your favorite authors, I recommend organizing a couch-network and emailing them with possible venues–you could definitely set something up! I know that I go where I have fans, and where my fans make it clear I would be welcome.

Thought you’d like something a bit more challenging to answer ;)

Matt–I actually wrote about this the last time I guest blogged for Jeff!

http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2007/11/27/we-built-this-city/

Speaking of Paper Cities, I have a question:

Why do you think that so many authors are attracted to writing about imaginary cities? It can’t be any easier than writing about a real place – both tasks have their inherent difficulties – and it would seem that this goes beyond simple economic exigencies. That is, while “urban fantasy” is popular right now, it’s not like there’s the massive mainstream audience for these works that might exist for, say, a mystery novel, and it would seem that there would be easier ways to make a buck. So what do you think? Does it satisfy some psychological need or compulsion? Is it just a fun creative exercise? None of the above?

Jeff