Reading in Hartney, Manitoba - As Pleasant as It Gets

Yesterday's reading in Hartney was about as pleasant an experience as it gets. It was quite well attended  - far more than I would have expected in such a small town. They went out of their way to get the word out, too. This is what I saw when I drove into town. Needless to say my ego and I were tickled pink!

The following is a pictorial run through the evening.

 I was able to harangue some of my family to attend. This is me (Chuck) and my brother-in-law (also Chuck)

 There were quotes like this all over the library. I'm referring, of course to this one by Stephen King, not the Exit sign.

 The actual reading (which I thought went very well) lasted for about forty-five minutes, long enough for a good-sized sample from three different books.

 Of course after the reading, there was time to mingle, and sign books.

This is Linda Philips, chair of the library committee, and the lady responsible for organizing the event. Great job, Linda, many thanks!

This soft-spoken man was really quite interesting. He used to work in the Hudson Bay Company's museum in Winnipeg, but he wanted somewhere quiet to work on his art. Boy, I can relate! He also bought four of my books, so that almost elevates him to best friend status!

This is my sister, Barb. When signing books for my family, I have to remember to write 'Charlie' instead of my pen name.

Signing the guest book. About two dozen had signed before me.

Still signing books when I got home. These ones were for my brother, Joel. He likes to get copies for himself and his kids, Sarah, Laura, and Michael, shortly after one of my novels is released.

So that's it. I had a blast, but I was also pretty tired once the adrenaline wore away. Think I'll turn in early tonight. Later, folks...

Reading and Book Signing Tomorrow

For those of you within...oh, I don't know, let's say a 10,000 mile radius, this is a heads up that I'll be giving a series of readings, a book signing, and otherwise shamelessly promoting my work, at the Hartney Public Library tomorrow, June 21st, from 5:00 - 7:00PM. In lieu of flowers, bring money (Ha! Ha! Just joking about the money...sort of.....)

The Charlie Smithers Collection....So Far

Click on the links below to purchase your own copies!

The Adventures of Charlie Smithers

Charlie Smithers: Adventures in India

Charlie Smithers: Adventures Downunder

And Then It Rained - A Review - "Touching, Funny, and Thoughtful"

Thanks Deborah, I hope your rain comes soon!

5.0 out of 5 starsAnd then it rained

By Deborah Wall McGraw on June 17, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Living as I do in drought stricken California, even the title excited me. These stories are touching, funny, thoughtful. I carry my Kindle around with me to read whenever I have to wait, such as in doctor's offices, and these stories are just what I need: interesting, thoughtful, escape. 

 

 

Click here to purchase your own copy of "And Then It Rained."

 

 

"And Then It Rained" - A Review - "Incredibly Good Writing"

Thank you Bookworm!

5.0 out of 5 starsIncredibly good writing.

By Bookworm on 15 Jun. 2016

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Lately I’ve been reading a number of short story collections and anthologies. I find it a great way to discover new authors and new genres.
In ‘And then it Rained’ I’ve discovered an author who has the enviable knack of evoking laughter and tears within the same pages.
Witty and with perfect comedic timing, the first story ‘Sean’s lament’ follows the antics of a young man who, in the name of love, endures all manner of alarming escapades. Visual and very funny, the tight writing keeps you on your toes until the final punch-line.
In complete contrast, my favourite of the collection ‘Tin Whistle’ is a Gothic ghost story with lyrical prose. Quite beautiful in its simplicity, the tale of much loved and much missed Emily is incredibly poignant and emotional.
There are many more, equally diverse in style. What they all share is incredibly good writing. 

 

 

Click here to purchase your own copy of "And Then It Rained"

 

 

Pirate Sites - I Can't Think Of Anything I Hate More

There have been a few very good posts on the internet lately, covering the topic of pirate sites. To a writer, who is the victim of these sites, there are few things more loathsome, and they're getting worse. I found my latest release, "And Then It Rained," uploaded on one of these sites ten days before it came out on Amazon!
In both stories there is made mention of sadly deluded people who think that writers can afford to be pillaged like this. We can't. Most writers, including this one, work full time jobs to pay the bills. We squeeze time in for our stories after hours and on weekends, sharing the same time that is needed for marketing (which has a voracious appetite, time-wise.) The point I'm trying to make is that we make substantial sacrifices to get our work out there, so I'll leave you to imagine how I feel about someone who steals my work.

Here is the link to one of the stories:http://www.sarahmadisonfiction.com/2016/06/dear-broke-reader-your-sense-of-entitlement-is-killing-me/

And here is the other: http://wp.me/p4QRAy-eM

If you are numbered among the far too many people who frequent these places, and think that you are entitled to steal a writers hard earned income, I strongly suggest that you read them.

Getting back to "And Then It Rained," here is the link where you can PURCHASE the book:  http://myBook.to/atr

ATR - "FROM THE HUMOROUS TO THOUGHT-PROVOKING"

A lovely review for "And Then It Rained."
Thanks Reggie!

5.0 out of 5 starsFrom the humorous to thought-provoking

By Reggie on 30 May 2016

Format: Kindle Edition

This is a collection of Mr. Lovatt's short stories that he's written over the years, (for competitions or magazines etc).
Though I'm no real lover of short story collections, I was pleasantly surprised by the breadth and depth of what was on offer. From the humorous to thought-provoking, there isn't one story that disappoints.
A good read.

 

Purchase your own copy here.