I know I haven’t told you guys much about my new book that’s set to release next spring—and trust me, more information is coming—but I wanted to run this idea by you.
I’m planning a national book tour.
The plan is to do it old-school; a road trip across the country. But instead of setting up “venues” to present, I’m setting up “House Chats.” I’m contacting family and friends all over our great nation and asking if they’d host a House Chat.
A House Chat is a small gathering of folks who know and love the host, maybe 20-30 people at most. The host gatherings everyone and we have a chat at their house about topics in the book.
There’s another aspect of the tour that I’ll reveal later but in the meantime, I’d love to hear your feedback on this idea.
My passion for this idea is to somehow be a light and encouragement to people. I believe the world needs some bold acts of goodness and beauty, and I want this tour to be that to people.
So, let me know your thoughts below. It can be anything, like:
Give me some ideas that might help me shape the overall concept of the tour.
How could I make the chats inspiring, intimate, yet encouraging to others through online mediums?
I remember Linford Detweiler of Over The Rhine say at one of their performances that he could 'Mennonite his way across the states.' In other words, he could always find a place to stay with like hearted folks and family. I think you could totally do the same!
I'm wondering if this will be a book that would appeal to college kids. Maybe in addition to doing home chats you could also do some college chats? I know my husband could put feelers out to Ohio State and some other schools.
Yes! I love the idea of staying with like-minded folks. I also think the book will definitely appeal to college students. I'll have to connect with your husband about putting out some feelers for sure! Thank you for offering that!
Such a great idea!!! I am excited to see your book (and buy one)! You challenge me to think and I appreciate that so. I have some other thoughts, but have to leave for work. You have given me something to think on even today....
Buff, I'd love to hear your ideas whenever you have a chance! Honoured that my writing is resonating. That means more than you know. Hmmm ... chapter titles ... I'll give you one for now, as the book is in the final writing stages :) ... "Chronicles of the Extraordinary" ... More coming in the coming months! :)
Love the idea! Since it's a national road trip I guess you won't be crossing the Caribbean Sea to come visit my island home of Anguilla. So online participation would be the only way for us overseas people. Can you contact any family and friends who live outside of your nation to be hosts to an online room of folks in their region? That would sort of recreate the House Chat feel. The world can definitely use some light, encouragement, goodness and beauty. Looking forward to seeing how your passion develops your idea. God willing it will be all you envision and more.
Renuka, this is a very cool idea. I like the idea of doing some virtual road trip chats! Let's think about this. I may have a few contacts willing to do this. I can see either it is that a number of people gather in a house and I beam in via zoom or something or doing another one when it's individuals from all over--those interested in participating. Both would be fun!
I love this idea, too!
I remember Linford Detweiler of Over The Rhine say at one of their performances that he could 'Mennonite his way across the states.' In other words, he could always find a place to stay with like hearted folks and family. I think you could totally do the same!
I'm wondering if this will be a book that would appeal to college kids. Maybe in addition to doing home chats you could also do some college chats? I know my husband could put feelers out to Ohio State and some other schools.
Yes! I love the idea of staying with like-minded folks. I also think the book will definitely appeal to college students. I'll have to connect with your husband about putting out some feelers for sure! Thank you for offering that!
Such a great idea!!! I am excited to see your book (and buy one)! You challenge me to think and I appreciate that so. I have some other thoughts, but have to leave for work. You have given me something to think on even today....
any chance that you could share with us the chapter titles?
:)
Buff, I'd love to hear your ideas whenever you have a chance! Honoured that my writing is resonating. That means more than you know. Hmmm ... chapter titles ... I'll give you one for now, as the book is in the final writing stages :) ... "Chronicles of the Extraordinary" ... More coming in the coming months! :)
Love the idea! Since it's a national road trip I guess you won't be crossing the Caribbean Sea to come visit my island home of Anguilla. So online participation would be the only way for us overseas people. Can you contact any family and friends who live outside of your nation to be hosts to an online room of folks in their region? That would sort of recreate the House Chat feel. The world can definitely use some light, encouragement, goodness and beauty. Looking forward to seeing how your passion develops your idea. God willing it will be all you envision and more.
Renuka, this is a very cool idea. I like the idea of doing some virtual road trip chats! Let's think about this. I may have a few contacts willing to do this. I can see either it is that a number of people gather in a house and I beam in via zoom or something or doing another one when it's individuals from all over--those interested in participating. Both would be fun!
I'm in.
Thank you, Mary! :)