The last guest had left and we had just settled down to catch a part of “Jeopardy” and perhaps an episode of “Downton Abbey” when the doorbell rang.  It was too late for any of our usual Friday-nighters and, mysteriously, by the time I got to the door, no one was there.  At my feet, though, was a small package from Arcadia Publishing… Books!

These were the five complimentary copies that Arcadia furnishes their authors –my first look at Legendary Locals of the Long Beach Peninsula which is scheduled to be ‘published’ on April 29^th.  ‘Published,’ at least in the case of Arcadia books, means the day the books will be in the bookstores ready for sale.    Legendary Locals of the Long Beach Peninsula actually went to press some weeks ago, right after I had finished my final proofreading.

It makes sense that there is lag time between printing and publishing.  The steps between print shop and bookstore are many – printing, binding, packaging, shipping.  To say nothing of the marketing process – contacting sales outlets, preparing promotional materials, and all the other good things that need to happen to alert the public concerning a new book on the market.

In the case of Arcadia Publishing, the author is also involved in the marketing process.  I was asked for an extensive list of possible outlets and, since our community is a small, everybody-knows-everybody sort of place, I’ve been contacted by several folks wishing to host a signing.  So far, five are scheduled which should give opportunities to residents up and down the Peninsula, as well as visitors to the area, to attend at least one.

Since the book will appear just before Loyalty Day Weekend when a new book is the furthest thing from most of our minds, the first opportunity to meet and talk with the author (me!) will be Saturday, May 11^th, at Adelaide’s Coffee and Books in Ocean Park from 1:00 to 3:00.

If you can’t make that one,  consider:  Wednesday, May 15^th at the Picture Attic in Long Beach from 2:00 to 4:00; Saturday, May 25^th at the Oysterville Store[‘s Grand Re-opening from 1:00 to 3:00; Saturday, July 6^th at Bailey’s Bakery and Café in Nahcotta from 11:00 to 1:00.

And in addition, there will be a special event at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum in Ilwaco on June 29^th when we will all have an opportunity to talk with, to, or about the Legendary Locals in the book!

Meanwhile, of course, the book will be available beginning two weeks from Monday.  Look for it at your favorite bookstore!