A Beautiful Evening in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Isn't this a cool Clock Tower in downtown Portsmouth?

 Where the heck are McFly and Doc?

Clear skies, little to no wind, and temperatures above freezing was the blissful northern weather we experienced for the book signing.  It was a perfect evening.  Portsmouth, New Hampshire is a lovely town with quaint shops and plenty of history.  The town's sidewalks are paved with red brick which made me think of Coronado, CA (A place that I very much loved living before).  When we showed up at River Run Bookstore Stephen King was already there along with Joe Hill, his son.  Just imagine how cool it would be to say "My father is Stephen King." :))) 

We also met the guy whose image was used  by Michael Whelen for Father Callahan in Discordia  in front of RR when we showed up at the storefront window.  He was there to get a book signed too.  We asked him how Betts Bookstore was doing and he said it was doing well.  He was also surprised  that someone recognized him. 

When we got inside I was shocked to hear what a die-hard biker King is.  He said that he rode his Harley from Maine to New Hampshire. Brrrr  That is about 154 miles and about 3 hours in 30 degree weather. Brr Brr 

When it was my turn to get my book signed, I wore a custom-made sweatshirt with my winning entry on the front.  King read that it said Stephen's Empire which got his attention.  In the picture I took you can tell he is trying to make out what it meant.  (Take note of the look of confusion on his face.  Not the look I was hoping to capture but oh well.)  That is when I snapped the picture.  Beforehand, we were advised to turn the flash off of all cameras, which we did but at the same time I was taking my photo someone else snapped a photo with a flash.  I thought the flash came from my camera (but it didn't).  That is when I got all worried that I was going to be reprimanded by one of the on-duty police officers.  At the same time that I was stressing about the flash, he asked what the caption read on the picture. Unfortunatley I didn't answer his question because I was unaware that he asked it.  My family relayed it too me after the fact.   The caption was still very small even after having been blown up a little for the shirt.   I explained that I was one of the winners and that Eddie's of Roland Park was my entry.  He said, "Oh (smiled and extended his hand for me to shake it. OMG)  I smiled and shook his hand but didn't answer his question about the caption. Drat to the person who didn't turn off their flash!!!   My nervousness was apparant after the flash went off. I then told him how much I liked Full Dark, No Stars, and told him, "Thanks."  He smiled and replied by saying, "You're welcome."     

King is a super-nice, congenial person.  He really is great to his fans and also generous with his time even when he is signing 400+ books.     

David Williamson aka Father Callahan



Huh? 




Sorry about the poor quality, this is what it looks like without a d*mn flash!



Question of the Day #26: Do you think SK will do a book signing tour for Full Dark, No Stars!?

Yes, but I think it is going to be more like a lottery, similiar to the Canadian book signing he did for Under The Dome.  I think there will be a limited number of pre-signed books won on a lottery basis and a Q & A or discussion of the book.  He may do a few of those but not at all like Under The Dome. (This is just my suspicion, but here goes.) Under The Dome was a huge book and there was a lot riding on the success of  that book for the publisher and for King too.  The economy was a mess, no one was selling books.  They knew that if King did a signing tour they would sell a given number of books, hopefully even more.  My other thoughts on this, is that the release date is later than last year Nov. 9, 2010 this doesn't leave a lot of time for touring before the holidays. He will probably do the TV circuit, possibly The Today Show, Good Morning America, The View, or something like that to talk about the release.    I believe the signing tour was a success for the publisher, King, and his fans.  The tour was a win-win for everyone.  I believe they are going to be reaping the rewards of the tour for years to come in future book sales.  I would love to see him do another tour like last year, but seriously doubt that he will.  Now I'm going to beg........Please, please, pretty please ,do a book signing for Full Dark, No Stars! similar to last year! (Would you stop in MD, DC, or both? lol We would love to see you again!)

Well, it has been confirmed by Ms. Mod.  There won't be a book signing for Full Dark, No Stars!  Just as I thought! Shoot!     

Stephen appeared in Bridgton, Maine last night Under The Dome

Sun Journal article on book signing in Bridgton ME, 12/16/2009.
http://www7.sunjournal.com/node/30

News clip
http://www.wgme.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wgme_vid_1741.shtml

Another news clip
http://www.necn.com/Boston/Arts-Entertainment/2009/12/17/Stephen-King-finds-inspiration/1261082830.html

Update: Looks as though the last Under The Dome book signing is in Bridgton, Maine

I found an article. Bridgton, Maine December 16, 2009 Magic Lantern Theater 6:30 to 8:30 is already sold out @ 400 tickets (You lucky, lucky fans)! Click for complete article here.

http://www.sunjournal.com/node/695577/

Sorry, the page has been removed.

Where is the final book signing in Maine?

Under The Dome-final book signing-where?
Does anyone know where the final book signing for the tour will be? If so, could you let me in on the secret? I understand that all of the tickets are gone.....I was just wondering.

Update: Under The Dome signing tour Maine

It looks as though there won't be any tickets available for the final Maine signing. The venue where the signing will be taking place was able to sell out of tickets with local advertising, so there will be no more information released about the book signing. I wonder where it is going to be?

What does Stephen King have in store for us in 2010?

Marvel will be adding to the current graphic series, it will be called Dark Tower: The Gunslinger
http://www.stephenking.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15171

There will also be a new graphic novel American Vampire (this is the first time Stephen King will be working with Vertigo/DC Comics) and a new book Ghost Brothers of Darkland County. There will be more details later when the information is available.


If you would like to read the entire press release for American Vampire please visit:
http://www.stephenking.com/promo/american_vampire/press_release/

Stephen King book signing Dundalk, MD

FYI: During this video, Mr. King asks for Richard Chizmar, a friend of his. He is Founder of Cemetery Dance publisher in Maryland. They publish special editions of Stephen King's works. Here is a link to the Richard Chizmar's bio and website Cemetery Dance.

http://www.cemeterydance.com/page/CDP/CTGY/CHIZMAR

I also wanted to thank Paul Kram, Store Manager, Dundalk, MD for all of his effort and work he put forth for this book signing. This event was so well organized by you and your staff. Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you! :)

The unvieling of the new Under the Dome Book Cover

The unviel is taking place. The cover for Under the Dome is going to be awesome. There is still time to pre-order the book.


http://promo.simonandschuster.com/underthedome/22177_main.php

Baltimore Venue of Under the Dome Book Signing

Baltimore venue book signing only:

November 11, 2009 6:00 PM
Walmart
2399 North Point Boulevard
Dundalk, MD 21222

Stephen King Under the Dome Book Signing
Only the first 400 wristbands will get signed books. Wristbands are free on a first-come first- served basis given out at 7 AM that morning on November 11, 2009. So set your alarms early.
Mr. King will speak to the crowd for about the first 15 minutes before signing, only paid Walmart books will be signed, no other memorabilia will be signed. There will not be any personalization of the books, only his signature. He will not pose for photos with customers but photos can be taken from a distance. No flash photography is allowed. Assuming that Mr. King can get through the first 400 books in the two hour time limit, there will be a back up line so he could get through a few more than 400.