Had things gone as planned — insert God laughing here — I would be in Patrick, SC, after visiting spots along the Florida coast and a swing through Georgia. And, somewhere along that Route 1 adventure I would have been grounded by a nasty virus.

If you remember I had this crazy idea last year to do  little traveling in 2020. I was  planning a year long tour along the Route 1/Atlantic Coast from Key West, FL, to Fort Kent, ME. My thought was to spend a few days at select sites on the route, capturing the ambience of each locale and capping each visit with a live broadcast featuring fellow authors I was sure I would meet along the way. The plan was to have face time with my writing buddies as we reflect on the writing process, share helpful writing tips and ideas, and promote our books.

That got a little pricey, so I went with Plan B — after visiting with my kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, set up a series of bookstore tours. Just as I was putting that plan in motion — insert God laughing hysterically here — coronavirus touched down in the USA and just about everything got shut down.

I was sitting at the Hebe, Goddess of Youth Fountain in Fountain Square in Bowling Green, KY, yesterday when Plan C was born — and I don’t want to hear any laughing! One of the things I like best about being an author is meeting new people in smaller settings. With the water gurgling in the background, I thought I could set up a virtual “Evening with Author Joe Siccardi”. As I’m fleshing out the thought, I would set up a Zoom account {or something similar} and invite my readers, followers, and friends to the party. During the gathering, I would describe my writing background, how each of the three currently published books — Heaven Shining Through; My Name Is Sam … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through; and Wisdom From a Father … one dad’s thoughts on life — came to be and what is planned for the future. Since it would be interactive, I would also any questions you may have. I would also limit each presentation to around 20 participants at a time. Each gathering would run about an hour. And I would repeat it as many times as needed with new audiences. Refreshments optional.

I may do a dry run through Facebook Live — no interaction except comments — before actually launching. I might even do it Fountain Square. I’ll keep you posted.

But I do need your help. If you think it’s a viable idea, let me know. If you have a time or day preference, let me know. If you have any ideas or suggestions, let me know.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: The truth is the truth, even if no one believes it. A lie is a lie, even if everyone believes it.