WELCOME… And thank you for being here!
Anytime I show up to a speaking event or book signing, I’m always tempted to peek at the crowd, to make sure people actually came. Then I remind myself, no matter the size of the crowd, I’m committed to having a good time even if there’s only two of us.
Friends, thank you for being here; we are going to have such a good time! I have so much up my sleeve, but first, a few pieces of housekeeping.
What can you expect?
You are getting this email because you are part of the launch team for my new book - I’m Still Here: Loving Myself in a World Not Made For Me! I keep jokingly calling this launch team my book club for people who don’t have to read the whole book. I intentionally came up with a plan that would hopefully not overwhelm anyone and actually be do-able in the time we have together. Over the next several weeks, every Tuesday and Thursday you will receive:
a weekly syllabus — which includes a suggested and curated reading guide with chapters from my book along with a few other suggested things to read, watch or listen to. The syllabus is intended to serve as fun resources. No tests. No quizzes. Return to it next week or next year!
invitations to exclusive virtual events with Tracy Clayton, Mikki Kendall, and Malia Baker (save the dates for March 21, March 28 and April 11 - but don’t sweat it, we’ll be recording these events if you can’t be there live)
access to the whole book via NetGalley
extra book content that we saved just for you
the ability to comment and dig into conversation with fellow launch team members
ideas for ways to spread the word about books you believe in (including this one!!)
What kind of community will this be?
Ask anyone who has ever worked with me and they will tell you I love a good collab. And this launch team is no exception! I want you to feel part of something bigger than yourself, to create a place where you can meet others who care about racial justice or enjoy good stories. I want the stories shared (either in my book or something else from the syllabus) to spark conversation and curiosity and further recommendations for things to check out. And I trust the comments on these emails will be respectful and civil.
Two More Things…
1. Save the date!
For next Tuesday, March 21 at 7pm EST for an exclusive virtual conversation with Tracy Clayton! We will be discussing the first weeks chapters (more details coming your way Thursday!).
For extra credit, save the following dates too!
Tuesday, March 28 at 7pm EST with Mikki Kendall
Tuesday, April 11 at 7pm EST for a post-book launch party with special guest, Malia Baker from Netflix’s The Baby-Sitters Club!!
2. Introduce Yourself!
In the comments of this post, please say hello! Extra credit if you share your favorite memoir or banned book! Head to the comments to see my answers!
Any Questions? Email me at hello@austinchanning.com or comment below.
I’m so glad + grateful you are here!
xoxo
Austin
I have a lot of favorites on the banned book list, but one of my top picks is Sula by Toni Morrison (I also love that her books have been banned from some prisons for fear they would cause a riot!)
I’m so excited to be a part of the book launch team! Launching books with my favorite authors is one of my very favorite things to do. Caste by Isabel Wilkerson is a favorite banned book (why do you make it so hard to live here and love you sometimes, Texas?!) and I’m in the middle of reading the Warmth of Other Suns by her right now. Thank you for letting me be a part of bringing your new book into the world, Austin!