Let's Grab a Drink and Talk About Stuff That Matters

**Updated, with dates, and new cities, below**

Oh... I'm a traveling maaaan...

So.... I'm trying to strategize a book tour, which is a lot of work, confusing, expensive, awesome, expensive, and overwhelming. Especially when it comes to choosing locations, because, uh.... Um. Yeah.

I've got the following cities on lockdown, sort of:

San Diego
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Seattle
Portland
Vancouver
New York
Boston
Chicago
Detroit
Charlotte
Washington DC
Austin
Atlanta


Other possible stops include Minneapolis, Dallas, St. Louis, Kansas City, Memphis, Philly, Miami, Toronto, Tampa, South Jersey...

Do you live in any of the aforementioned cities and/or where is the closest city to your home? And if you live in California, where about-ish? The west-coast portion of the tour will be the most extensive leg of the trip, obviously, but I'm wiiiiide open to locations. Would love to meet you/ have some drinks/ sing songs/ do each other's makeup/ raid local piano bars, etc.

**Also, it looks like west-coast leg will be third week in April-ish. East Coast, Mid-west and Southern stops: first two weeks of May.***

Thank you all in advance for delurking/providing your city coordinates/ being awesome. Go team!

GGC

**My goodolfriend just opened a spankin' new online boutique. Check it out! Everyone needs a Morrissey watch. And a lipstick tee. And the cutest jeans of all time folded in her dresser. **

124 comments:

tricia | 9:42 PM

not sure if it helps or not but i live in torrance, ca. not too far from you. company always welcome. i also have a 5 year old daughter and 3 year old twin boys to keep archer company if he's traveling along.

Anonymous | 9:44 PM

Hey Girl,
It's Pascale. I think you know I live in Santa Cruz which is only an hour or so drive to 'cisco (no traffic) and I've got a big ole guest room for you and Archer. So if you need a place to stay you are MORE than welcome to hang with us. :)
Pascale

Scar | 9:52 PM

I like drinks. I live in Memphis. But I will fucking stalk you on your tour everywhere. Especially if there will be wine. How about Denver? I like Denver.

Anonymous | 10:57 PM

PORTLAND! YEEHAWWW!!! I will drink and you will sing. Anyplace else you go, you're on your own. Meet you in the Pearl....
Linda (non-anonymous)

Anonymous | 12:00 AM

Well I'm in Fort Worth, but my ass will travel to Dallas, Austin or Houston if you choose one of those! PLEASE come to Texas :D

Anonymous | 2:35 AM

er, can you come to the Channel Islands, Europe?

We don't have a Starbucks or indeed many bars, but we do have a bookstore. No, wait, we have two. Two bookstores waiting for your love.

Anonymous | 5:02 AM

you should do dc, we live here, have a nice guest room and will do mad turnout, i'm an organizer for chrissakes. also, do ithaca new york, you have a big fan base there of mommies who will turn out and certainly places to crash. we'lll drive you up from dc!!!
beth

Anonymous | 5:09 AM

I don't know if you have a personal connection to Raleigh, but I am wondering if Charlotte wouldn't be a better bet? I think you should include a few east coast stops...
Or include Orlando and take the fam to Disney World!

divrchk | 5:15 AM

I'm in Northern Virginia so a DC stop would be cool.

Fairly Odd Mother | 5:20 AM

South of Boston here. Would love to know where you'll be stopping; if I can swing it, I'll get to whatever bookstore you'll be visiting.

Anonymous | 5:37 AM

Providence, RI!!

Ya, I know...it is close to Boston. But Providence is WAY hipper, lots of young families, and cheaper to boot. Ok, so I'm a little biased but you should look into it.

Shelli | 5:50 AM

I'm just outside of Philly (in southern New Jersey). You would do well to look into a bookstore in Marlton, NJ (15-20 min from the city) area. Very hip if I do say so myself. And I could bring an entourage. lol.

Anonymous | 5:55 AM

My vote is for Kansas City, MO - I've been reading since the Childbearing HIpster days, and I think it would be great for you to come out this way!

Anonymous | 6:20 AM

St. Louis.
St. Louis.
St. Louis.

I'll even offer up my "spare" room (only spare because it's Gabe's room and Gabe ends up sleeping with us every night still) to save you a little $$ on hotel, although there are some kick-ass places downtown to stay.

But if you go to KC, depending on the timing, I'd drive there. It's only about a 4 hour drive. Although if I'm close to giving birth, I may have to just wave in your general direction.

I know a couple other peeps here who would most definitely love to meet you.

Anonymous | 6:34 AM

If you are gonna be in Boston anyway, why not zoom up north to Burlington, VT for a quick stop? ;-)

kirida | 6:38 AM

Yes, please come to Seattle! I would suggest the popular piano bar, but then it would be too loud for us to play quarters.

Heather | 6:41 AM

What about New Orleans? I'd drive 2 hours to meet you!

miabird | 6:45 AM

I don't suppose that Indianapolis is on your C-list...or is it?

Melissa | 7:00 AM

Fort Worth TX here but Dallas is just right up the road and we would welcome you warmly.

The Mommy | 7:02 AM

Minneapolis baby! We'll rock Nye's and some other fun joints.

Fraulein | 7:03 AM

Yes, please do come to Boston. There's a wonderful independent bookstore in Brookline (right next to Boston) called Brookline Booksmith, and they do book signings all the time. You should check them out! I'll e-mail you a link to their site.

Anonymous | 7:21 AM

Phoenix! Or Vegas! I'm relatively close to both. Vegas might be your best bet. Then we could hit the casinos afterward.

Anonymous | 7:42 AM

COME to Charlotte!! You can stay with me - I am 20 min north of the city - god I would love to meet you in person!!!

KaritaG | 7:53 AM

No Denver?! I don't have a baby yet but have been reading your blog to decide how the hell I am going to actually BE A MOM without losing my entire personality when it happens, probably in the next six months. I just don't do mom jeans, or bake, and haven't yet figured out how you explain tattoos to a 2-year-old...

Anonymous | 8:00 AM

DC please. I mean, I will drive to you from Richmond.

metro mama | 8:01 AM

Dude, you must come to Toronto! We'll show you a good time.

Unknown | 8:37 AM

In California, near San Francisco. If you're really nice, I might even knit something for Archer. Like a hardcore hat.

Anonymous | 8:41 AM

Austin, baby... Central Texas and an oasis in the middle of Texas (no offense to D-town, Houston and FTW_

Come on down! Book People would be a great stop, local bookstore, favorite of the mommy crowd.

Anonymous | 8:43 AM

AND we have dueling piano bars, just across the street from each other. TOO much fun.

Anonymous | 8:47 AM

Okay, I'm in Orange County. I'm a member of two big mom groups and one "women's club" and would be glad to host an event. I will email you more details. I don't have a public blog but I am a writer. However, since it is so close to San Diego, you may not be interested. I would at least come there to attend an event.

On a side note, I used to live in Charlotte, NC, several years ago and have tons of friends there I could help you market to. Great, growing, progressive city in South. Might want to check it out.

Elissa L. | 8:49 AM

Palm Springs baby!

Anonymous | 8:49 AM

Central Coast, CA - specifically Santa Maria, not far from San Luis Obispo. You know you love the Madonna Inn!

Lisa Dunick | 8:54 AM

If you come to Chicago, the three hour drive will totally be worth meeting you!

Kae | 9:41 AM

Yay Seattle! :D

Chris | 10:11 AM

I would suggest Charlotte over Raleigh-Durham. But I'd happily drive to either city.

Anonymous | 10:11 AM

Cleveland, baby. There's even a local Archer here. He'll be about 14 months come book time.

Sigh. I'll drive to Detroit if I must...I know you can't be everywhere, especially as a mom.

Anonymous | 10:17 AM

Mountain View, CA (closer to San Jose then San Francisco).

Anonymous | 10:22 AM

I second the Cleveland (OHIO) entry!! Or Cincinnati.....

Tiffany | 10:23 AM

I'm in California, in San Jose to be exact.

Allison Cross | 10:41 AM

Come up to Vancouver, BC! We Canadians would love to have you.

Anonymous | 11:06 AM

It would be awesome if you could come to Berkeley rather (or in addition to) San Francisco. Or even Oakland would be good - it's just difficult to get in and out of San Francisco. I can recommend some book stores...

If you have a say in where in SF you visit, please make it near a BART line!

Anonymous | 11:20 AM

memphis is closer to me but atlanta would be worth the extra hour, fyi. also, not as depressing (sorry memphis).

Anonymous | 11:21 AM

If your ass doesn't stop in The OC, you're dead to me.

No pressure though.

Anonymous | 11:38 AM

Queens, NY here. I'll definitely be there for your NYC stop. =)

~Michelle

GIRL'S GONE CHILD | 11:39 AM

You guys are awesome. I'll def be in the OC, Berkeley, San Jose, SF and surrounding areas including a mountain town in the Sierras. Charlotte and DC look like for sure stops and Vancouver is also def a possibility. Also leaning toward St. Louis and Atlanta fo sho now that you guys have spoken.

NJ is also a big possibility. Am from there originally and have lots of fam. Good call on the NJ, tip.

Austin is probably a for sure as well, probably do something around SXSW?

New Orleans would be awesome! And I could probably swing Vermont. My aunt and uncle are there!

If you mentioned that you had hook-ups, mom's groups, friends at bookstores or any other possible hook-ups in your 'hood, email me if you can, or provide email somewhere I can reach you. Much appreciated!

Your offers of room are also MUCH appreciate and seriously, I may be taking some of you up on that. Fold-out couches are my co-pilot.

Again, thank you all for this. It's a HUGE help! I've been the author in the room of two people but at least I wasn't paying out of my own pocket to be there. Crowds are mos def necessary! Can't wait to meet many of you!

Anonymous | 11:47 AM

Can I just ditto the Vancouver suggestion? No one EVER comes here (authors, bands, etc) and I always have to cross down to Seattle to see people do their thing. Lame, yo!

Anyway, if you do add Vancouver to your list, I will promo for you until I'm blue in the face. I babysit like crazy up here so I know a lot of parents who will so be there!

Lots of people read at Chapters on Robson Street, but I'm sure there is somewhere funkier.

PS: You can sleep on my couch. ;)

GIRL'S GONE CHILD | 11:52 AM

Aline-- Yes. Vancouver is on. One of my best friends is there as well and I ADORE Vancouver. Promo-ing doesn't hurt either. I will take you up on that, so you know. :) Thanks for the bookstore rec. Great stuff.

Anonymous | 12:03 PM

Oh, PLEASE come to Nashville! It's not just country music anymore.

Emery Jo | 12:11 PM

Rebecca-- You should come to Oklahoma City. There is a fabulous little bookstore here I could contact and you could crash at my house. However, I would drive up to Kansas City in a heartbeat if I needed to :) I also know some peeps there.

Anonymous | 12:18 PM

I'm in Connecticut, but if you come to Boston I'll definitely try to go. Though there is an awesome bookstore in Madison, CT, where they do a lot of author readings & signings - R.J. Julia Books (http://www.rjjulia.com/)- and I'm sure they'd love to have you. And then we could totally get drinks afterward. ; )

Jaime | 12:31 PM

come to chapel hill!!! I'm from south jersey but living here for school and I'd love to see you!

Anonymous | 12:37 PM

Hi there,
Fairly new to your blog but find your writing very addictive. I'm in San Diego so I'll be on the lookout for your appearance. And I might be able to help schedule something somewhere.

take care
Lizzie
www.meetinggrace.wordpress.com

Anonymous | 12:56 PM

I live in Tacoma, about 45 minutes from Seattle. I would love to meet you/see your fancy pants new book, but sometimes, Seattle feels like a million miles away...

Alyssa | 12:58 PM

I'm in St. Louis, MO and I'd totally go! =))

I don't live here anymore. | 1:10 PM

COME TO FORT LAUDERDALE. or miami. I so want to pick your brain. xoxo

Malice | 1:19 PM

I'm pretty sure you need to make a stop in Arizona...Tempe's pretty rad. I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.

Anonymous | 1:32 PM

What about Marin? A bastion of young moms, even some pretty cool ones. Yes, I can and will go to SF if there is no Marin stop. But Book Passage Cafe in Corte Madera seems to have a lot of great authors come by and they even have their own writing group made up of moms.
And I would love to do each other's hair if you come to Marin. I was the best french-braider in the sixth grade.

jdg | 1:34 PM

Detroit! Even Blue Öyster Cult skipped Detroit on their last tour! Woo-hoo!

Does that mean you'll need the guest bed?

clueless but hopeful mama | 1:37 PM

Please come all the way to..... Pasadena! I'm sure you'll be doing it UP in Los Angeles so I'll just sit tight and wait for the word. Do keep us posted as I've got two playgroups full of mommies to invite. But we may need some time to find babysitting so we can make a cocktail hour of it.

Stephanie | 1:39 PM

Madison, WI!

:)

Anonymous | 1:39 PM

um..girlfriend you need to hit up pittsburgh. big time.

Anonymous | 1:40 PM

I've only been reading a few months, but really enjoy your ideas and the discussions prompted by them. I live in Los Angeles, and we have a spare room. I'm delivering tomorrow - and not sure when your touring. My husband used to be in a band, so we've spread lots of rock love by housing people. I haven't signed up here, but I requested you as a friend on myspace. Beth

Anonymous | 1:53 PM

I believe some one else said it but I'd do an Ithaca stop as well- I live about 45 min outside of Ithaca and can help with arrangements if you are interested...

Unknown | 1:59 PM

Hope you stop in Portland. Me and the other mammas are big fans. I am sure we can all pitch in and buy at least a couple drinks.

Mama | 2:04 PM

I can't believe only one other person said Minneapolis. I would totally do the drive to Madison though!

Anonymous | 2:07 PM

You have to represent your roots-let's go North County (I'm in San Marcos to be specific!)

ImpostorMom | 2:23 PM

I'm closest to Atlanta but would also love to see you in Charlotte as I have a friend there that I need to visit.

And I notice I am still measuring time by how old my son will be for any given event. Like, hmm May, he'll be almost 17 months old. :P Does that ever go away? Or, is that just me?

motherbumper | 2:56 PM

TORONTO, TORONTO, TORONTO, TORONTO!

moplans | 3:42 PM

Yes. Come to Toronto. If you didn't figure it out at BlogHer the girls will get you drunk and show you a good time. I will personally buy you a toque.

Anonymous | 4:07 PM

I would tell you to come to my city, but Chapters has forced all our other independent book sellers out of town - except for the Christian book stores hahahah

But if you happen to make it to Calgary, AB... I would totally be there! Although Vancouver to Calgary is a bit of a stretch. LOL

tarable | 4:24 PM

Denver! Please, please, please...the Rocky Mountain elevation will do wonders for your head. If you're going to be flying over us anyway, stop and say hi to your "highest" fans!!

apricoco | 4:49 PM

Come to Fort Lauderdale! Miami is ok, but she is more like a cheap 20 dollar hooker that you don't want to wake up with, I mean, that's ok if you are into that. Fort Lauderdale, though? She's a 50 dollar hooker, with MUCH less traffic and fewer confusing roads.

Oh, I don't have a fold out, but I do have a nice comfy couch. Hookers not included. =)

PS. I'll still come and meet you if you HAVE to go to Miami.

Anonymous | 4:54 PM

You should so come to kansas city...I don't drink but definally would love to meet ya in person. i am about 30 minutes from kansas city

PunditMom | 5:29 PM

Just in the shadow of D.C. -- and a spare bedroom for you to crash in! Really.

Anonymous | 6:52 PM

Holla from Charlotte, NC. You have no idea how thrilled I am that we're on your tour! Are you coming to Park Road Books? They're part of my extended family (my mom's an author too). I'll bring a whole crowd with me. And ditto all the others -- please stay with us while you're here! We have a whole room we can offer you. And we lived in Durham for 8 years -- are you going there or Raleigh? Or both? They both have great independent bookstores, as you probably already know. (And Durham is where I knew Martin Kratt, way back when! Not to beat a dead horse -- but I want you to know that I'm not a stranger!)

Hooray book tour! Everyone wins!

Sara | 7:19 PM

Yeah for Portland! Can't wait to see you on tour; I'll be picking up the book when it comes out. (Good to know now it will be in April -- plenty of time to find a babysitter.)

Tiffany | 7:22 PM

If you come to kansas, I hope you come to the Olathe area

Sarahviz | 7:25 PM

I'll definitely be coming to say hi to you when you visit Boston!

Jodi | 7:35 PM

I'm in Seattle

Julie Marsh | 8:25 PM

Yo, why is Denver not on your list? The Tattered Cover - very cool bookstore. Maybe by the time you get here, I really will be able to grab a drink. With you, I mean.

Anonymous | 8:27 PM

PLEASE COME TO ST.LOUIS! WE NEED SOME MORE COOL WOMEN LIKE YOU TO COME VISIT US! Sarah PS. Sadly, I may be very prego or just given birth, but hopefully I could make it. How exciting for you!

Anonymous | 8:32 PM

A "mountain town" in the sierras? What town would that be, since that's nearer to us than SF is. We're a tiny bit north of Sac...think Roseville area.

Anonymous | 8:33 PM

Just glad to see Portland is on your list!! Hope to meet you this time.

Anonymous | 9:18 PM

You know (of course) you are always welcome to stay with us. South Bay, San Fran area, baby! (Email me, I want more details.)

Ooh, and if you bring Archer, he and Chance could hang, looking all stylin' in their Vans, and picking up chicks!

Anonymous | 10:06 PM

Turlock, CA, right south of Modesto. My husband and I just moved here to teach English at CSU Stanislaus. Maybe you could make a stop here after SF?

GIRL'S GONE CHILD | 1:06 AM

Awesome. This is all awesome. I'll most likely be contacting you guys soon, especially those of you who's email addresses I have. Toronto is very probable. I'll have Archer with me for only part of the trip, most likely. I'm trying to figure out how that would work, still. May bring my mom along for some of the ride to help out.

Anyway, this has been a TREMENDOUS help. Thank you all very much.

Everydaytreats | 4:00 AM

I'm so excited you're coming to Boston! Email me!

(I used to blog under Reluctant Housewife)

Anonymous | 6:08 AM

Ok, so I am another vote for the good 'ol STL. We have some very cool neighborhoods I think you would love!

karengreeners | 6:18 AM

Really hope you make it to Toronto - we won't disappoint ;)

Anonymous | 9:08 AM

I live in LA now but I'm from Charlottesville, Va... if you are considering a second Va stop (besides DC) you should go. college town, cool, artsy, southern, gorgeous scenery (blue ridge), lots of good food and nice people and independent bookstores :). Unfortunately I can't recommend a couch to you, but it's a great town and I think you'd like it.

tflem | 9:09 AM

Would you consider a Vancouver stop?

Applesass | 9:38 AM

Yay, book tour! What an exciting time for you! Can't wait to see you in Portland. Will totally come see you.

If you want an additional place to the fabulous Powell's you could go to my friend's bookstore in Selwood called Wallace Books. Great neighborhood independent bookstore with lots of cool people.

Looking forward to it!

Gretchen

Anonymous | 10:34 AM

i am totally delurking myself for this... i only saw one other comment about detroit, and i think that if you come here, i would suggest coming to royal oak or ferndale which are suburbs of detroit. they have great, hip downtown areas that attract younger moms (and dads too!) plus, if you come to ferndale i can take you to all the dive bars (karaoke and $4 pitchers? it exists!) anyway, feel free to email me for any additional info: durgan.megan@gmail.com

Anonymous | 12:38 PM

Another vote for Toronto! You have to come here. We'll get the crowds out and I've got plenty of room for you to stay if you need it..

Kelly

Mamalang | 1:24 PM

I live in Delaware, so Philly, Baltimore, Southern Jersey and DC are all doable for me, depending on the time :) But you know, if you want to go where the biggest attraction is Nascar or the beach, we're your state. Or history...(we are the first state after all). Other than that, I got nada. SOrry :)

Anonymous | 1:52 PM

Seattle! I live very near Seattle. I might be chemo bald by then but whatever. I'll totally come see you.

merseydotes | 1:57 PM

Woop, woop for DC! See you then!

Jen | 2:01 PM

I'm a North OC Girl- Placentia, Anaheim, Fullerton area....Congrats on all your success. I love your writing!!! I've been reading since I was a month or 2 pregnant...my baby girl just turned ONE! I love reading about Archer and yourself and definitely plan on supporting your book.
I am a female DJ, former party girl, and really relate to you and all your positive changes. Keep it up-Best Wishes!

silver screen pipe dreams | 2:22 PM

I'm glad to see DC's on here! It would be awesome to see you in this town.

Anonymous | 3:23 PM

I'm here to echo Toronto.

Or Ottawa even.

If you are in either one of those cities I'll be on you like buttah on toast gfriend (in a friend like way- of course...)

kittenpie | 4:26 PM

Well, you know there are a RAFT of us in Toronto who love you and would totally organize a night out to come show it. C'mon, you'll love it here!

Anonymous | 6:16 PM

Boston! Please hit Boston. Or Providence RI is hip, fun and nearby. I'll definitely come visit and bring my sis, Fairly Odd Mother... Schmooch

Anonymous | 8:31 PM

I'm in Edmonds, Wa just north of Seattle. Would love to have you visit Seattle!
BTW - what do you think of the book, No Kid - 40 reasons to not have children by French author Corinne Maier? I have read a few reviews, sounds funny yet disturbing, me being a mother of a 3 year old myself. Can relate some days!
Christi

Anonymous | 8:53 PM

NYC, can't skip NYC. There are lots of options and plenty of ways to get a crowd out. My twins group is 300+ people alone... Id be happy to help out any way you need here. Couch included.

Anonymous | 10:32 PM

I will come to see you in SF!

Anonymous | 11:26 PM

portland

Anonymous | 1:47 AM

I'd be cool if in DC you did it at Borders at 18th and L... I used to work there, I met my husband there... too bad I'm on the other side of the world now to get a signed copy :(

cupkait | 9:19 AM

Philly!

Anonymous | 10:18 AM

yeah, ithaca would awesome or at least syracuse or rochester, but i would make it to nyc if i had to.But ithaca would be awesome and i know a lot of great moms there who would love you since i used to live there and all the bookstores are awesome and the gorges are fabulous and yeah.

Anonymous | 10:26 AM

Atlanta!

Loukia | 10:58 AM

What about Canada's capital?

Anonymous | 5:45 PM

dude! hit up raleigh, north carolina! quail ridge bookstore would be perfect for you. and you can stay with me!

Anonymous | 8:11 PM

i'd like to know more about the town in the sierras? if you're talking like auburn/truckee/placerville - then you're close enough for me to come too! although, nevada is a pretty awesome state too, with a piano bar i absolutley love!

Namito | 4:39 PM

Heya grrlfriend,

I'll still be in Boston next May, (really in Brookline...new parent mecca of Massachusetts).

If you'd like to plug your work in an independent bookstore...check out Brookline Booksmith.
http://www.brooklinebooksmith.com/

Good luck! Come to Boston!

Lilli | 5:46 PM

Um... Dallas... for sure! You can stay at my place! :) Seriously though,I can't wait to see you! Love you! ~Lilli

mo-wo | 10:36 PM

Count on us for babysitting/playdate as need be in Vancouver. And for bookstores you might end up at Chapters sure.. but our library is a terrific venue, too. Good way to connect with families maybe? As you know Cool Moms pick the library!

I'd sure love to interview you for Wet Coast Women when you are due in town.

GIRL'S GONE CHILD | 10:40 PM

Wet Coast Women? Was that a slip or... Because... Heynow! Wet Hot Canadian Summer, Here I COME!

Anonymous | 4:54 AM

Delurking to say I spose South Africa's a little far to travel huh? Am an SA 'hipster' mom (not that we really use the term here but I finally found something to classify myself as besides 'odd', woohoo!)who SO relates to your writing. GGC is my first stop every day, so I can't wait to buy the book! (And pay the heinous import charges too, hehe!)Good luck with your tour, you rock sweet-pea.

Leigh C. | 7:43 AM

(hand up in the air)Ummm...can you get New Orleans on there? Please? Pretty please? I can take you to the piano bar at Pat O'Brien's. Arrange for a place to stay. All that good stuff. Let me know!

Jaelithe | 9:20 PM

If St. Louis becomes finalized on your list, I will totally give you the tour of the town if you so desire. And you would be welcome to sleep on my futon.

Anonymous | 6:57 PM

Oh yes...definitely come to Toronto!

Slay Belle | 9:16 AM

Seriously there's only been one shout out for Philly and that was really to get you to Jersey? Man, I must delurk to give a push for Philly. Some magazine said we were the new big thing, so it must be true, plus we're all awesome and stuff.

I'm in the north suburbs of the city and have extra crash space...

mama-lama-ding-dong | 8:07 PM

Kansas City and/or St. Louis would be fabulous!

Anonymous | 6:29 PM

Sacramento, CA would love to have you here!!