B is for Beer, Our Lady of the Blue Moon

B is for Beer, Our Lady of the Blue Moon, originally uploaded by MaryWit.

Tom Robbins has a posse, and it is us! We, his readers, are taking to the streets and watering holes, guerilla style, to spread the Word of his new book, "B is for Beer," to be release April 21, 2009 by Ecco.

I was his idea--Tom suggested to the marketing department of Ecco that they make promotional materials (stickers, cards and coasters) available to his readers to have fun with. Ecco said they've never done anything like this before. It is an absolutely brilliant strategy, and fitting, too. Tom Robbins early books were sniped at by the litereary establishment critics. His reader knew better, and passed the word (and the books) from hand to hand and his reputation among readers spread like wildfire. (I received my first TR book, "Another Roadside Attraction," from a stranger right here in the Blue Moon in the early 70s.) His books are currently published in 22 languages across the globe, and he is one of the world's most beloved authors.

This take-it-to-the-streets strategy of Tom's somehow feels like a gift and a nod to his readers. I'll post more photos of the blitz here from time to time.

For your own packet of cards, stickers and coasters, email ecco@harpercollins.com and include your mailing address.

'B is for Beer' Goodie Box

'B is for Beer' Goodie Box, originally uploaded by MaryWit.

I'm getting ready to hit the streets. The coasters were printed with the original publication date, February 3rd; since then, the date has been moved to April 21. Should I cross it out and handwrite the new date (grafitti style), print labels (my printer prints with water-soluable ink...could be a problem), or just leave it alone? I have ten stickers in my wallet for impromptu stickering, and a small bag packed with bundles of coasters and cards. I'll try to take pictures as I go, and am looking forward to having fun with this heartfelt project.

What a befitting way to honor this beloved author and spread the word for a unique and daring book! TR has always, from the beginning, included readers in his life and success, and put more store in us than in the mainstream critics and media. In this small way, we can return the favor.

If you'd like to join the fun, email ecco@harpercollins.com with "B is for Beer" in the subject line, and include the mailing address you want the materials to be sent to. They don't use your address for anything else, or sell or trade your email address.

Stay tuned...

"B is for Beer" Spread the Word, Build the Buzz and Bottoms Up!

From the very begiinning, Tom Robbins's books have been promoted by readers' word of mouth and passed from hand to hand, even as mainstream literary pundits sniffed and snipped. Readers recognized treasure when they saw it. I recieved my own first dog-eared copy of his first book, Another Roadside Attraction from a bearded and bandana'd stranger in Seattle's Blue Moon Tavern over 35 years ago. My life has never been the same since that reading, and I know I'm not alone. His books are published, read and loved around the world. Tom will be 73 years old in July. This could be his last book-- though one never knows with Tom...he's never one to sit still. When author Kurt Vonnegut died, there was a run on his books and an outpouring of love; a member of his family said it was too bad he wasn't there to see it. May Tom Robbins live forever, but in the meantime, he should know and never doubt that he and his books are treasured and loved, and that we're grateful for what he's given us over the past decades of his life.

This is an opportunity for readers to put into action our gratitude for the delicious delight and profound crazy wisdom Tom Robbins has given us over the years. Tom will be 73 years old in July. This could be his last book-- though one never knows with Tom...he's never one to sit still. When beloved author Kurt Vonnegut died, there was a run on his books and an outpouring of love; a member of his family said it was too bad he wasn't there to see it. May Tom Robbins live forever, but in the meantime, he should never doubt that his books are treasured and loved. I will be plastering every nook and cranny of my city, blogging and spreading the word, in an effort to pay tribute to this most esteemed author. If you'd like to join in this grassroots joyride, contact Ecco publishing (who also published Charles Bukowski and Leonard Cohen—a rich tradition) at ecco@harpercollins.com for stickers, greeting cards and coasters to help spread the word, Tom Robbins style. ~MW