I Love Libraries

"Almost anything that has ever brought me great joy began with a trip to the library" begins an Op-Ed I published in Newsday a few years ago. In the Op-Ed I detail the impact libraries have had on my life. Sure, the books are wonderful, but it's about more than books. Communities thrive when a great public library is at the center.

As an author of an academic book, my publishing goals have been focused primarily on library acquisitions. I want my words to be accessible to the greatest possible number of people. Every library purchase (metaphorically) pays dividends in terms of readership. Thus far, Just Here For the Comments, is accessible in over 160 libraries around the world, including places like Princeton and Cornell alongside colleges in places I have never visited like Botswana, South Africa, China, Australia, and Brazil.

The greatest gift; however, was to learn that U.S. public libraries, like my hometown Franklin Square Public Library have purchased a copy that is now available for circulation. I spent many afternoons and evenings in this library and hoped to one day have a book on the shelf, but never quite fully believed it would happen.

Let's Talk About Failure

I received some kind messages after my last newsletter marveling about all that I am accomplishing. Where it is always lovely to receive compliments, I also recognize the somewhat distorted view that newsletters and social media posts can present.

This August marks 20 years as a full time teacher (inclusive of university, high school, middle school, and community college teaching). I have been a full time parent for almost 10 of those years. Those two roles have, and continue to be, my primary focus. When I write, I do so alongside these jobs.

I write across genres and pursue various interests, but I don't write every day. Many projects percolate over the course of several years and an infinitesimal amount of work (if any) gets done on them week to week. I publish as often as I can, but my stats are not stellar. My ratio of works written to works published is probably 10:1. In other words, I fail often. I fail consistently. I write and pursue publication anyway. I write because I find it fun and what's the point of life if you're not having fun?

The Public Scholar

Boston College professor Dr. Betty Lai interviewed me for her forthcoming book, The Public Scholar (Princeton University Press) about how to increase the reach of your ideas. Her book offers concrete strategies for academics and thought leaders on how to:

• Get more people to come to your talks.
• Place an op-ed.
• Talk to media outlets.
• Get your book into the hands of the right readers.
• Pitch your ideas so that more opportunities come your way.

If this topic interests you, Dr. Lai is looking for Beta Readers for her book. Selected readers will receive a stipend. Please consider signing up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScW9rlCYxJY4wEjCgXA8kjVpDU7uvZFVvsiCg-OssTS7BVLyg/viewform

Dr. Lai is also the author of The Grant Writing Guide (Princeton University Press, 2023), a hands on guide how to write successful grant application to fund your dream work.

More Swag!

A friend recently gave me this notebook and sticky notes to celebrate the book. I had no idea about the book swag industry prior to publication, but it's got me thinking about unique ways to integrate these very thoughtful gifts into the book tour.

Speaking of the tour, here's the roundup of what's ahead for the end of summer and the start of the fall.

Events Calendar

🚆 Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga Writing Retreat (Aug 7/ Oyster Bay)

Now this is not technically related to Just Here For the Comments, but I'm partnering with Salty Soul Yoga and Sobol to offer a one day writing retreat at the Waterfront Center in Oyster Bay. The retreat includes a Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga class (beginners welcome) courtesy of Salty Soul Yoga, catered lunch from Sobol, and a generative writing workshop to explore narrative, poetic, and epistolary writing. For more info, visit: https://www.ginasipley.com/events

🚆 Cedarmere, Featured Poet (Sept 28/ Roslyn Harbor)

Cedarmere, the historic home of William Cullen Bryant, has invited me to be a featured poet and give a talk as part of their reading series. I'll read from my forthcoming manuscript, including my Facebook poem featured in the final chapter of Just Here for the Comments. Books will be available for sale through digital ordering. For more information: https://www.pw.org/literary_events/cedarmere_poetry_reading_with_gina_sipley

🚆 North Shore Library Consortium (Sept 30 / Zoom)

A collaborative effort of six libraries on the North Shore of Nassau County brings the work of local scholar and researchers to patrons on Long Island and beyond. More details on my talk coming soon!

🚆 Follett Bookstore Garden City (Oct 22 / Nassau Community College)

There's no better way to close out the book launch tour by raising funds for one of my favorite places on Earth, The Children's Greenhouse https://www.ginasipley.com/greenhouse

Thanks for walking beside me!

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