This Saturday, I’ll be in Muncie, Indiana at Aw Yeah Comics, talking to owner Christina Blanch and signing books.
More on Aw Yeah in a minute. First, I want to give a rundown of public events over the next two months. I will update if things get added or otherwise change.
• Saturday, Dec. 2 at Aw Yeah Comics in Muncie, Indiana. Signing from 4 to 6 p.m., immediately followed by a discussion with Christy Blanch.
• Wednesday Dec. 27 at Beaverdale Books in Des Moines, Iowa. Meet the author event and signing starts at 4 p.m. I grew up in Norwalk, which is just south of Des Moines, so this is a hometown event for me.
• Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 515 Brewing Co. in Clive, Iowa. Happy hour gathering from 7 to 9 p.m. No program planned for this, just hanging out, with books available for sale. The taproom is managed by Matt Johnson, a high school classmate of mine who later was co-founder of Cup O’ Kryptonite, a comics-coffee combo store that was way ahead of its time.
• Thursday, Jan. 18 at Gramercy Books in Bexley, Ohio. Author night with Dan Gearino starting at 7 p.m. Gramercy is a relatively new independent bookstore in the Columbus area, and has been a great supporter of local writers. This will be my second Columbus event after the book launch in October.
Now, about Aw Yeah Comics. When I started writing my book, Aw Yeah was one of the first stores I visited. Christy and her crew went out of their way to accommodate me at a time when my project was barely formed.
Aw Yeah is part of a loosely connected three-store chain, with other stores in Skokie, Illinois and Harrison, New York. The Muncie store is in the city’s downtown. It has an inviting children’s section, and an enticing mix of back issues. While I was there, I saw how the location attracts foot traffic from lots of people who are new to comics. The staff has a knack for making recommendations and turning one-time visitors into regulars.
In addition to owning the store, Christy just completed her doctorate in education at Ball State University, and she is a writer and teacher.
If you’re in or near Muncie this Saturday, you should stop by.
Dan Gearino 