More Than One Thing

In 2 months, I’ll be at a bookstore in Jacksonville in the hopes of getting people to buy copies of my new book, A Group of Critters. From what I understand, I’ll just be set up on the sidewalk outside instead of being at a table inside with a pen and a waiting smile. So I’ll also be playing some songs on my guitar and offering pay-what-you-want-poetry.

I’ve never embraced the life of a busker for a number of reasons. For starters, playing songs for passers by who don’t really want to listen is more frustrating for me than playing for people having conversations in bars. Some would say that I’m too much of a Leo to enjoy not being listened to.

Secondly, the few times that I have stood out on some public sidewalk, I didn’t make any money. So not only do I have to feel the shame of watching people cross the street to avoid walking by me, but also of not meriting even pocket change. The last time I busked in Asheville, the guy just sitting with his hat in his hand did a hell of a lot better than me after an hour or so actually playing.

Thirdly, just playing music isn’t all that I am. To be honest, I’m not a great musician, and I don’t practice nearly as much as true professionals do. But now, I also leave the option open to offer some poetry or educational entertainment in the form of a coloring book. So I think I’m pretty content to just show up to a place and be who I am, in the hopes that someone actually wants me to be there.