This past Sunday, I had the privilege of giving my very first reading from Hope in a Time of Dying at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Hollywood. At least forty people came, and many lined up afterward to buy a copy of the book. The focus of the reading was on passages featuring Father Briggs, a character inspired by the real-life rector of St. Thomas from the mid-1980s through 2000, Father Carroll Barbour.
During the height of the AIDS crisis, Father Barbour stood at the front lines of grief and loss, offering comfort to countless people living—and dying—with AIDS. At one point, he was performing two to three funerals a week. He was also a close friend of my brother Jim’s and an enormous support to me during those difficult days in the mid-1990s. To be able to honor his legacy through my novel was a deeply moving experience.
I’ll admit I had a terrible case of nerves earlier that morning during Mass. Knowing I was going to read passages about my first experiences at St. Thomas the Apostle after moving to LA—and remembering how critical Father Barbour was to my emotional survival back then—brought up more feelings than I expected. I had a good cry not long after arriving, especially when I saw my sweet daughter Rachael, her partner Andrew, his mom, and two of his cousins in the congregation. I was so touched that they all came.
But once I got that out of my system, I gave myself a little pep talk: “This is book marketing. No room for emotion now.” That stern internal voice did the trick. When it came time to walk to the podium, I pulled myself together, gave my reading, and only had one small, almost-teary moment. Victory! (Yes, I am a notorious crybaby.) The audience was warm and welcoming, which helped immensely, and when I finished the third and final excerpt, they broke into applause. I will remember that moment for a very long time.
Another highlight was seeing my fellow St. Thomas parishioner, Joan Johnson, who had a friend drive her in from Crestline—a two-hour trip—just to attend. Joan is an award-winning playwright, poet, and flash fiction writer, and someone who has believed in my work since the day we met. After the reading, she pulled me aside and said, “The best word I can use to describe your book is honest. I loved how you let the gay characters be so flawed. That was refreshing.” She also told me she didn’t see the ending coming: “Very unexpected. Fine job.” Needless to say, those words meant the world to me.
Here’s what I’m learning in this new phase of my writing life:
- Enjoy the moment.
- Be deeply grateful to anyone who takes the time to read my book.
- Remember that writing and marketing are two very different skills—but both can be satisfying in their own ways.
I am filled with gratitude for the reception my book received at St. Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood. Thank you to everyone who showed up, who listened, and who offered your support. I’m touched beyond words.
Below are a few photos of the event:
20 Minutes a Day 