“Even when it all seems futile - especially when it all seems futile - some of us, at least, must never stop trying to bend the world, even if only a little, toward beauty.”
After months of planning a spectacular three-month book tour, I’m cancelling much of it today. With the CDC recommending no public gatherings of over 50 people for the next two months, it’s the socially responsible thing to do.
Everyone keeps asking me if I’m sad about it, but I’ve spent the last 20 years of my career mainly producing 5 nights a week of television, so I know the show must go on, no matter what… No time to be sad for long!
So, while I’m cancelling many physical events, I’m also ramping up digital events (more on FB Live and others soon!)… You and I may not be able to convene in person during this time, but I do promise you will have plenty of chances to hear me read from Raphael, Painter in Rome and discuss the book online. And once we all get this virus under control, I’ll be back out there, live and in the flesh!
And hey, people need to read right now to distract themselves from a challenging world, and there is one thing I keep telling myself: I’m proud of my Raphael; this story—more than any I’ve ever written—focuses optimism and beauty, and at this time of extraordinary fear and darkness, I think that’s a good thing for everyone.
Stay safe and healthy out there, I’ll see you in a virtual space very soon, and don’t forget to bend the world a little bit toward beauty as best you can.