Launch Day Part Two - Thoughts & Pics from McNally Robinson

I felt quite good on the way to the launch, and why not? The interview at CBC went well, threatening rain pushed past unleashed and Darlene and I were going to Swiss Chalet before the event.

Mistake #1: I listened to the CBC interview before heading to the event. If you read the previous post, you've got a sense of how little I cared for my performance. Other than the whole "bubbling" situation, I felt like a dope when I spoke about the troubles women faced in the workplace circa 1960 (which was, like, real hard) and I felt as though my answers were trite.

Mistake #1: We went to Swiss Chalet before the event. This is never a bad thing on its own, but coupled with an upsetting event (say, a poor interview performance) it can lead to ruin; for a big guy like me, being around all those carbohydrates when I'm feeling edgy is like locking an alcoholic in a Vintages.

The book store is quite swank and enticing. A section on the second floor is cleared away for these kind of affairs. Period-accurate chairs and lamp/table were acquired by event planner Carla (who did a bang up job) and I had time to worry about the empty sixty chairs facing me.

Good fortune #1: John Doyle from The Globe and Mail arrived and immediately put me at ease. It is obvious that he is not only a consummate professional, but a snappy dresser, too.

Good fortune #2: People showed up. Friends and family to be sure, but fans of the show anxious to talk about what they've seen and thought of the show. As much fun as I had being interviewed by Mr. Doyle, the Q&A picked up some interesting steam, particularly when one audience member happily disagreed with my description of Peggy as "selfish".

Good fortune #3: Many people said they heard the CBC interview and thought I sounded good. 'Professional' some said. Others said 'polished'. Apparently I didn't come across as a complete hick and for that I'm grateful.

Good fortune #4: We sold some books. Twenty-five, in fact.

Good fortune #5: Vodka gimlets, canapes and shrimp were served.

Mistake #3: Not acting fast enough with the gimlets, canapes and shrimp.

Next time, perhaps.

Launch Day Part One -- CBC Interview

The first thing I think about when approaching the CBC building on Front Street is that I've never been inside it before. Next, I realize that all I know about the interior is what I've seen on "The Newsroom" and that it actually looks smaller in person than on the small screen. Thirdly, I think that the Star Trek-style sliding security doors don't look all that forbidding, particularly because they are see-through plexiglass more at home at a drive-thru window than in the lobby of a national broadcaster.

Otherwise, I liked the place. The staff of "Here and Now", along with host Jane Hawtin, were quite accommodating to an interview newbie like myself. I'd like to thank them in particular for editing out the part where I suggested that Mad Men took place during the Civil War instead of the Civil Rights movement.

Also, anyone who accurately counts how many times I say "bubbling under" and its derivations will earn my lifelong scorn and contempt.

Stay tuned for my riveting account of the book launch. Also, pictures.

Kings of Madison Avenue Launch!

First, while I'm certain Mad Men fans have seen this already, there is a great icon generator thanks to AMC and illustrator Dyna Moe. The result for me is quite accurate--but I chose the hat to hide the closest match for my hair type. I'm not quite at the horseshoe stage yet. For more, hop over to www.madmenyourself.com and get yourself a swingin' avatar.


The book is coming out September 1st but the launch is happening Wednesday, August 12th at McNally Robinson. Myself and Globe and Mail TV critic John Doyle will discuss the impact of Mad Men. I will discuss the impact of book sales on me. Details below:

http://bit.ly/kvGUi

Details of the event via Facebook right here:

http://bit.ly/2LPqF

If you're in town, please come by! I promise to be Freddy Rumsen-drunk by tee-off.