How's this for a "do something different' approach to author events: A. M. Homes did a ten-minute talk and then speed-dated four members of the audience for five minutes.
It's a format pioneered by Joe's Pub in New York City. At their "Happy Endings Music and Reading Series" they require authors to do the short talk and then something that involves a bit of risk-taking. Other examples include playing music and doing a live drawing.
If you're trying to line up an author event at your local bookstore or other venue, making it a fun event like that could add to the appeal and get you some press as well.
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