Bobbo Byrnes

Hey Everybody!

I'm sitting here in Mechelen, Belgium, recovering from my last two shows, and something hit me this evening. I can't believe it took me this long to notice.

I reached one of my goals.

Yeah, I know I should've realized it, but I always wanted to write a book. And I wrote a book and put it out into the world this year.

I'm so locked into the album cycle of releasing a thing, touring it, and then going off to make another album that when my book came out, I just set to work promoting it and touring it. I didn't even stop to realize: Holy crap. I wrote and published a book.

I tell you all this not as some sort of backslapping, false-modesty bullshit, but because a lot of us probably reach our goals without allowing ourselves that moment of celebration and achievement. We just keep our heads down and start working toward the next thing, the next project, the next whatever.

If I'm like that, then maybe you are too.

If you feel up to it, please write back and share some of your successes. I would love to hear about what's happening in your world.

I happened into a shop in Brussels, Belgium. I didn't have a Belgium tattoo. Katani and Kiki were so nice. We shared some wine and stories and then I got this tattoo. BE. For Belgium and as a nice reminder to Be in the moment. It's on my right forearm.

Tomorrow I'm doing something I never thought I would do: crossing the English Channel on a ferry. I am heading to the U.K. for my next shows and taking the Ferry seems very on brand for me.

Would a flight be quicker? Yeah. Would the Eurostar train through the Chunnel be faster? Hell yeah it would.* It's going to rain and be a little chilly on the crossing from Calais, France, to Dover, England, but I'm up for it. It's something different. 

I have 12 books left in my bag, and with each book I sell, the wheels of my suitcase breathe a sigh of relief. Listening to them click-clack over the cobblestone streets as I walked, literally, a mile from the train station to my hotel yesterday was making me anxious.**

The crazy thing is, Too Many Miles is barely six months old. I keep forgetting that because I've been living these stories for a lot longer.

And then I play a show in Antwerp, and the folks there dig it and want more stories. I play a show in Mechelen, and the folks there dig it and more books go home with people. And they share their stories with me. There is an updated Tour Journal HERE.

The show I've put together around the book is different from a regular concert. It's stories and songs and all these people I've met because I picked up a guitar. And I'm realizing that I need to spend more time with this story. 

I need to give this one a chance to find more of its people.

So here's what I'd like to ask of you, my friends and fans:

If you've read and enjoyed Too Many Miles, would you consider telling a friend about it? Someone you think might connect with the stories. A personal recommendation means a hell of a lot.

And if you haven't picked up a copy yet, you can order one directly from me here: Too Many Miles  And while you're on my website, you can download the companion album Too Many Miles for FREE. That's right - I have set it up with a “pay what you want” for the companion, and actually, all my albums. The physical still costs but you can download for any price you like or free.

This picture is also a link to the page to buy it.

And if you know somewhere this book or my show might find an audience, a library, bookstore, listening room, festival, podcast, radio show, or publication, I'd love an introduction or a lead.

The book and album have both received wonderful reviews online and reader reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.*** This week saw two reviews from Italy, one from Germany and radio play in Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy and Ireland.

My guitar has gathered some more signatures. Come to a show and sign my guitar!

WHERE TO FIND ME NEXT:

If you'd rather hear some of these stories in person, I've got a few things coming up:

September 29 - Beer-a-rama, Eastbourne, England

October 3 - Saltash, England: An Evening with Annalisa Crawford and Bobbo Byrnes, Music & Literature. Book event with stories, songs, and Too Many Miles. (click the link for tickets)

October 16-18 - FAR-West, Portland, Oregon: Private Showcases and I am presenting a workshop on “Music as Cultural Diplomacy and Traveling Abroad as an American Artist.”

October 24 - Milford, New Hampshire: Some Salvation album release with Morgan Keating.

November 7 - Anaheim, California: Indie Author Day at the Anaheim Public Library.

November 14 - Twentynine Palms, California: Book festival and I am on a panel “Route 66 at 100 and the continuing legacy of road writing.”

November 18 -  Anaheim Public Library "Talk Music" Series where I will be performing, reading and demonstrating recording techniques.

November 21 - Pasadena, California. The Open Book. Book signing and show.

December 19 - The Anaheim Christmas Busk

February 11 - San Juan Capistrano, California. The Coach House with Steve Poltz 

I'll share the details and links as they get closer. If you're nearby, come say hello. I'd love to see you.

_____________________

Lastly, I'm planning to release the audiobook before Christmas, for all of you who would prefer to listen to me tell you the whole thing like a bedtime story.

Thank you for being part of this. Whether you've bought a book, come to a show, shared a song, offered me a place to sleep, or just followed along from home, you've helped me get here.

I wrote a book.

Holy crap.

Love,
Bobbo
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