March 2, 2026 – After six years of meticulous preparation, the literary world finally received Away To Me, the latest novel by acclaimed author Patricia McConnell. For an author known for her insightful non-fiction, the transition to fiction has been a long-gestating project that has finally culminated in a whirlwind national tour. As McConnell navigates the high-pressure environment of book launches, she does so with a blend of professional grace, public vulnerability, and a resilience that rivals the characters in her own prose.
The Genesis of the Tour
The book tour for Away To Me officially kicked off last week at the Gard Theater in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Sponsored by the venerable Arcadia Books, the event served as a testament to the community-driven nature of independent publishing. McConnell appeared "in conversation" with award-winning novelist Nickolas Butler. The chemistry between the two writers was palpable, drawing an audience of 120 dedicated readers on a weeknight—a significant turnout that set a high bar for the remainder of the tour.
The reception has been universally warm, bolstered by creative digital support. Wendy Piatt, a singer/songwriter and the author’s niece, produced a short, poignant video highlighting the book’s themes, which has served as a digital cornerstone for the promotional efforts. For McConnell, the tour is more than just a series of signings; it is an opportunity to bridge the gap between her established non-fiction audience and her new life as a novelist.
Chronology of the Book Tour
The logistical footprint of a modern book tour is a marathon at a sprint pace. Following the successful launch in Spring Green, the schedule has been unrelenting:
- February 2026 (Late): Successful appearances in Milwaukee (at Boswell Book Company with Patricia Skalka) and Lake Geneva (at the Riviera Ballroom, hosted by Lakeside Books).
- March 2, 2026: A scheduled talk at Bound to Happen Books in Stevens Point.
- March 3, 2026: An event at the Lion’s Mouth Bookstore in Green Bay, in collaboration with the Brown County Central Library.
- March 5, 2026: A highly anticipated talk at Mystery to Me in Madison. This event, featuring novelist Maggie Ginsberg, has already garnered significant interest, with a waitlist and a live-stream component planned for those unable to attend in person.
- Post-March 5: The tour expands to a national scale, with upcoming stops in San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas, Texas.
Supporting Data and The Human Element
Central to the narrative of this tour is the intersection of local literary culture and community service. At every stop, McConnell has intentionally carved out space to honor the Humane Society staff. Recognizing that a foster dog plays a pivotal role in Away To Me, the author has utilized her platform to highlight the vital work of animal shelters. At the Boswell Book Company event, this commitment was made visible through the donation of books to the Wisconsin Humane Society, symbolizing the symbiotic relationship between the author’s fiction and the real-world causes she champions.
Despite the logistical exhaustion, the author notes that the interaction with readers—many of whom are willing to wait in long lines for a personalized signature—provides the necessary fuel to continue. The camaraderie among attendees, particularly at the Lake Geneva event where 65 people braved a snowstorm to attend, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of physical bookstores and community libraries.
The Physical Toll: An Author’s Resilience
Behind the scenes of the public-facing tour lies a story of personal struggle. The timing of a book launch is often outside the author’s control, and for McConnell, this launch has coincided with significant health hurdles.
"Book tours are a marathon, but they feel like running a marathon at a sprint pace," McConnell noted in a recent reflection. This physical demand has been complicated by a bout of deQuervain’s tenosynovitis in her right wrist, which initially made it nearly impossible to sign books. Furthermore, just one day before her inaugural tour event, she suffered a significant knee injury that has left her on crutches.
Despite these physical setbacks, the author has maintained her schedule with characteristic humor and determination, successfully transitioning from sleeping on her couch to navigating stairs once more. This "interesting" set of circumstances—juggling medical recovery with the high-octane requirements of a book launch—highlights the often-unseen labor involved in the modern author’s life.
Implications of the "Cozy" Classification
In the realm of literary criticism, Away To Me has prompted an interesting discussion regarding genre. Some early reviewers have categorized the work as a "cozy" rather than a "thriller." McConnell acknowledges this distinction, noting that she views her work as occupying a space similar to Louise Penny’s Three Pines series—a genre known for its deep character development and sense of place.
The implication of this classification is significant. While "thrillers" often rely on rapid pacing and high-stakes tension, the "cozy" label suggests a work that values atmosphere, emotional resonance, and community. For a writer transitioning from technical non-fiction to creative fiction, the challenge lies in effectively communicating the book’s true nature to the reading public. As with any new title, the success of Away To Me depends on the author’s ability to market the book effectively while simultaneously focusing on the craft of her next manuscript.
Marketing Realities for Modern Authors
One of the most candid aspects of McConnell’s tour reflections is her critique of the modern publishing industry. She points out that publishers essentially provide a two-week window to achieve market penetration before a "tsunami" of new releases overwhelms the public consciousness.
For the contemporary author, the responsibility of marketing often falls squarely on their own shoulders—a task that is often antithetical to the solitary nature of the writing process. "We are basically in charge of marketing our own books," she explains, noting that this is an awkward skill set for many creative writers. The goal remains consistent: to catch the eye of a "key person" in the literary world who can elevate the book to bestseller status, all while the author is mentally already moving on to their next project.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
As the tour moves toward its Texas leg, the narrative surrounding Away To Me remains one of resilience. The story is not just about the book itself, but about the connection between an author, her community, and the persistent, quiet work of storytelling.
Whether it is the confusion of her farm dogs, Maggie and Skip, as they adjust to their owner’s mobility aids, or the anticipation of her upcoming appearances in Dallas and beyond, the journey is far from over. For those following the tour, the message is clear: the support of independent bookstores and the engagement of a dedicated readership are the true pillars upon which a successful literary career is built. As the tour continues, McConnell remains focused on the mission: writing the next chapter, both on the page and in the reality of her own life.
