Sometimes, when I try to figure out life and its vagaries, it just leaves me even more puzzled. Take my book signing experience yesterday. It was well-publicised (or as well as I could hope to publicize such an event). The weather was perfect for going out and doing things. The feedback that I got from my online and other friends was extremely favorable. So, what happened?
Well, I went to the book signing. All was prepared for me. The place was busy (actually it was really hopping). The location was excellent. And for the first hour and a half - nothing. It was beginning to get discouraging. Then, oddly, people began to stop by and to question. What was my book about? How did I get the inspiration for this? It sounds intriguing. Which one is your first book? Are you a doctor? What kind?
And before you know it, I almost sold out of the first book. But that is a good thing.
Well, I went to the book signing. All was prepared for me. The place was busy (actually it was really hopping). The location was excellent. And for the first hour and a half - nothing. It was beginning to get discouraging. Then, oddly, people began to stop by and to question. What was my book about? How did I get the inspiration for this? It sounds intriguing. Which one is your first book? Are you a doctor? What kind?
And before you know it, I almost sold out of the first book. But that is a good thing.
What I didn't get, though, was any kind of support from the people who said that they would be sure to come. My guess is that they found more important things to do, more interesting things to capture their attention than to go to some old bookstore where some old author was signing things. But, doggone it, I really missed that. It was my opportunity to interact once more with people that had been important to me. Even if they weren't buying books that day, it would have been nice to see an occasional face of someone familiar. But not even one. I did want to send out a very special thank you to Andy Tatum, the manager, who made it worth my while, and to the store clerks who bought my books (Heather and Kelsey) - you will be remembered!
Be that as it may, I'm going to give it another shot. I've got another book signing in
Rogers, AR. It will be a the Rogers Public Library October 17th (Saturday), from 1 - 3 PM again. I'll have all four of my books, which will be heavily discounted for that day only, and will be available as both paperback and hardcover. As I learned from fishing, every time I toss in my line, it is another occasion for hope. And I am the eternal optimist.
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