The book signing was a hoot. The nice thing about doing a signing in the town where you live, is that you get to invite all your friends. My husband the Rock God came along with the Fecklet, and the two of them happily read books in the children’s section while I did my thing at the booksigning table. And my mates came by to say hello, some of them with their own children, so there were always several people around to chat with.
I tried something new this time, which was to print up some sheets of A5 with very a short excerpt from the novel on them. The theory is, that people find it a little bit awkward to look at a book with the author standing right there, because they’d feel rude if they decided not to buy. And as an author, it’s a little uncomfortable to stand there being judged, as if you’re slightly over-ripe fruit. But if you have an excerpt to give out, people can read them at leisure and then come back if they’re interested.
In this case, Biddy was my own personal publicist, and she went round the cafe in the book shop a couple of times giving out the sheets and my postcards. Which seemed to work quite well. (She also brought me coffee, ministering angel that she is.) Quite a few of the books we sold were as gifts for other people, which was also nice. I think a signed book is a lovely gift.
I also had Arval, the stuffed bat, with me, and he attracted a bit of attention, too. A couple of friends took photos, though I didn’t (doh!).
Then, after it was done, the Fecklet fell fast asleep in his push chair and he napped while the Rock God, Biddy and I had a bit of a celebratory drink in the pub. Then it was back to my house for dinner, more wine, and quite a bit of drooling over hero-pictures.
A very enjoyable day all round, and a nice time to be An Author.
Sounds fab, wish I could have been there.
Glad it went well. So sorry I couldn’t be there.
Glad you had a wonderful time, hon. Sorry I couldn’t make it down south!
Wonderful, Julie! Glad it went well.
Does Fecklet like Arval? I love your excerpt idea, total genius. I love to give signed books as gifts too. Sounds like you had a blast!
It was a blast! The excerpt idea was genius (as are you). Lovely spending time with you, the Rock God and the Fecklet. And now all I can think about it Robert Downey Jr… *drool*
Thank you Nell! And Henriette! And Kate! And Jan! And Lacey! And Biddy!
Yes, Lacey, Fecklet loves Arval the bat. He also likes spiders. He is, however, scared of hand dryers in restrooms so I don’t have to worry about him being fearless.
I was so glad you were there, Biddy. And now you’ve revealed my hero’s name to the world, so I must post a picture…