Book Signing
On Saturday I had a book signing at Brown & Co. Bookmart in Bermuda. Amongst shelves filled with books (heaven!) I sat at a table on which was spread books that I had written. Pen in hand, I was ready to talk to anyone who stopped by.
I have learned that book signings have peaks and valleys of activity, and this Saturday was no different . During the “valley” times, I would greet people as they walked past or I’d browse books on the shelves near where I was located or chat with the store’s staff. The “peak” times, however, were when I found it especially worthwhile to have parked myself in the store for three hours. Talking to readers about my books, about being an author, hearing their feedback, or piquing their interest in my characters is both stimulating and inspiring.
On this particular Saturday, I spoke with numerous avid readers (many of them young teenagers–yay!) and aspiring writers. It humbles me to be approached and listened to by these people. They take what I say to heart, so I make sure to respond to their questions in a thoughtful manner.
I would like to share with you one encounter in particular. It involved a mother and her nine-year-old daughter. The mother was drawn to the Lucy Arlington books on the table because of their charming covers and wondered if they’d be appropriate for her child. She picked up Buried in a Book, asked a few more questions, and then the two went off to the coffee shop section of the store. A half hour later they returned to my table. The mother related how much she enjoyed reading the first chapter of the book and was going to purchase it. Would I sign it? she asked. She then mentioned that her daughter had a few questions for me.
I turned to the young girl and encouraged her to ask away. She opened a small notebook in which she had written questions and proceeded to ask them. How many books have I written? Have I ever written children’s books? When did I start to write? The seriousness with which she listened to my answers completely charmed me. Perhaps, I told her, one day she would be sitting at a table in a bookstore signing books that she had written. Those words brought on a smile that lit up her face.
We authors write books because we have stories we want to tell. Getting them published is an achievement to which we aspire. I find it extremely satisfying to hold one of my books in my hands. But having the opportunity to interact with the people who read them surpasses even that feeling, realizing that my experience touches and informs people in ways I never expected.
