MY FIRST BOOK-SIGNING EXPERIENCE ��� PART 1 by Stacy Hoff

On March 14th I had my first book signing event ever. I was scared stiff to read four small pages of my first book, DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES. Me, facing a large audience? Ack!

Between my anxiety over this event, and the stress of having a new release out only three days before (LAWFULLY YOURS), sleep was no more obtainable than a pipe dream. Instead, I stared at my clock with its ugly red numbers staring right back at me – 4:30 AM. Only a two-by-four dropped over my head would have knocked me out.

Without any construction materials around to assist me, my mind raced all night, faster than a sprinter on steroids. Would I stumble over my words? Look back to see blank stares? Mumble so softly people would scream ���What did you say?��� Or worse, actually hear what I said, and still yell out the same thing.

Worse still, the fog and rain in Connecticut that night belonged to a scary movie. London, England would have been proud. I wondered who would be determined enough to come out on a night like that.

With the exception of the ominous weather, it was crazy for me to be nervous. After all, I am a lawyer. Though I handle only contracts now, I do have several jury trials under my belt. During these trials I never stammered once, nor did I feel my knees knock. So why was I so worried I couldn���t read four little pages of fiction? Because for once, the words would be personal to me.

This time my book was on trial. How would I be judged? Like a defendant, I found out that waiting for verdict is very daunting.

Signing the books at my event was stressful for me, too. I am not used to having anyone line up to speak with me – I���m not a sports star. I���m also not used to anyone asking for my autograph – I���m not a Hollywood celebrity. There is a large part of me that wanted to ask, ���Umm, you really want me to sign this? Are you sure?���

I remember when I was around ten years old. Judy Blume was having a book signing in New York City. I waited on line for hours to see her. When it was finally my turn, I held up my copy of ���Superfudge��� and said: ���I���ll never be as great a writer as you. But I want to be.��� Judy Blume, bless her heart for dealing with an intimidated, star-struck kid assured me I could become an author if I wanted to be. (One day I hope to see her so I can tell her ���thanks.���)

It was surreal for me to now be the one on line people were waiting to talk to. To sign my name with an authority I don���t yet feel. To read as if I was trying a case in court, my voice confident and strong.

What events have intimidated you? How did you get through it?

PART II of My First Book Signing Experience Friday (4/10/15)

Thank you, Chameleon Haircolor Cafe and Spa, North Haven, CT, for hosting me!

AMAZON LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS: http://www.amazon.com/Lawfully-Yours-Stacy-Hoff-ebook/dp/B00U7U2WCC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425508177&sr=8-2&keywords=book+-+lawfully+yours

AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES: http://www.amazon.com/Desire-Everglades-Stacy-Hoff-ebook/dp/B00NFSMCYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410289138&sr=8-1&keywords=desire+in+the+everglades.

Find Stacy on Social Media: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff Twitter: twitter.com/authorStacyHoff Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

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Filed under: A writer's life, Marketing, Marketing, New Release, Promotion, Promotion, romance, romance novels, Stacy Hoff