So, Saturday was my first ever Library book signing. I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew it was being announced as a “talk” but I wasn’t sure if that meant I actually had to give some sort of speech or just talk to people as they walked by wherever I was stationed.
….Turns out I had to give a speech…. :)
When I arrived I was promptly directed to a back room with a few rows of chairs set up along with a podium. Yes, a podium. The only problem was it was almost as tall as I am so I had to stand in front of it. Lol.
When we realized in the upcoming minutes that I might actually have to give some sort of presentation my family suggested I test run standing up and talking. But I sat down instead. ;)
Honestly, over the past year and a half since my book came out one thing that has changed about me is the way I face stuff like this. I just don’t face it until I absolutely have to. LOL And by then it’s sink or swim so I just swim (by the grace of God, I assure you ;).
There is a verse in the Bible that talks about not preparing what you’re planning on saying a head of time and I sometimes feel like that’s my motto. Oh, I do run through a few things about what the book is about beforehand, but by and large I don’t think new situations like this through too much. It’s weird in a sense because I don’t get as excited about stuff as I use to, but I also don’t get as nervous. :)
So in the end it turned out fine. Groups of people sort of moved in and out of the room. I talked for a little while about the book and the writing process then they asked questions and I answered. :) Often I was speaking with people one on one.
I actually didn’t sell many books, but that’s okay because I think the experience was good overall. Plus we got chocolate chip cookies!!
One really interesting situation arose due to the way the event was advertised, but I think that calls for a little more in depth post. So, I’ll save that one for next Monday. (Sound interesting?)
Have a good week all! I’ve got one more week of job training to go, so hopefully by next week I'll have a little more time to cyber-visit. ;)
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21 comments:
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I can't imagine being at that place where people come to hear me talk. :)
Sounds like it was a great opportunity. God's grace was definitely on you to do what you needed to do. :O)
Can't wait for part 2!
Sounds like you did great. Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm already starting to stress about this kind of thing and my book hasn't even sold (Ha!) I hope I do half as well as it sounds like you did.
Happy Monday!
Sounds like an overall great experience, what book get together isn't complete without chocolate chip cookies! I'm glad you got some! I loved your book and have been meaning to post about it! Life just catches up with me too quickly!
I'm a nervous wreck whenever I have to speak in front of a crowd, it's something I have to work on and want to but I never know how to go about it!!! I get all red, which I wish I didn't! I'm nervous just thinking about!
I look forward to next Monday's post! Oh and I hope the training is going well!!
Glad it turned out well. I'd don't think I'd be brave enough to just sink or swim like that. Good for you!
Phew, glad it worked out okay in the end. I hate not being prepared and having something like that sprung on me.
Good luck with training. :)
Emily Ann, I know you did fine. Funny about the podium....I'm horizontally challenged, too. :) Congrats on the publicity and chocolate chip cookies, too!
I'm sure this was a treat for the library patrons! It isn't often that they get to meet an author at the library.
Oooh, chocolate chip cookies! I'd say the experience was worth it:) Glad to know things turned out well. Will look forward to the next post.
Blessings,
Karen
Sounds like a great time...and anytime there are cookies, life is great!
I am glad to hear that God used it for you...and I can't wait to hear the "rest of the story".
:)
Bina
Elle: Glad you stopped by. Talking with people does take a little practice, but its not hard once you get started.
Diane: Yes indeed! :)
Shannon: It sounded stressful in the begining for to me too, but once you get there you'll find it just sort of works. :)
Alica: Thanks! Hope you have a great week too! After a little practice getting up in front of people doesn't seem so bad. ;)
Jen: I'm so glad to hear you liked the book!!! :D Don't worry, I know how busy life can get. ;) It's hard to think about getting up in front of people, but practice helps a lot.
Angie: Thanks. You know, a lot of times the bravery just shows up when you least expect it! God is good like that. :)
Lindsay: Yeah, improptu can be...scary. LOL But one could say it's more interesting too. ;)
Thanks.
Karen: LOL. Yes, the world was definitely made for people a little taller than us. ;)
Cindy: The librarians were really nice too. Several actually came in and talked with me as well. :)
Karen: Yes, the chocolate chips were a good ending note. Plus I think they encouraged people to stop by. LOL
Bina: Thanks. Cookies do make the world better.
....And the rest of the story is good too. ;)
Wow! What a great opportunity!
Kristen: Yeah, it turned out pretty good. Usually, something good comes out of these things, even if it's just some more practice. ;)
Thanks for stoping by. :)
They were there to hear you, and they were pulling for you. To hear you speak from your heart and not drone some prepared script must have been great to them.
May The Father always be by your side, Roland
Congratulations on your first signing! That is big news and I'm sure it was a great "exposure" experience. I love when book signings include food.
Rolland: Thanks. That is a really great way to look at it. :)
Julia: I know, I love events with "refreshments"...especial chocolate. ;) Thanks for stopping by.
Well, it sounds like you handled the new arrangement with grace. That's all I could hope for!
Jill: Thanks! I think this could be counted as a "learning experience." ;)
Yes, sounds very interesting! If I give you a chocolate chip cookie, will you write about it BEFORE Monday? ;P
Thanks for sharing your experiences
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