Author Event

Two months ago, I got an emailing inviting me to attend a January Barnes & Noble author event. Of course, I said YES!

My daughters helped me design a book mark and a little table top flyer. I got mentally prepared. See, I am more of a behind the scenes person. BUT this writing adventure has taught me that I have to be seen. I will admit, I woke up nervous. I packed up my promotion material and wondered if it was good enough. I picked out an outfit that seemed... professional and put it on last minute to make sure my big dogs didn't drool on it. I cranked up the music as I drove and wondered... what if no one shows up? I arrived early as B&N asked and took a deep breathe when I notice three tables set up. One table holding a stack of my books. Yes, I was not alone.

This industry is hard, no margin for error and when you don't have a "famous" name... its not easy to get your books into bookstores. It takes phone calls, emails, social media and putting yourself out there. I loved my time with these two authors. We shared things we have learned along our publishing path. We promoted each other when people stopped at our table and one of them even got me to make a tik-tok video with her. I am hoping no one ever sees it but if it gets out there, just know... we had fun. When it was quiet, I walked around and gave people my bookmark.

Many people did stop and buy signed books from each of us. Of course, my hubby and daughters stopped in and took a few photos. My amazing friend came all the way from Warren Ohio to support me and it melted my heart. The fact that she took time out of her busy day off, means the world to me.

I am so glad my first official author signing event was so much fun, it gave me a much needed push to keep promoting.

Authors in photo: Nikki Harden (Religious); Sarah Mitchell (YA and Children's); Hazel Zorn (Horror).