I have to be honest and say that I dreaded this first signing. For one thing, I'm very shy. For another, I was scared to death I would look like an idiot standing there with a stack of my books on the table hoping to draw some interest. If you recall, my first experience with this store and its book manager was not a positive one. The woman seemed less than thrilled to deal with me, took my book and posters and basically kicked me out the door sans "have a nice day."
When we got to the store, nothing was set up. No posters, nothing. Luckily, something told me to get there an hour or so early just in case something went wrong. I even thought I might need my own table and asked my pastor and his wife to swing by the church and get it. So now, I have a table shoved in my suburban just in case. We found the guy in the book section and told him what was going on. His attitude was totally different than the woman I had met a couple weeks earlier. He had no clue I was coming, but he did everything imaginable to make sure I had a good experience.
I had two choices, front of the store or in the front of just the book section. I chose the front of the store. He set up my table for me, even arranged my books. Dean and the pastor slipped out of the store leaving me with Tracy (pastor's wife) to finish setting up. My poster wouldn't work right in their easels, so he taped it (it's laminated) to the front of the table. There are pictures, but I'll have to get them up later. My SIL, Nichole, walked in with her perfectly thin self and baby tummy sporting a camera. My BIL, Pat, joined the children who were playing Rock Band 2. Flash! Flash! Flash! I think I posed for more pictures that night than I ever did in my entire life. Flash!
Tiffany showed up with a pink monkey from LibbyLu that smells like strawberries. I was seriously happy to wrap my arms around it and hold it all night. I was nervous okay? And then she bought me a caramel frappucino! I love them! She called it my "shot of courage." Caffeine, right! So then I became talkative. Dean and the pastor (I should say, The Pastor..it looks funny and I like it).. Dean and The Pastor (I doubt I can get away with calling him TP...right?) Anway.... Dean and The Pastor show back up and The Pastor and beautiful wife Tracy had bought two dozen roses that are red and yellow! I was so entranced by them that they had to say, "look, they match your book." OH! So they do/did! They're still sitting here on my desk. Gorgeous! In fact, when I finally get to paint my office, they've inpired it's decor!
My MIL and niece, Larri, showed up too! MIL had just gotten out of the hospital a couple days before so that was a surprise! Steven (BIL) Brandy (SIL) and niece and nephews Payton, Jakoby and Lucas came too! Brandy bought me two adorable tops to wear for future signings. She's now been hired as my personal shopper! I swear, it felt like Christmas or my birthday! I never in a million years expected gifts.
The nice Hastings man who help me set up handed me a row of stickers to put on my books. "Come and get me if you need more." He said. I looked at them and thought, I hope I get to use just one! I used them all!
My Bil (Ricky) and his friend Robin were there and stayed with us for quite a while. We even went to dinner afterwards. Funny thing, Robin and I went to school together and had met each other three times before figuring this out. She's great, you would love her. She bought two books so of course, love her! I love all who buy my books! <---- Shameless plug.
One little girl named Christina walked up to the table and picked up a book. I was asked if it would be a series by her mother and was happy to say "yes." She read the words, "Summer Secret" with her little hands wrapped around my book. I wanted to hug her. I signed my book for her and handed it to her with an enthusiastic "thank you."
And then, a miracle happened! Lori called me! ON THE PHONE! We usually email, text or use instant messaging to talk. We both simply don't like the phone. She called me, I answered and was very excited to have her there with me all the way from Michigan. Maybe one day I'll be able to do a signing in Michigan and get to really talk to her. I've met her once, but that was years ago...we really should live closer together. I'm thankful for the internet. Also, Lori sent me a gift card a week or so ago to go towards my book release party. I used it to get my hair done. :D
It's funny. I was so scared to go do this. I had joked many times that I would make a great hermit. But, I found out that seeing my readers loving the books I've written ....well, there is just no substitute for that feeling. In the end, I had a great night. The friends and family who showed up made it very comfortable for me. The book store bought five copies of my book to sit on their shelves. That is cool! I love this particular store so much that I want to have my book release party/first signing there for book two, Operation Salvation.
Thanks to everyone who showed up..and to all of those who couldn't but sent their support. It is amazing how interested people are in these books! I am thrilled! For those of you who are reading them or will read them, I hope they touch your heart or the heart of one of my millions of little girls out there!
I want to also say that I showed up to church on Sunday to more book purchases. I sold four yesterday and will send off another seven to my Dad and June in Athens. So far, they've bought 13! LOL "Send them right away!" June said, "I want them here for Christmas!"
Thanks to everyone! THANK YOU!!!! I love you all!!!!
