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| Megan Hart |
When I went to my very first writing conference, I met a young writer in the elevator and we struck up a conversation. We were both starting out and decided we would read each other's manuscripts and be critique partners. Megan Hart was miles ahead of me in mastery of craft, but she also spun stories that were brilliant. To no one's surprise, she's now a bestselling author of romance and of mainstream fiction. Sitting beside her at the book signing gave us a chance to catch up as we're no longer critique partners but will forever be friends. Isn't her outfit lovely? I always remind Megan about when my daughter first met her. Kelley was only about twelve years old and declared with great authority that Megan looked like a writer as compared to me who just looked like a mom.
I know I've mentioned my friend, Natalie Damschroder on my blog before and linked to her blog. She is the major organizer behind this author event and makes it so easy for the rest of us. All we have to do is walk in and set up our books. She's multi-published
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| Natalie |
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| Cate |
I'll share more pictures on Friday. But a lesson from this event is to look for venues other than bookstores to hold signings. Many places love to host authors and if you draw customers they'll want to have you back.
Don't forget that tomorrow is the #AZchat or #atozchallenge on Twitter from 1-2 EST and then again from 8-9 EST. Bring your questions. March is almost here and your A to Z hosts will be rocking with advise to improve your experience in the challenge.
Tomorrow I'll be guest posting on Patricia Stoltey's blog where I'll be explaining why I've elected to seek out publishers for books I've regained my rights to rather than choosing to self-publish them. I'd love it if you stop by and offer your opinion.
Are you familiar with any of the writers I shared a table with? What does a real writer look like? Where is the oddest place you ever held or attended a book signing? Will you join us on Twitter?
I think you look like a real writer.
ReplyDeleteCool you got to spend time with author friends even if no one sold a ton of books. And I know Cate Masters.
Will stop by Patricia's blog tomorrow.
Thanks, Alex. I think I look like a real writer when I sit and write while in my sweat pants.
DeleteI think one of the best things about any signing is spending time with other writers. I've met so many great people that way. Glad you guys had fun and you sold your share even though the weather impacted the turnout.
ReplyDeleteIt is so wonderful to spend time with other authors.
DeleteSounds like it was a positive event. And I love the idea of book signings in unusual places. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was positive even if I didn't sell as many books as last year. The weather was not so friendly.
DeleteBook signings sound like so much fun!
ReplyDeletePlus you get to hang out with other writers... what more could you ask for?
It was perfect, Michelle.
Deletelol at your daughter's comment. Spending time with other writers is sure great indeed. Too bad about the crummy weather
ReplyDeleteJust about every weekend has been crummy weather in 2015
DeleteThis book signing looks like it was a ton of fun. Makes me want to do a book signing now. :)
ReplyDeleteThey are fun, especially when you're not alone.
DeleteBook signings in places other than bookstores sound like a great idea. How about an airport? Think of all the people desperate for reading material AND have loads of time on their hands.
ReplyDeleteOne of my publishers had that same idea but there was such a hassle the plan fell apart.
DeleteI'm sorry the weather interfered with your signing! It's hard to gear up for an event like that and then have Mother Nature throw a wrench in everything. It looks and sounds like you still had a great time :) Congrats!
ReplyDeleteCompared to your last few weeks, I shouldn't complain about nature's interference.
DeleteI love your choice of signing location! Such great photographs and atmosphere. Plus, it helps to be around thick foliage when the weather doesn't cooperate.
ReplyDeleteWe hope to make it an annual event. And we were in the greenhouse so it was cozy.
DeleteIt was great to see you there, Susan! Thanks for the kind words. Now I wish I'd taken pictures!
ReplyDeleteI remembered my camera this year. Last year I only had my phone.
DeleteI love 12. I taught sixth grade for ten years and it was my favorite grade. I was a better high school teacher afterwards. I love that you look just like a "mom". Apparently, you are a good one!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite statement from a sixth grader was the question, "Do you get out much Miss Bennett?' in response of no to one child's list of did I know about different pieces of popular culture he wanted to discuss.
Students are always so surprised that teachers have an actual life outside the classroom. My son is a teacher now and has 6th graders. They show up at football games when he's coaching and have their own little cheering section for Coach Gourley. It's adorable.
DeleteThere's a picture missing from this group .... hmmm .....
ReplyDeleteStupid weather, ruins everything. At least you had a good time, though. I'll try to be there for the chat tomorrow :)
ReplyDeletefirst off pictures are FABU. Love Megan's hat. Never would have thought of a greenery for a book signing but it makes for a nice background for sure. Despite the weather it seems like a good time was had by all. Too funny your daughter saying you look like a mom :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun place to have a signing! I would never have thought of that. On what your daughter said, a friend of mine has published a series of horror for young readers that my daughter absolutely loves. I doubt it will ever matter how many books I publish, she will always be over the moon about this friend. When I told her she was coming over last weekend, my daughter was over the top excited. We'll always be mom. :D
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a really fun event! I think a real writer looks like anyone - although in the PNW, it seems like most "real" writers wear jeans and button-up shirts - I'm not sure why, but that's what I've seen a lot at other author events. My most interesting place for a signing is a homeschool co-operative. :)
ReplyDeleteI suppose if I read romance more, I'd probably be familiar with a few of these ladies, but I tend to hang with the YA crowd. What a lovely event, even if the weather caused a few hiccups.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...what do writer's look like exactly? Or for that matter, moms?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun event, even if the weather didn't cooperate.
Wow! Sounds an amazing time! What fun and congratulations on the great event!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like great fun. Too bad you didn't have a better turn-out though. I think creative thinking regarding marketing is the way to go. Give people unexpected opportunities and they are more likely to consider going to where the writers are. It doesn't have to be a bookstore or library.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out