Then I joined the Western Ohio Writers Association and soon I was doing pieces for our Beatnik Cafe (public readings), trying poetry, writing short stories. And lo and behold, it was a short story that was published first. Mine along with ten others in the anthology, Flights of Fiction.
Our launch party is tonight, 7:00 to 9:00 at Blue Jacket Books in Xenia, OH. Ten of the eleven authors in the book will be there. We'll each read a page from our story. We'll sign books (hopefully). We'll meet and greet and mingle.I'm a little nervous.
Our public readings are different. I always write something especially for those, something that will be easy to read aloud. The events are laid back. Casual. Free.
If someone is buying our book - spending their hard earned money - are the expectations different? Do I suddenly need to look/act/sound like a professional author? What should I say? What should I wear?
What should I write when I sign? If someone wants all ten of us to sign a book, do we move off the title page or squeeze on there together like a get well card being passed around an office?
What if I forget and sign my real name instead of my pen name?
Maybe I'm a lot nervous.
Any suggestions? Tips? Kind words of support? (Try to keep the snickering to a minimum.)
I'll tell you how it went on Monday.
If I'm not here, assume the worst.
Groaner for the Day: (it's been a while since I've given you a real groaner)
King Ozymandias of Assyria was running low on cash after years of war with the Hittites. His last great possession was the Star of the Euphrates, the most valuable diamond in the ancient world. Desperate, he went to Croesus, the pawnbroker, to ask for a loan.
Croesus said, "I'll give you 100,000 dinars for it."
"But I paid a million dinars for it," the King protested. "Don't you know who I am? I am the king!"
Croesus replied, "When you wish to pawn a Star, makes no difference who you are."
17 comments:
Unless you start up a lively conversation with a buyer, I'd sign the book with just your name since the buyer is probably getting it signed by the others too.
The only other thing I suggest is to decorate your table with fun stuff--especially if they correspond with your story.
You're going to do fine. Have fun. It's contagious.
Yes, decorate your table! Plain tables are just that - plain.
Don't expect people to approach you. Go to them. Smile and talk to everyone. Make sure you hand them a bookmark. (Hopefully there are bookmarks there tonight.)
And whatever you are reading, keep it short.
Now, go have a great time tonight!
I'm sure you'll be fine. How can you NOT be with a crowd like ours? I'll see you tonight!
You'll be great! Just relax. And smile a lot.
Ohhh it's going to be such a rush for you! How fun-- enjoy, enjoy! Book signings to me seem like they would be the reward for the sometimes rewardless pursuit of writing.
As for that pun-- yes GROAN and of course I copied and have passed along. It's what you do with puns.
Maria - Good point on the signing. Not sure what I'd put on the table since my story is a straight murder mystery. A bloody knife seems inappropriate and a dead body wouldn't fit. (Not to mention putting people off the refreshments.)
Diane - See my answer to Maria. Plus, I imagine I'll be sharing a table with some of the other authors. Our WOWA director did the arrangements with the bookstore. That's probably why I'm nervous.
Stacy - I just like knowing exactly how something's going to be ahead of time. Gery tends to tell us what's happening when we get there. *grin* I'm glad you're going to be there.
Alex - Ah, smiling I can do. Except when I'm reading. Can't smile over a murder. Feels wrong.
Julie - Thanks. And, of course, that's what you do with puns. That's how I get most of mine.
Oh wow, how exciting!! Congratulations and best of luck for a successful and wonderful evening. Can't wait to read about it next week. :)
Love the groaner!!! :)
You're going to be great! Just be yourself and breathe! I've never even been to a book signing so I have zip for advice, but I bet you'll have a blast!
Oh, that was bad, reminds me of the jokes my dad used to tell; so bad you had to crack a smile. I hope you have fun at your book signing :)
My best wishes for your signing. I trust you'll be great, just smile and look confident. If you don't feel it, pretend it, hahaha. In the end you'll feel confident.
I'm getting here just as your signing has begun. I know you did great. Good suggestions from everyone.
Congratulations!
And that one really was a groaner LOL!
And very best wishes from this side of the pond. Best advice is smile and trust in good will. Ref your groaner I've just copied and pasted it to my daughter.
mshatch - "...so bad you had to crack a smile." Yup. That's my definition of a groaner.
AL - Well, I don't know that I ever felt confident but I think I fooled 'em.
Carol - Thanks. It was fun. I'll elaborate on Monday.
Mike - I always love knowing one of my groaners was deemed worth passing on.
Hope the signing went well! I'm sure it did. :)
How did it go?? I can't wait to find out! How exciting for you! I would be nervous and asking the exact same questions you did. I'm sure you were wonderful!!
Hey LD! That's awesome! I can't wait to find out how it went. I would be nervous too. What a fantastic thing though, you should be very proud!
Hey LD! That's awesome! I can't wait to find out how it went. I would be nervous too. What a fantastic thing though, you should be very proud!
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