Books signed!
Alright. I skipped last week.
Instead of writing a blog, I was at the Barnes and Noble, in Bowling Green Kentucky signing copies of both Treasure off the Coast, and The Specters of Mammoth Cave!
I’m kind of skipping this week too!
I’m working on another Halloween Blog, and in attempting to overshoot last years Specter Files, I might have bitten off more than I could chew, at least in a week. I’m still planning to release part 1 of this year’s Halloween special by Halloween, but it’s not quite ready yet.
Besides, I wanted to pause for a moment, and mark my most recent steps into actual authorship.
First and foremost, I was finally able to approach the Allen County Public Library, and now Treasure off the Coast, and The Specters of Mammoth Cave are on their shelves. Honestly, I could have done this a year ago. But it never even crossed my mind that this was possible. So, if there are any prospective authors reading, consider, once you are published, approaching your public library. But enough of this writer advice. I’ve made a conscientious decision not to write about writing. It actually feels remarkably crazy to pull up the book catalog at my local library, and see my 2 titles there!
Second, As this title suggests. I had my first book signing! From 1 - 4 p.m. (almost) I sat near the entrance of the Bowling Green Kentucky Barnes and Noble, with a small table decorated with cover posters, a couple of notable rocks, the rock hammer upon which Bethany’s rock hammer is based, (writing, I’m not certain Bailey had seen it before illustrating it,) a couple pens, and, of course, copies of my two books!
The posters look awesome!
Amazingly, I had a team of supporters, including my family and friends so close that they are practically family. I bumped into a few old friends as well. Which was also awesome! The staff of Barnes and Noble was also awesome. They have been friendly and easy to work with throughout this process. (Another note for prospective authors, gather the courage and approach people with your work. You were confident enough to push that publish button, and you might be surprised how willing other people are to help you get a good work out there.)
Surprisingly, people I didn’t know also approached the table. I’d like to think it was the rocks, but it was probably the posters, or the improvised Local Author card my sister added.) Most of them walked away with one or two books, (Even though there was a disappointing lack of tigers for some.)
One of the things I was planning to do before the day, was practice my handwriting… You’ll have to ask the people who walked away with signed copies of the books whether or not it was worth it. I don’t even remember what I wrote in most of them. What I do remember are the faces, the kind words of people who came up to me, and a surprising number of names. (for now. If you are one of the people who stopped by you can be perfectly assured that you’ll have to introduce yourself again.)
Me and my support team!
There were parents, grandparents, and even a few younger readers who were brave enough to come up on their own, or drag their parents along. This is awesome, and I have to hope that all of them enjoy the books as much as I do, (or more!)
All in all, it was a great experience, and if you noticed the underlined word above, yes, hopefully, I’ll be doing this again in the future. It was a lot of fun. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to the next time… maybe when Treasure of Biscayne Bay comes out (plus or minus a couple of months, as the holiday season is busy,)
And, if you couldn’t make it, there are other places to find the book!
Check out Diamond Caverns, Hidden River Cave, or the book shop in the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center. (if you hurry, they have a spooky season display, with other spooky titles too!)
Or, you know, the shop page on my website, which has links to where you can buy the book directly from me* (Through Ingram Spark)
Yay! Books in libraries! Book signing! and more of the Junior Rangers Investigative Club Novels out in the world. All awesome. If you are reading this, then thanks. You’ve definitely helped me out along the way. Also, look forward for more to come!