I’ve pictured myself attending my own book signing. I imagine sitting behind the table with a few hundred copies of y book in front of me and my favorite fountain pen at the ready, to sign the title pages of all the books sold. There’s a line of people waiting for their turn to say hello and let me know how my book resonated with them. At the end of the night, I feel satisfied knowing that I have produced something that will outlast me and help people for generations to come.
But, since I haven’t finished my memoir yet (only 25K-30K words to go!), I attend author events. I love listening to writers talk about their book and their creative process. Each person has their own story to tell, and I always come away learning something new.
A few weeks ago, I participated in a workshop centered around the book “The Gift from the Sea” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Sadly, Mrs. Lindbergh couldn’t make it. She passed away more than two decades ago, but her book stands the test of time. A colleague gave me the book as a gift, and it took me years to truly appreciate its collection of essays about how to be a woman. Even though she wrote the book more than 50 years ago, her wisdom resonates as much today as it was first published. This book is one of the few I read repeatedly and has a permanent place on my nightstand.
Tonight, I’m adding another book to my nightstand – Rough Draft by MSNBC host Katy Tur. I’ve watched and enjoyed her show for many years. Her coverage of the Trump administration was must-see-tv, and her memoir about that experience is supposed to be excellent. Her new memoir is more personal, and I received a signed copy at her book talk tonight.
Being in a room of like-minded and politically aligned people is also nice. As much as I enjoyed the author portion of the program, the Q&A afterward made me realize I’m not the only person disturbed and saddened by the state of our democracy.
But I digress… author events are a terrific way to spend an evening with friends. I’m grateful to have people in my life who enjoy them as much as I do. And now, I need to start looking for the next one to attend.
Do you attend book signings? What do you like about them?
Victoria Juster
July 12, 2022 at 5:08 pm (2 years ago)I haven’t been to a book signing in too long to remember. Thanks for reminding me how much I enjoy them. Being surrounded by other people who love books and the written word, feels like home.
Elisa
July 12, 2022 at 7:31 pm (2 years ago)Next time you see one in your area give it a try. Bring a friend too!
Tamara
July 12, 2022 at 9:59 am (2 years ago)I used to be a bookworm as a kid and teenager.
In college we were forced to read too many classics, and I got so tired of reading – I basically never recovered 😉
To answer your question though, yes, I attended a book signing when I was probably about 12 years old, and guess what, I ended up in the local newspaper. The author was Federica de Cesco.
I hope you get to sign your own books soon, and if I happen to be in the neighborhood when that time comes, I will be happy to wait in line! 🙂
Elisa
July 12, 2022 at 7:31 pm (2 years ago)This is the best comment ever! Thanks, Tamara!
Cheryl
July 12, 2022 at 7:06 am (2 years ago)I have never been to a book signing. Sounds like a good thing for a “author in training “. I would love to write a memoir. I participated in the Hay House writers community last year and have been writing frequently since then. However I never got past the outline and first chapter.
Best of luck to you. I look forward to hearing about your book signing.
Elisa
July 12, 2022 at 7:32 pm (2 years ago)I’m writing a memoir now, and there are lots of authors who have written one and do book tours. I highly recommend it. I always learn something new from them or get a piece of inspiration or advice I hadn’t heard before.
Alice Gerard
July 12, 2022 at 12:00 am (2 years ago)I really love book signings since I am a novelist wanna-bee. I like hearing how other people created their books and got them published.
Elisa
July 12, 2022 at 7:33 pm (2 years ago)Same! I am that annoying person in the Q&A who asks them about their “process.” LOL!