I had a book signing at Barbara’s Bookstore tonight! Let me thank those who came to the event (old friends and new ones); it was great to have an audience there!
Here’s something that made my day when I walked into the store:
How cool! The book is on a bookshelf!
But what that right under it…? Son of a… it’s The Secret! I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Anyway, I learned a number of things based on how the event went:
- I need to read shorter pieces at book readings.
- I shouldn’t read at all at book readings.
- I need something interesting to write when signing books.
I was debating what to read for quite some time. I narrowed it down to a few parts of the book. Then I figured I’d read two of my church-visit stories. Finally, I decided to read one church-visit story and an excerpt from a blog entry I wrote. In any case, both pieces I read should have been condensed. They were way too long…
I should just tell stories instead. There are many things that didn’t make it into the book that are plenty amusing. And people can read the book on their own, anyway. Not to mention the Q & A portion of the evening was *really* interesting.
It’s not always possible to write a message at all, but when I can, I’d like to write something more memorable than “I hope you enjoy this book.” This is easy to do when I can talk to the person, but if people are in line, and I don’t get to have a short conversation with them, signing my name just gets old fast. What’s something short and catchy I can write in addition to that?
Speaking of signing things, on a random personal note, when Ken Jennings was making his incredible run on Jeopardy! a couple years ago, I wanted his autograph. So I sent him a self-addressed stamped envelope with a picture to sign and a suggestion of what to write. He obliged. I now have a paper signed by Ken that reads “Hemant, I’m so glad I didn’t have to go up against you! — Ken Jennings” 
[tags]atheist, atheism, Barbara’s Bookstore, The Secret, Ken Jennings, Jeopardy![/tags]
