As a writer, there's nothing quite like the thrill of seeing your book come to life and connect with readers. Recently, I had the opportunity to host a book signing event at The Book Cellar in Grand Haven, Michigan, and it was truly an unforgettable experience.
From the moment I arrived, I could feel the excitement in the air. The bookstore had done an excellent job promoting the event, and I was thrilled to see so many people turn out to support me and my work.
As I settled in behind the table, I felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement, eager to meet my readers and hear their thoughts on my books.
As the first person approached me, I felt a rush of adrenaline. I signed their copy of The Girl Wo Looked Beyond the Stars, and we chatted about the story and their favorite characters. It was incredible to see how my words had resonated with them and to hear their personal connections to the story.
Over the course of the day, I met so many wonderful people: avid readers, fellow writers, and fans of the genre. Each interaction was unique and special, and I felt honored to have the chance to connect with so many readers in Grand Haven and from neighboring Muskegon (the setting of the Sheena Meyer series).
In addition to the joy of meeting readers, I also learned a lot from the experience of having an out-of-state author event.
Firstly, it's essential to ship what you can to the event location beforehand. I shipped my books and poster boards to The Book Cellar and even sent bookmarks to my brother in Michigan to bring with him. But, as you'll see in this Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/CrnfBqoNtLC/), something unexpected happened to the bookmarks. Let's just say, dogs will be dogs! LOL. It's a good thing I had a backup plan.
Secondly, having an assistant can be a game-changer. During the event, you may get wrapped up in the moment, and having someone to help can make all the difference. Fortunately, The Book Cellar provided the sweetest assistant who helped me out. So, I had not one but two assistants!
Lastly, and most importantly, the bookstore you work with can make or break the event's success. The owners of The Book Cellar went above and beyond to ensure the event was a success. Their level of kindness, thoughtfulness, and gratitude was unparalleled, setting the bar high for future events. I can only hope to have the same experience with other bookstores.
My book signing event in Grand Haven was an amazing experience I'll never forget. It reminded me of why I started writing in the first place--to connect with others and share stories that inspire and entertain. To all the readers who came out to support me, thank you. Your enthusiasm and support mean more than you know.
Plus, selling 50 books in an hour is not too shabby of an accomplishment.
Let me know if you would like me to come to your state. Your bookstore may be next. :)
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