I recently signed up to do my first book signing. And if you know me, you will understand just how much this terrifies me. I am a painful introvert by nature, and the thought of actually having to interact with people who may or may not read my work is paralyzing. I....I can't even.
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| This is putting it mildly. |
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The powers that be (my writer friends) tell me that this is one of the best ways to reach new readers. And honestly, who doesn't want to do that? I don't have overinflated expectations, mind you. I'm not anticipating on bringing a cartload of books and selling out in minutes. Or at all. I hope to sell a couple of copies, sign a few, and smile and chat like any other normal person. You know, talk a little about my books and thank people in general for coming out to see us.
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| Perhaps a little less desperate. Okay, not really. |
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The problem is, I am terrible in these situations. TERRIBLE. While on paper, I am able to execute a modicum of eloquence, in person, I end up like a stuttering idiot. I am hoping to draw strength from my fellow attendees, betting on their confidence to boost my own. It really boils down to the fact that I have produced a product for sale, and now I have to market and promote it. I am not a famous author. I do not have a cabal of PR people and marketing geniuses orbiting around me for the sole purpose of getting my book in your hands. Nope. It's just me, people. Little, terrified, me.
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| Hello. | | |
Yep. I'll be sitting there, sharing a table with some lovely fellow writer (who's probably done this before and can whip out a smile and an autograph in heartbeat), with a few books and maybe some candy. I'll have on a slightly cringe-worthy smile, hoping that it desperately hides my awkwardness. More than likely, I will forget how to spell my own name. And so it goes.
In closing, on the off chance that you do make it out to see me and some other talented writers, I'm waving and thanking you now. It might take me a bit to get warmed up and crawl out from under my rock, but I'll get there eventually. And if my hand shakes a little when I sign, or I misspell my name, be gentle. There's a one in a million shot your book could be a collectible one day. Probably not. But it doesn't hurt to hope.
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| Maybe. Not likely, but maybe. |
Tara S. Wood can be found lurking on the internet. Or in these fine establishments.
Amazon
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Moon Rose Publishing
Fantastic post! And actually, I would have never known you were an introvert. Wish I could stop by!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! Enjoy your signing, it's going to be great. :)
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, I am also an introvert. Through all the nerves, stomach flips, nausea and sweats, I have to force that foot forward and paste on that I'm-a-damn-good-author-and-you-want-to-buy-my-book confidence. I have to keep reminding myself that the people I am meeting are there, in front of me, shaking my hand, because THEY--who would have EVAR thunk--think I am somehow awesomeballs. WHAT? O_O These people, these WONDERFUL readers, put us on a pedestal, and they are just as nervous as you, I might wager, so don't go selling yourself short, missy! I've read your writing, and you are the cream of the freaking crop. You just have to put that foot forward and stick out your hand--fake smile or not, they aren't going to notice--and say, "Hi. I'm Tara Wood, writer of amazing, mind-blowing stories. It's nice to meet you." They will be gone in only a few minutes, and then you can start the hyperventilation. It's okay, though. One more person in this big ol' world knows who you are, and you are amazing. I love you to Reese's Pieces, sweettart! You can do this, and in August, we will do it together. <3
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