Book Signings
@allyoftherain (7208)
United States
September 19, 2011 10:52pm CST
A few days ago, one of my all-time favorite authors, Bryan Davis, passed through my city on his book tour. Most of what he was doing in my area was talks at schools, but he did have a book-signing at a nearby bookstore. I was really excited, and I dragged my sister and one of our best friends to go see him. It was kinda awe-inspiring and nerve wracking to meet him, and I didn't really know what to say. He asked me if I had any questions and I couldn't think of any. 
I just told him that I'd read the first of his Dragons in our Midst series when I was 14 and I'd followed his writing ever since. I got a signed copy of his new book, Eye of the Ovulum, a signed copy of his daughter's book (Amanda L. Davis, she was on his tour with him, and her book is called Precisely Terminated), and he gave each of us a signed poster for free. The posters were basically big huge book covers, and I chose the one for "Last of the Nephilim" which is the third in the Oracles of Fire series.
Before this, I'd only been to one book-signing and it was almost accidental. We were heading to a Renaissance Faire, and I read in the program that Peter S. Beagle, the author of one of my favorite books "The Last Unicorn", was there doing a book signing. Of course I had to go to that! I bought a new copy of "The Last Unicorn" (my THIRD) so I could have it signed, and I also got signed copies of "The Unicorn Sonata" and the first issue of the graphic novel version of "The Last Unicorn". Peter S. Beagle really just sat and let his assistant do most of the talking (I don't blame him, he's in his 70s) but he did compliment me on my dress and told me the sweetest story about an old woman he knew who once wore a dress like mine.
I haven't been to any other book signings other than those two, but I really do want to go to more. I've been checking the event calendars of my local bookstores just waiting for an author event to pop up. There are so many more authors that I would love to meet, like Bruce Coville, Karen Hancock, Stephen Lawhead, Terry Brooks, Donita K. Paul... the list just goes on and on.
So have any of you other mylotters been to book signings? What was it like? Did you know what to ask? If you haven't been to one, is there an author you'd love to meet at a book signing? What would you say when you were there?
I just told him that I'd read the first of his Dragons in our Midst series when I was 14 and I'd followed his writing ever since. I got a signed copy of his new book, Eye of the Ovulum, a signed copy of his daughter's book (Amanda L. Davis, she was on his tour with him, and her book is called Precisely Terminated), and he gave each of us a signed poster for free. The posters were basically big huge book covers, and I chose the one for "Last of the Nephilim" which is the third in the Oracles of Fire series.
Before this, I'd only been to one book-signing and it was almost accidental. We were heading to a Renaissance Faire, and I read in the program that Peter S. Beagle, the author of one of my favorite books "The Last Unicorn", was there doing a book signing. Of course I had to go to that! I bought a new copy of "The Last Unicorn" (my THIRD) so I could have it signed, and I also got signed copies of "The Unicorn Sonata" and the first issue of the graphic novel version of "The Last Unicorn". Peter S. Beagle really just sat and let his assistant do most of the talking (I don't blame him, he's in his 70s) but he did compliment me on my dress and told me the sweetest story about an old woman he knew who once wore a dress like mine.
I haven't been to any other book signings other than those two, but I really do want to go to more. I've been checking the event calendars of my local bookstores just waiting for an author event to pop up. There are so many more authors that I would love to meet, like Bruce Coville, Karen Hancock, Stephen Lawhead, Terry Brooks, Donita K. Paul... the list just goes on and on.
So have any of you other mylotters been to book signings? What was it like? Did you know what to ask? If you haven't been to one, is there an author you'd love to meet at a book signing? What would you say when you were there?4 people like this
5 responses
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
21 Sep 11
Wow, that is awesome, and no I haven't been to any book signings..If I could, it would be probably any one of the Love/Inspired/Suspense authors or the Millers Brothers. The Miller Brothers are the one who wrote the Hunter Brown series my sons loves and they are also on my FB, so I occasionally talk to them..
3 people like this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
22 Sep 11
I recently had one from the Love/Inspired/Suspense books request me, probably because I have a couple other authors as my friends too.. Yes, the Hunter Brown books, though written for young teens, is very entertaining, so much so, I am a member of a group on the site about making these books into a movie..
3 people like this
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
21 Sep 11
Yes, I've seen Hunter Brown around the Family Christian Store, and I've been meaning to pick up the series. They look like fun. Nice to know the authors are socially with fans on facebook. I'm friends with Bryan Davis on facebook too, actually. He added me! I guess he did a search for anyone with his books in their interests, but it still made me feel special. 
3 people like this
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
22 Sep 11
I've read illustrated children's books with no shame, and I tend to enjoy YA novels much more than the average Adult novel... so the age stamp doesn't make a whole lot of difference to me. The way I see it, (And I think C.S. Lewis said it) a children's book that can only be enjoyed by children isn't a good children's book.
The way I see it, (And I think C.S. Lewis said it) a children's book that can only be enjoyed by children isn't a good children's book.4 people like this
@leafygreens08 (754)
• United States
20 Sep 11
Well, I just dropped off several of my own copies of "Realmwalkers" yesterday at the local Hastings Bookstore. It was very exciting to see the store rep place my book on the shelf of the New Books section. Too bad you don't live near Lake Havasu City, AZ as I will be having my very first book signing there on November the 12th. I have never done a booksigning before so I guess I better find out what to expect and what to do for it.
I am glad you had a chance to meet Bryan Davis. I am not familiar with his books but now I think I better check them out at Hastings.
@leafygreens08 (754)
• United States
22 Sep 11
Thank you, Abitosunshine. Become a follower there if you like. It's a very exciting time right now as I prepare for this event. I have even gone to Hastings to take photos of my book on the shelf. HAHAHAHAH!!! It's also a lot of work also. I am learning a lot about marketing and trying to get my book reviewed. There are several sites online where this can be done. Ally reviews books also. How are you doing with your goal of 100 books before the end of summer, Ally?
3 people like this
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
21 Sep 11
Nope, sorry. Several states away from that. That sounds really exciting though, I didn't think bookstores normally stocked self-published books.
Bryan Davis is one of my favorite authors! I hesitate to say "absolute favorite" only because I have this idea in my head that I can't claim an author is my favorite until I've read everything he's written, and I'm still working on it. lol But yeah, I'd highly recommend his books.
2 people like this
@abitosunshine (765)
• United States
22 Sep 11
Copngratulations to you on your first book signing. I hope you sell many copies of "Realmwalkers". I'm on your blog now, I think, I searched and found you.
3 people like this
@ElicBxn (64169)
• United States
20 Sep 11
I've gone to science fiction conventions to meet writers.
I've met Anne McCaffrey, Robert J. Sawyer, Theodore Sturgeon, Carole Nelson Douglas, P.N. Elrod, lots of the "locals" and, of course, Jasper Fforde - tho that was at a book store signing.
3 people like this
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
20 Sep 11
I think I remember you mentioning that before. Lots of famous authors all in one place! Sounds really exciting. I hope there's a similar fantasy book convention.
3 people like this
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
21 Sep 11
Oh.. that makes sense. lol It would be really awesome if you could get them all in one place though.
2 people like this
@abitosunshine (765)
• United States
22 Sep 11
I have never attended a book signing. Even I find that hard to believe, with as much as I enjoy books and authors. I really must get that first one crossed off my ToDo list.
I have many author friends, I read a lot, I have a book blog, I write book reviews... seems no excust to have not been to a book signing!
3 people like this
@leafygreens08 (754)
• United States
22 Sep 11
You do reviews also? I see you have a blog. I think I will go check your profile. I have also approved you to be friends. Book signings can be fun if done properly. I have been hearing to bring candies, cookies, freebies, to entice people to come and visit, even if they don't buy a book. Sometimes it can be lonely and depressing though if no one shows up for the four or so hours you are just sitting there. I really dread that. This is why I am going to send a press release to the local paper and give out flyers too. Hopefully someone will come.
3 people like this
@leafygreens08 (754)
• United States
23 Sep 11
I got your comments and messages, Abito, thanks again! Will try to keep smiling and try to stay positive at the book signing. =) You are a good friend. {{{HUGS}}}
2 people like this
@abitosunshine (765)
• United States
23 Sep 11
Yes, I love to read and write book reviews! I private messaged you about such.
Just think positive -- visualize a crowd at your signing and a sellout of your books!
3 people like this
@RitterSport (2451)
• Lippstadt, Germany
30 Sep 11
hi dear allyoftherain, I once was to a Book Signing. In the Parish of my hometown we got a well known Catholic writer as a guest and I had bought one of his books and wanted him to sign it for the love of my life. It was a great experience meeting him there thought it was so packed I could only ask him to please sign it and thats what he did.
However I met another author online, in a social network site, where he publishes his short stories. His name is Michael Reisman and he is from the NY area. I just bought his newest book here and sent it to him so I will get it back signed. LOL. Looking forward to that for sure.
1 person likes this
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
2 Oct 11
Sounds like a fun book signing! I've met multiple authors online, but it's not really the same.. it doesn't seem real at all. And I'd really prefer to meet in person and get to talk to them at book signing then getting a mailed copy.
@RitterSport (2451)
• Lippstadt, Germany
2 Oct 11
yes allyoftherain, I would like to meet that author in person as well. He just told me he got the book in the mail and will get it to the Post Office next week Thursday to send it back autographed.
But he is halfway round the globe and I can only hope one day he would be at the Book Fair in my old hometown, then I would have a chance to see him.
1 person likes this
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
7 Oct 11
Halfway around the globe does put a damper on things. lol But maybe! Don't loose hope too soon.
