Book Signings
Updates July 31st, 2006Brandon invited me to sign books with him for his book signings in Pocatello and Idaho Falls this last weekend. So I took Friday off from work and spent the day at the Pocatello Waldenbooks, where Ryan (the manager) and his staff were very friendly and accommodating.
It was a ton of fun to get to talk to Brandon’s fans and have them ask me to sign their maps. Having two people at the signing was nice, too, because while one of us was talking, the other could snag interested people and hold their attention long enough sometimes to get them to buy books.
We spent Saturday afternoon at the Idaho Falls Barnes and Noble. Julie, the marketing manager, rolled out the red carpet and got us drinks, kept the display stocked, and even called three local television stations in to do interviews.
Both signings were very successful from a book-selling standpoint, and what’s more, I’m recharged and motivated to finish my own book to get me closer to the day when it won’t be just the artwork that I’m signing, but the book as well.
August 1st, 2006 at 4:08 am
That was the first time I’ve gotten a book signed by an author (for myself, anyway). Brandon’s a pretty cool guy. He didn’t have to invite you along, did he? But he did. That was really nice of him.
Unfortunately, neither of you look like real writers yet. You have to let your hair grow long or start wearing funereal black. You can go for the starving artist look: emaciated bodies, thick wireframe glasses, and out-of-date clothing that looks like you found it in your grandfather’s old wardrobe. And don’t forget the defeated, downcast expressions. For added realism, you should live exclusively off of charitable pittance offered to you by your admirers whose attics you rent as living quarters on the cheap.
August 1st, 2006 at 3:16 pm
Brandon is one of the most down-to-earth people I know. You’re right, he didn’t have to invite me, but he chose to share the limelight. Another thing that’s really cool about him is his openness to sharing advice and insights to potential authors. Others helped him get where he is, so he enjoys paying it forward by helping the up-and-coming.
I tried starving myself for a week before the signings . . . but the starvation—and the attempt to grow a beard—failed miserably. I’m still striving for that writing yurt—that fits in with an attic, doesn’t it? =)
August 1st, 2006 at 8:09 pm
You won’t need a yurt in the attic–the cobwebs will keep you warm. And you can snuggle the spiders.
Spiders are cute. Visit catenamanor.com if you don’t believe me.