Hi Ladies......yesterday I attended my first book-signing event in Waynesboro, VA. It was a joint effort between the Tourism Bureau, Waynesboro Police Department, Virginia Crime Solvers association and the Literacy Foundation. Over fifty authors from around the world attended and it was a FABULOUS chance to meet some of them, get ideas, network, etc. Also got some autographed copies of books for myself! I don't think I will EVER forget signing my first autograph for someone buying my book - I almost cried....HAHA. Anyway, it was truly awesome, and I won't bore all of you with the details - HOWEVER, if anyone DOES want details, I'll happily divulge them, just send me an email and I'll share.

Suffice it to say that it gave me a lot of faith in myself and my book and I encourage all of you to attend as many of these type events as possible.

Pam
I don't think you would be boring anyone here with the details! I, for one, would love to hear all about it. Well done and congratulations!
Lotsa love
Slán
Claire x

I would also like all the details. Give them up!

Details, we want details. Please tell us everything.

What a thrill! I'm tickled for you!

Hey, I want details too. I can't wait to have the chance to cry (I mean, sign the first copy of my book)!

So ya want details huh? Well........OK! You twisted my arm!

First of all - let me say my friend and fellow writer P.M. Terrell did an AMAZING job organizing this thing. In fact, a Foundation has been formed, and there are other cities across the U.S. who have made inquiries of this group towards having their OWN "Book 'Em" event. Waynesboro has signed a contract for the next 20 years to host their event. Next year it will be two days - Oct. 22 & 23rd and ANYONE who wants to sign up can access the registration through the website at http://www.bookemfoundation.org. I'll be there - hopefully with my first AND second books.

They had an authors lounge with all the food and drinks we wanted for free - we had assigned volunteers for each author to sit at our tables when we weren't there, etc. and a cashier area to take care of the purchases so we didn't have to deal with it. Everyone who participated donated a percentage of sales to the event AND some of the bigger publishers GAVE books to the event to be sold. An original oil painting by P. Buckley Moss was a door prize (some prize huh??) AND, word was circulating at the end of the event that Stephen King's "people" have been in touch with the foundation about his being next year's keynote speaker. This year's was Diane Fanning and she was WONDERFUL.

There were wonderful talks, lectures, discussions scheduled ALL day in the auditorium, library and several classrooms - authors and book illustrators all participating. I had been asked to sit on a panel discussion with five other authors called "The Path to Publishing"....I was the only "novice" in the bunch - everyone else had such amazing introductions with lists of awards, writing credits, etc. and then ME! But there was a nice range of "experience" on the panel and having a "newbie" was a good idea. Also, I was able to share my experience with my former literary agent, and how I found the right small press publisher, etc......also how tough it is to do all your own marketing/public relations work!

I was so thrilled to meet so many authors - and everyone was happy to talk, give advice, etc. Just a wonderful atmosphere.

It was very well attended - I'd guess at least 200 people or more came through. Lots of "would-be" writers, newspaper reporters, book illustrators looking to hook up with authors, college students, and a LOT of adorable kids who were just so awestruck to meet we "BIG DEAL AUTHORS" (hahaha)...I don't know how many autographs I gave to little kids who had brought little spiral notebooks and just made the rounds to get autographs! What fun!!!!!

The highlight of my day was meeting a Waynesboro Fire Department Chaplain who had gone to New York City on 9/11 to help.....he had written a book about his experiences and was looking for a publisher. We talked for a long time - his mission was to tell people that God WAS there on 9/11....he said so many people asked the question "where was He? How could He let this happen?" and this man wanted to tell the stories of the bravery he witnessed to help answer that question. I am very proud to say that when he had finished making the rounds in the auditorium and had looked at ALL the books, MINE was the only one he had purchased.....maybe because I took the time to talk to him....maybe because it was just meant to be.

So - that's most of the story! I encourage ANYONE who is within travelling distance to consider going next year OR contact the Foundation if you want to help organize something like this in YOUR town. It was SO WONDERFUL, and I know I will never, ever forget it.

Pamela, how absolutely awesome for your first book signing event to be so wonderful. Isn't it just the most delightful experience signing your name in your book and then handing it over to its new owner?

I'm happy for you and the positive experience you had.

Wow Pam,
What a wonderful experience. Thank you so much for sharing the details. Sounds like a terrific day. CONGRATULATIONS
smile

Thanks ladies...yes it was wonderful. Now back to reality and finishing up Book #2. Vicki - I agree....each time I signed a book I thought about how it had found a nice home where it would be appreciated (at least I hope so!).

Pam
I'm so glad you had a chance to participate in it, and share your day with us - it sounds like great fun.

What an awesome experience for you, from signing and selling your book, to giving autographs, to being part of a panel discussion, to the amazing conversation with the Chaplain

Your wonderful description of the event makes me wish I lived closer so I could go next year!!

Pam, it sounds like a wonderful day, and I'm so glad you shared the details with us! We can live vicariously! I'm very happy for you.

Donna

These are wonderful details, Pam. Thank you for sharing!

Pam,
Thanks for sharing. How exciting for you and loved what you wrote about the minister.
Thanks,
Maggie

Pam, I was smiling through your whole description of the event What a great experience! Made me wish I lived closer, too.

Way to go, Pam . I'm thrilled for you! You deserve it! Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us. It must be exilarating to share with so many authors, etc. .

Wishing you the best with your books,
Songbird

Pam,
From your description, I felt like I was there with you. (wish I was) It sounded wonderful and exciting!
I'm so happy for you.
PS: How can I purchase an autographed copy from you? I'd love one! And I promise to give it a good home!

Pam, you must still be riding high after Saturday. I'm praying you're back there next year with your next book in the series.

TVC, many of us read Pam's book in our book club. You'll love the mix of mystery and romance!

Wow Pam-you could almost write a story on your experiences! Sounds wonderful, and I know you fit right in with the others! Congratulations on the success of your first Book 'Em! Hugs, Dana

[ October 25, 2004, 01:25 PM: Message edited by: Dana ]

Again ladies, thanks for all your kind comments and encouragement. I have said this often in the last couple of days, but it doesn't hurt to say it again - I FINALLY feel like an "author" and it's a really GREAT feeling.

Dana - you will very shortly know what I mean - I'm sure you will have your first book-signing and when someone says "may I have your autograph" - well, it's just a very nice moment.

Thanks for sharing.