2019 has been a good year so far. I’ve had my head down for most of the time since 1st January, writing my next
book – my excuse for not posting here for a goodish while. However, yesterday was a
different day and one I’d like to share with you.
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| At home and ready for the off |
WHSmith
very kindly offered to host me for a book-signing event in their Lewisham
branch. As instructed, I prepared and supplied some posters which they put in the window for a week prior to my designated day. Arriving late morning as arranged and armed with copies of The
Ghost of Glendale I approached a member of staff. Imagine my delight when they gave me a table right at the front, near
the entrance to the store. And they provided me with a bright red cloth with which to cover it.
Setting
up took very little time and I sat down to wait, knowing that I might have to
wait for a long time, if not all day. Even with four published books I am not, after all, a well-known author.
Not yet anyway. There was a pretty healthy footfall and it certainly wasn’t
difficult to engage with people. My first ‘customers’ were a delightful young
couple who bought two books – and then, another! The first was for his mother,
as a Mother’s Day gift, and the second for his partner. I’m sure you can
imagine my delight when they walked away and, after only a few paces, he turned
back and said he’d actually take another one because he was certain his gran would
like it too. If that wasn’t a good way to start the day, I’d like to know what
would be.
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| Starting to set up 'shop' |
A
smile would bring someone over for a chat, some eager to tell me about their
own endeavours, some looking in wonder as I admitted that yes, I was indeed the
author. As the day progressed I met a lot of people who were keen to discuss my
writing with me. Well, I was in a book shop! Suffice it to say that I didn’t
sit idly watching the world pass me by. There was one lady who not only
bought not only a copy of my book but also the current issue of The People’s Friend Special
in which I have a story (we’d been discussing how I began my writing career
with short stories).
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| Chatting about my book Image courtesy of fellow-author Sarah Stephenson who dropped in to say hello |
A
huge ‘thank you’ is due to the manager, Rob Peters, and his staff who went out
of their way to make me welcome and comfortable. A word of appreciation also to
WHSmith who employ a policy of encouraging local writers. Rob also took some of my
books to put on their shelves. That felt really good.
To
recap, I knew there was a possibility that I would have no-one but myself to
talk to all day. Never a good thing. Had I not sold a single book, the time
would still have been well-invested. It was a truly positive experience which
took place in very pleasant surroundings and I would encourage anyone who might
be contemplating doing the same to give it a go.
Till
next time.
Natalie
