Book signing success!
Here I am, at the Borders in Visalia, CA signing my books! It was terrific! My husband and I arrived just before noon to find a table set up beautifully right inside the front door. All my novels stacked in a gorgeous row on this nice red-cloth covered table. All I had to do was set up my candy tray with the business card holder from my pal Vee in Australia, and set the three books in the gold stands I found at Michaels. I gave the fliers to the fabulous manager, Robert Jasso, who strategically scattered them about the store. I turned on my laptop so the stunning book trailer created by my friend Sandy Marlow of Phoenix Book Trailers could entertain the guests. Then Robert brought out an easel to display the colorful flier I had made. I was ready to go! I even had my special pens with my covers on them and my “author signed” stickers!
Me with Visalia Borders manager Robert Jasso
I have to draw attention to my outfit. Note the scarf? I have decided that scarves are going to be my fashion “thing” – LOL! This gorgeous white scarf was a Christmas gift from my dear friend Simone, who lives in the Netherlands. She is one of my oldest and most devoted fans, along with Vee in Oz, who are now like sisters to me. It was Simone that directed me to Sourcebooks, so I owe much of my success to her. This scarf came at a perfect time. Don’t I look nice!? And special thanks to my fashion-forward daughter, Emily, who helped me gussie up and pick the right jewelry.
So many people from my work showed up. I was very touched! Everyone at my work has been so supportive and it was a marvelous surprise to see so many taking the time to visit at my book signing when they hear me drone on about my novels day in and day out. Ha! I am very blessed.
A special treat was meeting Valerie, another fan from my long ago online posting days. She came from way up the Valley and brought my original self-published versions to sign! Talk about a blast! I have copies of those books but haven’t looked at them in ages. It was very cool! And so great to meet her. Thanks Valerie!
The four hours went by as a whirlwind. There were so many wonderful people stopping by to chat – some who I knew but many that I did not – that even my designated photography got caught up in the enthusiasm and forgot to take pictures! There were several ladies who work at the hospital in other departments that heard about my novels via the grapevine. Church friends Jeff and Robin Frasieur popped in to buy the first book for Jeff. That’s Right! My pal Maggie came by with her handsome hubby and four sons. Robert had two
There were several ladies who work at the hospital in other departments that heard about my novels via the grapevine. Church friends Jeff and Robin Frasieur popped in to buy the first book for Jeff. That’s Right! My pal Maggie came by with her handsome hubby and four sons. Robert had two sets reserved for fans in San Francisco and Colorado. I know! Jessica and Katie, whoever you are, thanks and happy reading! I really wish I had jotted everyone’s name down so I could personally thank them for making my day so fun and successful.
The Schimelpfenings
Altogether, between the 3 titles, 23 books were sold! And I signed at least twice that many as people brought their already-owned copies for me to sign. It was fabulous. Perhaps I am ready to tackle a Fresno signing! Well, after I rest up a bit as this was oddly exhausting!
Hey Robert! Thanks for stopping by! It was so much fun, but would not have been near the success without your fine management. I really do appreciate it. It was Maggie who "encouraged" me to go for the signing! I knew if I backed out she would beat me with wet noodles. LOL! I will definitely keep the idea of another signing in mind for October. Thanks!
Maggie, I really appreciate your friendship and kind words. I have the best fans in the world, so it makes my job very easy. I am blessed.
It was great to finally get you in the store for your book signing. Please pass along another big thank you to your friend who helped me coerce… er… talk you into… er… encourage you to come in. Yeah, that’s it. =) I look forward to your other books coming soon. It would be a pleasure to set up another book signing whenever you are ready.
Thanks again, Sharon!
it’s funny how people are like that… asking directions of people obviously not there to be doing that…
sounds like you had fun! now I’ve just got to get reading the novels… darn that Keira Knightley making movies based on books to distract me from reading yours… lol (London Boulevard atm..)
I am glad to be a "Sharon Lathan fan"!
Can I just say "ditto" to all the sweet comments already posted?? You are so gracious and so appreciative. You really do make every fan feel like they are a member of your family! You take the time to remember every name and every detail. You are so thoughtful and so sweet! You make it SO FUN to be a Sharon Lathan fan!!! I also must say that I feel blessed to call you my friend! I am so happy to know you and the great example that you are. Love you loads! Congratulations on all of the success and the great reviews!!
Sharon
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. I often have to work our booth at environmental education events and people act like they’re scared to death of me! It’s really strange since they have chosen to attend the event in the first place!
Can’t wait to see what week 2 of the launch hoopla brings. 🙂
Diane
Oh Vee, you are so sweet. But I actually feel terrible as I have not taken the time to personally email you and thank for the gift. I love it! It sits on my desk and was perfect for the signing since I do not have a business card holder! It is a constant reminder of your ongoing friendship. 🙂
Thank you Susanne and Jenny. It was so fun and I wish you could have been there. My jaws actually hurt from so much smiling and talking! But it was a tolerable pain, to be sure.
Diane, I did manage to Twitter twice, but that was it. It was non-stop action and the store was so busy that I did not want to be distracted and miss an interested customer. Strangers, I have now found, are shy about approaching a table. They do not know what it is, I think, and figure it is some kind of hard-sell tactic! I was approached once by this sweet young lady who wanted directions on how to find a particular book in the story! LOL! It made me laugh, but at the same time I couldn’t help wondering why she didn’t notice the signs, stack of books, etc. that clearly designate me as an author and not an employee! Ha!!
Ah, thanks Seli. And Steve will be happy to administer those hugs. 😉
Thank you for the pictures – you look great and the way they set up your table with your books!!! Amazing. I am so Happy for you – I wish I can just give you a big hug and tell you how proud I am of you – So I will do it from long distance and ask Steve to give you a big Hug from me!!
Congrats again!!!
Sharon
It looks like you had a great time! I figured it must be going well when I didn’t see any posts "during" the event. 😉 Congrats!
Diane
Sharon,
How FUN!!! I am so excited for you!!! I concur with Vee and Susanne!!! They are some cool chics!!! I love how blessed and supported you are!! You have worked so hard and provided so much joy for so many…Thank you!!!!! To me, you are the modern day "Lizzy"!!!
Thank you again and much love,
Jenny
Dear Sharon!
My heartfelt congratulations to you!
This morning after waking up I immediately turned on the computer , as I wanted to know all about your book signing. The first picture is one of your best pictures. A bookstore is definitely the right place for you!
And I could repeat all the words that Vee already found. You never forget any of your readers and friends! You are so very special.
God bless you,
lots of love,
Susanne
I cannot begin to tell you how amazingly happy and proud I am for you dear friend. Your book signing experience sounds wonderful!!! A HUGE congratulations with piles of kiisses and hugs to you xoxoxo
I am so glad many fans and good friends turned up in support and of course with your own special brand of Sharonness (for there is no other word for your love and generosity) , you manage to include us all (even though we couldn’t be there in person). You never forget any of us! (the card holder, the scarf the ongoing thanks ). Those of us far and near are able to experience the joy of this amazing journey with you! Thank you, you’re one in a million Sharon.
Love always
TSBO devotee
Vee