I love my readers!
The anxiety of having to pack up your books, table decor, and signage is worth it when you get in the doors, set up and “start the show.” My most recent book tour stop was this passed weekend. I had been a part of this venue last year, but the traffic was light being that I only had my children’s book and this was a much older demographic.
This year, I forgot the easel for my big author sign. My shoe broke before I even got in the door. I forgot the location was one street over and was nearly late. Everything started unraveling.
Author events are stressful enough. You have to work on your pitch, your presence, and your appearance. I had a moment where I asked myself, “Why am I even doing this?”
It happens. But once I started setting up and the readers began to visit, I was exactly where I needed to be. Getting out and sharing stories with word lovers and other authors is the heart of what I do. The bonds of the human connection are always magnified by a common love of books.
But something always goes wrong beforehand. You forget pens, something breaks, it’s part of the adventure. It’s part of the job. Writers are tough. We learn to take a hit and keep going.
Events are no different.
Some familiar faces popped in to show their support. A good deal of new readers came in to look for something new. I signed more books than last year and made a few new contacts that hold some promise.
I still have a few more stops before the year is over.
I’ll be in Kansas City for Pagan Pride day on Sunday Sept. 11th and Chicago on Sunday the 18th. I’m sure my hair will be a mess, or I’ll forget to bring a chair. And like always, I’ll laugh it off and have a real fun conversation starter to joke about with some of the other authors.
I am currently working on getting my next novel out in the hopes that I will have yet another title to sign on my book tour next year. The plan is to have more stops so let me know if you want me to come to your city. I’ll see what I can do!
Jessica Marie Baumgartner 
A broken shoe is a sign of good luck to come! Let’s pretend that’s a proverb from somewhere. 🙂 I’m glad things worked out and you had a good time!
Haha thanks! I gotta remember that broken shoe thing 🙂