I meant to take pictures. I really did. It just didn’t happen. As one of the organizers of the authors, I spent so much time running that I never had a chance to take pictures.

But I can tell you about it. Hey, I’m an author; it’s in my skill set.

First, I’m an extreme introvert so having to go out, surrounded by mostly strangers then reach out to talk to strangers requires oodles of mental preparation and a few cans of Dr. Pepper.

Some folks just want to pass by and not make eye contact with the writers. We get quite a few who just like looking at the covers (there are some awesome covers), and then there are those readers who are searching for their favorite authors and no-one else will do.

Then there are those that slow down and have to be lured over. Usually, the titles or covers do it. Other times, I’ll say something like ‘Come talk to the writers. We don’t bite but some of our characters do.” To be fair, these statements get weirder by day 3 of the event as I’m sleep deprived and my mind is spinning from caffeine.

To me book signing isn’t just about the sales. It’s about finding your tribe in a sea of humanity. My sense of humor tends to be twisted and dark. Not everyone appreciates it, but a few do. Those are my kind of people, even if they don’t read.

My favorites are those who tell us who their favorite authors are and ask who we have to match. I make it a point to find out what everyone writes so I can direct them to the right authors who might peak their interest. Almost every writer at the booth will do so. We love readers, no matter the genre and want them happy so they keep reading.

And lastly, the best ones are those who return year after  year. We lost one. Betty was in her nineties but she’d walk to the event year after year to meet her favorite authors and chat with everyone about their books. But we have our followers. Extraordinary readers who usually buy from everyone because they love reading so much. I keep joking we’re going to put their picture up as the ten most wanted Chocolate Affaire readers. It is nice to see a friendly and familiar face in the crowd. It’s scary that they will know your book better than you:D

Until next time.