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I had my first book signing at Barnes & Noble November 10th. It was an extremely exciting day for me. Unfortunately, my baby sister was away in Sacramento, Ca, so she was unable to attend. My older sister was originally supposed to come in from Dallas, Tx, but something came up. She couldn't make it either. 

I had my ex husband's support, but he was taking care of our kids, so he didn't attend. 

I posted it all over every social media site to which I have a login. Many of my old friends and family members RSVP'd that they would stop by and support my event. 

The day of, I got dressed in a sexy, yet conservative outfit. I felt like my workouts had been working. I did my hair in a funky little style, perfected my make up, and set out with all the items I would need for my table. 

To my surprise, my friend Victor made it there before I did. He helped me set up my table with a poster of my book cover, several copies of my book, key chains I had made to serve as thank-you gifts for my customers/supporters, and huge flowers that matched my book cover. 

I was sitting next to another author who was clearly more experienced than I. He had six or seven different books. They covered his entire table top. I was impressed, and a little embarrassed that I had eight copies...total. 

We spent much of the first hour just talking to each other and comparing notes on the interaction we had with the staff at the store. Our experiences mirrored each other. But soon into the second hour, his friends and family began appearing. They brought their friends, and everyone was asking questions about how long he had been writing and his subject matter. Each person bought at least one book. Then random customers approached the table to investigate the commotion. 

I started sinking a bit down into my chair when my sister's ex came in and lifted my spirits. Might have been the first time I was ever happy to see him. He stayed and chatted with me long enough for one of my cousin's to show up as well. I got excited then that I wasn't wasting my time embarrassing myself. 

One of my childhood friends came and bought a book. And then there was silence. That's it. None of my other friends and family supported my book signing. I sat there for two more hours and no one came. A customer stopped by to ask some questions about my book. I tried to sound friendly and confident, but I was pretty disappointed. She bought a book. When I signed her book, I included my Twitter name and asked for her input once she had finished it. 

She read it in two days and posted "Thanks for the signing." Wasn't the best of reviews, but I guess it could be worse. 

So what now? should I have another signing? She I chuck this writing thing up to a failure and find another career? I've had a lot of compliments on my writing style and many of the people who have read it have good reviews, but they tell me. And i'm not the one who needs to buy it. I'm at a cross roads and a little confused at what my next course of action should be. I'm currently working on a second book. I kind of feel like I'm wasting my time, but at the very least it could be a hobby. 

I would like to be a successful writer though. It has become a dream. 

Views: 52

Comment by David Lucero on December 22, 2012 at 10:48pm

Congratulations! I had my book launch on December 16, so I have a pretty good idea what you were feeling. I'm sure readers will be hearing a lot more of you soon enough. Keep on writing!

Merry Christmas!

David

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