How To Have A Great Time At A Book Store

Next stop on the TELEVENGE Book Tour ... Park Roads Books in Charlotte, North Carolina!

My table was covered with books, both Televenge and Southern Fried Women.

Sunday - a rainy Carolina afternoon with Panthers football in town ... I didn't anticipate a crowd. But as folks strolled into the store, they couldn't miss my table and most picked up the book to read the cover and ask questions. As it turned out, friends from Greensboro who attended the launch made their way south to Charlotte. Talk about love and support!

Rhea and Diane purchased their books at the launch and three days later, Diane finally came up for air. I had to laugh when she said all she got done as she read my book was feed and walk her dog. Knowing I was appearing at Park Road Books, they both skipped church and headed to Charlotte with a head full of questions. And then Alle Wells and her dear friend, Sara, arrived. Alle and I met on Goodreads.

But that's when the magic happened. We gathered our chairs in a circle and had a wonderful time together, all of us, talking writing, publishing, and of course, Televenge. Alle and Diane are both writers, and the time flew!

I think Diane testified to every patron who walked through the door. I had never met Diane until the night of my book launch, but I do believe I've made a lifelong friend.

My point is this ... it doesn't matter how small the crowd. To sit in a great book store, converse with those who came specifically to meet you and talk about your book, the ripple effect can be huge. Our chatter and laughter drew onlookers who will remember Televenge as the word spreads. I signed the store's stock of Televenge, and told them I'd be happy to return in the future.

Although book stores are not typically a venue where an author will sign the most books, it's still good to support your independent book stores (we came bearing gifts of fresh cookies for the staff) meet and greet folks strolling inside, and just breathe in the scent of all those books. It's like walking through a department store as a kid, smelling the popcorn and hot cashews, the perfume counter, and the hamburgers wafting out from the grille. Book stores have that special scent. It puts a smile on my face every time I walk inside one.

Thanks to Park Road Books for letting me stay extra today. I'm sure I'll be back someday. And who knows, we might have to rent a bigger venue next time!

Special thanks to those who came today and stayed and stayed, I hope you had as much fun as I did!

Blessings to you and yours.