Having a day job in addition to writing makes it difficult for me to make many author appearances. However, recently two opportunities arose for events happening within a week of each other, and I’m delighted by the propspect of meeting with readers in person!
The first event takes place TOMORROW! I’m flying out today to meet a fabulous group of writing friends in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We will be retreating for the weekend, but we are also planning a wonderful reader event at Baker Book House on Friday, June 21. There are still spots available, so if you want to come, it’s not too late.
You can register here.
Next week, I’ll be doing a book signing in Branson, Missouri. This one came out of the blue for me, but it felt like it was meant to be.
Ever since I visited Branson in 2018 on a writing retreat, I’ve been itching to go back. I saw Sampson at the Sight & Sound theater there and fell in love with this Christian production company. When I saw they were doing Esther for 2023-24, I really wanted to return, but with lots of family happenings, I just didn’t see that a trip would work out.
Until . . . a sweet writing friend talked me up to the owners of The Fig Tree, a Christian book store in Branson. They invited me to come for a signing. I usually don’t agree to do signings when significant travel expense is involved, but this gave me the perfect excuse to not only to do a book event but to return to see Esther! Not to mention the fact that I’ve never been to Silver Dollar City, which seems like a crime since it is an amusement park built in a western/pioneer theme. Hmm . . . maybe I can count a day there as research. 😉
As it turns out, my son Peter will be relocating to Oklahoma City for some training for his job, so we scheduled the trip for the same week that we’ll be helping him move in since Oklahoma City marks the halfway point between Abilene and Branson. Don’t you just love how God works out all those little details? So, thanks to all of our ducks lining up just right, my husband and I will be taking a belated anniversary trip to Branson next week that will culminate in a Saturday book signing at The Fig Tree on June 29. Yay!
If you live within driving distance of Branson, I’d love to see you at The Fig Tree. It will be a casual come-and-go event, which means plenty of time to chat.
Have you ever attended an author appearance?
(book signing, reader event, speaking session, etc.)
P.S. Since I’m on the road today, I might not respond to comments very quickly, but I promise to read them all and respond when I can.
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I’ve been to a few author signings, but that’s it, until tomorrow. I’m excited to meet you in Grand Rapids!!
Yay! So glad you’re coming, Jennifer. It’s going to be a fun day.
I’ve been to a few reader events, they are always fun! I met you at Storyfest a couple of years ago, and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. I couldn’t resist that great line up of authors!
I remember StoryFest. Another fun event. 😁 Looking forward to meeting you again, Linda.
I SO wish I could come to the Branson signing, Karen, but we’re headed to Colorado a couple days after that and just can’t backtrack that much. Next time!
Sorry we’ll miss each other, Deb. It would have been great to see you. Have a wonderful time in Colorado!
I’ve never been to an author event or signing. I am excited that tomorrow will be my first one! 🥳😊
Haha! I just remembered, I did attend author events when I was in elementary school.
Bruce Lansky and Bruce Coville.
They were pretty special authors to me. I won an art award for a drawing based off the cover of Bruce Lansky’s “Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher”. I still have my signed copy of “Fortune’s Journey” by Bruce Coville!
Oh my goodness. That book title sounds so fun! How fun that you won an art award with that and then got to meet the author. Very cool!
So glad you’re coming tomorrow, Dana. Can’t wait to meet you!
We have an annual event in the spring called Virginia Festival of the Book. There are many authors in various categories. I first found out about it and attended when an author I read posted on her website that she would be there. I met her, took all of my books, which she graciously signed, and had such a wonderful time. I check each year to see who will be attending and have been 5 times.
Enjoy your events! Wish I could be there.
What a great event, Betty. It’s always more fun to me to do group author events so we can support each other.
All of those sound great! I need to get the Baker reader event on my calendar for next year. Now that my sister is retired, she and I are starting to use those as our sister trips!
I recently went to a couple of author events in Dallas–Katherine Reay and Lisa Wingate. Both were wonderful times of learning about their new books as well as reconnecting with them as friends.
That sounds like a great event, D’Ann. I got to take a book trip with Lisa Wingate many years ago, and she is a delight.
I’m so looking forward to seeing you in Branson, Lord willing! I’ve never been to a book signing, so I’m excited my first will be with my favorite author. I have a kinda silly question, though… do we just bring one or more of your books that we currently have for you to sign?? Or do you have a signed lot to sell? I’ve got all of your books, so I wasn’t sure how that all worked! 😀 haha {I won’t bring them all… :D}
Have safe travels on both trips! God bless!
Hi, Lori. I will be signing books that people purchase in the store or a few that are brought from home. I assume the store owners won’t mind if you bring a few from home. 🙂 I’ll also have lots of free swag and goodies to share. Looking forward to seeing you!
Ok, I see. Thanks for the info. I’ll just bring my two favorites. And who doesn’t love free swag & goodies!? 😀
I’m so excited to see you!
Those both sound so fun. No, I haven’t attended an author signing or other. There aren’t many author appearances in my neck of the woods. We live in a farming community south of Spokane, Washington, and I haven’t seen any put on within driving distance of our location. 🙂
Have a wonderful time, especially your belated celebration of your anniversary! ❤️
Thanks, Gena! The first weekend is done now, and it was so much fun, but quite the whirlwind. I’m glad I have a day to catch my breath and get caught up on email and chores before heading out again tomorrow. Looking forward to some time with my hubby too. 🙂
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting authors at American Library Assoc. (ALA) Annual Conference over the years. (ALA Annual usually is at the last week of June into early July–the bulk of the conference is on the weekend) They’re signing and meeting us conference attendees at their publisher’s booth or a regional author group in the exhibit hall. They’ve appeared solo or part of an author discussion panel. (If the author lives in the area, it’s convenient)
Others have been at the local public library. Some sign books, others don’t.
Of note, ALA Annual will be in San Diego, CA next week.
I’ve never attended ALA, but I’ve heard it’s a giant event. I love it when book people get together. 🙂