Before I became a writer, I remember seeing signs at bookstores advertising that some author or other was going to be doing a signing. I remember thinking I'd better steer clear of the store for the event--aftrer all, I didn't want to get trampled by the thousands of fans elbowing their way to the front of the line for a precious moment with their favorite author and I didn't want my own favorite authors to think I was some sort of groupie with a case of stalking. I've subsequently learned that the movie versions of book signings don't represent the vast majority of signings. In fact, there are rarely huge crowds, and authors very much want to chat with anyone willing to buy their book (and often so bored they're happy to point out the way to the bathroom or suggest a favorite childrens' book).

Today I got on my bike and rode the 20 or so miles to University of Texas at Arlington where one of my authors, Ken Ingle (author of SARAGOSA PRIME and the forthcoming FIRST CONTACT) was holding his first book signing. Ken was happy to see me--and he didn't even recognize me. But he had a pretty good turnout and said he'd sold something like twenty-five books. I was pleased to see that some of his fellow writers at the DFW Writers Workshop showed up to offer their support and buy his books. (Sometimes I think the only people who go to signings are other authors). In the book business, most transactions are not in person (and believe me, agents don't wine and dine me to persuade me to take on their authors) so it was wonderful to have a chance to meet one of my authors and I was proud to buy one of his books.

Tomorrow is the official start of Read an eBook Week but I have a confession to make--I assembled my Read an eBook Week page and posted it early. I've got a listing of all of our free books and short stories as well as all of our $1.00 books. I timed it so we'd have two new books in their introductory period during Read an eBook Week, so we've got those plus a bunch of books that are always a buck. Here's the URL: www.booksforabuck.com/general/read-an-ebook-week.html

On the way back from the book signing, I completely bonked. I don't remember ever running out of energy like that on a ride before--perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I haven't ridden more than a couple of miles a day for over a year. There were a couple of miles of really moderate hills that I just had to grind away at to make it up. Oddly, I found a bit of energy maybe three miles from home and was able to pedal a bit more efficiently. Today was the first time I used the nice GPS Karen gave me for Christmas for its intended purpose--finding bike routes.

Have a great weekend. Next post--more on Read an eBook Week.

rob