Book signings are not only a great way to
spend the day for any avid reader, they are massively inspiring for aspiring
and established writers too. I LOVE book signings! The atmosphere, the
excitement of finally saying a brief hello to an author you’ve admired for
months, years or maybe just weeks is so exciting.
I’ve attended many, many signings over the
years including Jodi Picoult, Marian Keyes, Philippa Gregory, Anna Jacobs,
Nicholas Evans, Alison Weir…I could go on!
From each of these signings, I’ve gained
inspiration and tips from some amazing writers who are willing to share their
experiences and wisdom. I’d say the writing industry (especially romance
writers), is overwhelmingly generous to ‘pay it forward’ and help aspiring or
writers struggling to earn a living from what they love, to learn and gain the
knowledge needed to move upward in their careers.
Chatting with the people around you, the
person in front and behind you in the queue as you wait with the author’s
latest book in hand, can lead to great conversation and maybe even a new book
idea. People, especially readers, are interesting and informative. They often
travel and have unusual and different hobbies. It’s a great way to garner
characterization!
I have just signed up to hear Jodi Picoult
talk in December (my fourth time seeing her…stalker? Moi?) as well as planning
another visit to the AMAZING town of Hay-On-Wye in Wales in next year. This is
a town like no other. It is wall-to-wall bookshops. Truly. Once a year they
hold an enormous literary festival that draws readers and writers from all over
the world.
Scroll the internet today and sign up for
an author book signing and/or literary festival – you won’t regret it!
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