Book Signings

One of the scariest things for me to do as an author is book signings. I get nervous easily, and when I talk while nervous my voice gets all wobbly like I’m trying to sing with that cool vibrato sound the ladies in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir use-- only I’m not singing. So, when I was asked to sign books at the BYU Bookstore this week for BYU's Annual Campus Education Week, I have to admit I was a little nervous. Okay, a lot nervous.

(Me at a signing in California)

When I got to the bookstore today, my hands were shaking so much my friend who was with me told me to stop setting out the treats we were putting on the table, because I was making a mess. I smiled a wobbly, nervous smile and let her do the set-up.

But after those first few scary minutes, I experienced a series of events that left me not only less afraid, but also deeply moved and grateful for the kindness of those around me.

• Soon after arriving, I looked up and saw Marsha Ward, my fellow Ink Lady. It instantly put me at ease to talk to a seasoned author and hear about her latest project. And she even bought my book. Thanks so much, Marsha!
  
• I was seated next to another author, Elizabeth Watkins, who was so kind and so gracious. She read the first two pages of my book while sitting at the table, bought the book, and was even helping me sell it to people! How awesome is that?!
  
• Some very dear friends who were not attending Education Week, but had heard I would be there, gathered up their children and came all the way from Salt Lake City to say hello. I didn’t even know they were coming. Their support and sisterly love made me feel so blessed.
  
• A family of girls who used to baby-sit me showed up with their mom. I remember those girls (now women) and the awesome examples they were to me growing up. There’s some of what I learned from them in me and therefore in my book. It was such a cool moment to see them.
  
• And finally, a woman stopped by the table and told me her daughter enjoyed the book and had even started a journal of “Pink Notes,” where she writes about people who inspire her. I sat there and thought, “If this was all that came out of my book, all those hours of writing were worth it, because this is what it’s all about.”
  
  Thanks to all of you who stopped by and said hello. Thanks to all of you who read this blog. Thanks to all of you who read my and my fellow Ink Ladies’ books. I am just so full of thanks! So…thanks!