Grouchy Authors Not Welcome Here

I have the pleasure of attending numerous book fairs. In fact, I attended three such events just within the last three weeks. Here’s my rant for the day: It never ceases to amaze me how disagreeable and unapproachable some authors appear! At one of my recent events, I was tempted to grab my camera and take a few pictures to demonstrate the “don’ts” of author behavior; however, I must admit that it was the fear of a lawsuit kept me sane. Why do so many authors stack their books in neat piles on the table, and then sit behind the piles wearing deep frowns upon their faces? Their expressions say loud and clear, “Don’t you dare speak to me!” I recently witnessed one author who was reading a book (behind his stack), another one playing a game on his cell phone and another – in my opinion the worst one of all – typing away on his laptop. All this while supposedly introducing their books to the public. Is this really the image you wish to portray?

There are many books on body language and it might help if exhibiting authors (or for that matter, anyone who deals with people) took the time to read them. Uncross your arms, put down that book, put a smile on your face and open yourself up to people. You will be amazed at the results.

C’mon people, believe in your book. Believe in yourself. Believe in the power of a smile!

Thanks for listening to my rant! :)

Bobbie Hinman :)
http://bestfairybooks.com

The Perfect Book Signing - A Fairy Tale to Celebrate National Tell-a-Fairy-Tale Day

Today - February 26th - is National Tell-a-Fairy-Tale Day. Really! So, in honor of this special day, I have written a fairy tale. Please place tongue firmly in cheek and read on...

Once upon a time, in an urban kingdom far, far away, lived a talented author. This talented author had written a wonderful book, full of fanciful illustrations - a book that was loved by children all over the land.

One day this author was called on her magical cellphone by the manager of a large bookstore in the bustling center of the kingdom. The manager asked the author if she would like to come to the bookstore to read her book to the children of the kingdom, and to autograph it, too. The excited author jumped up and down and shouted with glee. All her life she had wanted to write books and now - a book signing!

The bookstore manager made all of the plans. She called the Kingdom Press, the largest newspaper in the land, and told them of the event, making sure that the details were all correct. She posted the information on the store's website. She posted a large sign inside the bookstore. She even had flyers printed and handed them out to all of the people in the land, telling them of the coming event.

On the day of the event, the sun was shining brightly in the sky. The bookstore manager sent a car and driver to pick up the author. When she arrived at the store, the author was thrilled to see that there was a large, colorful poster on the front door announcing the book signing. A store employee greeted the author and helped her carry her belongings into the store. The author was delighted to see a large pile of her books, beautifully displayed, right in the front of the store where everyone could see them. There was a table and chair ready for her, too, and it was placed in the busiest spot in the store. People were already in line, waiting patiently to purchase their books, happy smiles on their faces. Eager children were already grasping their copies of the book in their clean little hands. Each adult had even been handed a post-it note on which to write the long list of names of the people for whom they were buying books. By the end of the day, everyone in the kingdom would own their own copy of the author's book.

All went well that day. When the author was thirsty, a bottle of water was waiting for her. The manager asked several times if there was anything she could do to make sure the author was comfortable and the event was running smoothly. Many books were sold that day. So many, in fact, that the bookstore manager had to run swiftly to her telephone and order more books that very day.

At the end of the day, everyone was smiling. It had been a very happy day in this large bookstore in the bustling center of the kingdom. The manager thanked the author for taking time out of her busy schedule to spend time at the bookstore. One of the store employees helped the smiling author carry her belongings back to the waiting car. While bidding her farewell, the manager told her to be sure to come back soon. All was well! This had been a perfect book signing.

This is a fictional story. Any similarities between this story and real life are totally and completely coincidental.

Bobbie Hinman
http://bestfairybooks.com

Smile, Darn Ya, Smile

In the 1940’s, a popular song was recorded by Sammy Davis, Jr. The song was titled “Smile, Darn Ya, Smile.” Here goes – I’m admitting my age – I remember my mother singing this song to me whenever I was a grumpy kid. The song must have lodged somewhere deep in the recesses of my gray matter, because I haven’t heard it for many, many years, yet suddenly it came wafting through my brain just yesterday.

I stopped by a bookstore in my city, looking forward to a cup of coffee and a romp through the newest children’s books, when I encountered an author. Actually, I almost missed her. Yes, she was sitting quietly behind her table, arms crossed, cell phone in view, and a magazine within reach. She seemed to have everything that she needed, except for one thing – a smile!

C’mon now, who wants to approach a curmudgeon?

Authors are supposed to do signings to present themselves and their books. So, smile! Be inviting! Remember that body language speaks louder than words. Sitting with your arms crossed tells people that you are unapproachable. Working crossword puzzles or talking on a cell phone tells people that you are not interested in them. It’s absolutely essential to talk to people, all the while keeping that smile on your face.

If you believe in your books and believe in yourself, you will realize that you have accomplished something that many people only dream about. Be proud. And don't forget to smile!

To quote the last lines of the song: “So make life worthwhile…Come on and smile, darn ya, smile”

http://bestfairybooks.com