Author Events Archives - Page 12 of 12

This is Abraxas Books in beautiful downtown Denman Island. Yesterday, Saturday, October 20, 2012, Juan Barker hosted my first book signing for Awakening. Luckily, it was a crisp, dry day and the sun cooperated, peeking out between clouds for the duration.

My gratitude and thanks go out to the incredibly supportive community here on Denman Island and the best friends an author could possibly have.

Comox Valley Record

Thanks to Juan’s advertising efforts, the Comox Valley Record that picked up the book signing’s press release, and the sunshine – the turnout exceeded expectations … by a landslide. The book signing was a huge success.

Sold Out

Within fifteen minutes, Abraxas’ stock of the book was seriously compromised. I dashed to my car and grabbed the small supply I had put there in a rather optimistic “just in case” moment the previous night. But within the hour, we had run out AGAIN and I had to call home for reinforcements.

W O W!

Sold out – twice in one day. I like the way that sounds! Thanks again to everyone who dropped by to say hello and show your support. It warms my heart.

(If you prefer ebooks, you can pick up a copy from your favourite retailer here.)

Recently, I gave my first author reading of my debut novel, Awakening.

Public Speaking

Do you get nervous when speaking in public? In previous jobs, I’d given a few large-scale presentations. In the beginning my nerves were so bad I’d get sick to my stomach. But with each event, my nervous energy settled down. In time, my nerves levelled out at a manageable buzz.

That manageable buzz is what I expected when I signed up to read from my new book at this year’s Denman Island Readers’ and Writers’ Festival (link).

Turns out my work experiences didn’t prepare me at all. On July 20^th, I got up on stage, spoke into the mic and read from Awakening for the first time. My whole body shook, sweat prickled, my voice cracked. And this despite having read the piece aloud dozens of times.

A Bad Case of Nerves

I’m still trying to figure out why my nerves were so bad. Fear, I suppose. Would the audience like my work? Would they judge me? Would I blow my timing?

As it turned out, the audience didn’t toss rotten veggies on stage. Instead, I heard gasps and laughter (in the right places) and they clapped at the end. And our moderator, Des Kennedy, didn’t have to come out with a hook to yank me off stage.

Whew! Survived the first one.

Update: In 2013 I picked up some valuable tips about reading from my work in public. You can read about it here.