Views from a Book Signing in Williamsburg VA

People View Art Work Displayed Outside B and N Last Sept.

A book signing event at the William and Mary Barnes and Noble in Williamsburg VA on Saturday presented many learning experiences for this author. Because of the prime location in the heart of the historic colonial area, many people who enter the store are wearing Colonial Williamsburg neck lanyards.

Many of the people who spoke with me were from other states and visiting for three or four days. The first several people I talked with are no longer buying paperback books. One said she had traveled for many years in her job. Now that she has a Kindle, she loads it up with books. Another woman says she likes her Kindle because of the light that enables her to read at night. I gave these readers my card and noted that all of my books are available for Kindle and that most are also obtainable as Nook Books.

One lady visiting from Pennsylvania explained that she has a book coming out in several weeks. She's excited and had lots of questions about marketing.

A local author pulled out a copy of his self-published math book. He wanted my opinion of the cover. He also had questions about marketing. I asked him about social networking on Facebook and Twitter. He was unfamiliar with that route but expressed hope the company that published his book would help him with the marketing process.

When a man wearing an Indiana Jones hat and vest entered the store, I spoke to him and encouraged him to purchase my Indiana Jones-style adventure story, Jungle Jeopardy. I was delighted when he came back and got a copy.

During the four hours of my signing, I spoke with people from all over the country. Some had recently moved to Williamsburg. Others were weekend tourists.

My free gift of a signed original art card with each book purchase attracted some buyers. I didn't wear my Indiana Jones outfit for this signing, but I might wear it next time.