Last weekend I was out of town with my daughters for a soccer tournament…I had to drive from Texas to Arizona, pick them up, and head on to Phoenix and then return, all in the span of a couple of days. Since it was my youngest daughter’s birthday as well, we worked in a small celebration in the hotel between games, and while we were in Phoenix, my oldest also asked if we could go to a book signing by one of her favorite authors, Ellen Hopkins.
I have a confession, and that’s that I’ve never actually been to a book signing, so I was as just as much curious as my daughter was excited. My daughter had her well-thmubed book with her, but when we got there, we learned we had to actually buy a book to participate in the signing: our purchase netted us a red wrist band, which allowed us to stand in line where we could meet Ms. Hopkins. One after another, her fans got to briefly talk with her, have their books signed (as many as they had brought, whether that included the one they had purchased at the store or not), and have their pictures taken. In our short time there, Ms. Hopkins was very gracious, and the whole of it went very smoothly.
It was interesting to see those people standing in line, excited to meet one of their favorite authors. As they waited they shared stories and opinions, delighted to talk with others who understood their interest and passion. It served as a simple but powerful reminder of just how much an effect our words can have on our readers. I was able to sit back and enjoy my daughter’s enthusiasm for something she really cared about and that spoke to her.
The entire weekend was hectic – and I spent a tremendous amount of time in the car – but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. Every girl got “her moment”, and I got to share them all.
When your book comes out I’m not standing in line, but if it’s any consolation, I’ll tell you exactly how I want it inscribed. 🙂