A Writer's Gratitude

Recently I had a book signing at the iconic book store, E. Shaver's Book Sellers, here in Savannah, GA. What a special day! The staff made me feel so welcome. They had a nice spot all set up where the first thing the customer saw when they walked in was my table displaying my books. The store is a collection of cozy little rooms filled to the rafters with BOOKS! Old, original hardwood floors that creaked when stepped upon. And outside the occasional clip-clop of horses' hooves as carriages drove by the front door.

The staff shared with me how awkward other writers/authors would feel (or appear)at their book signing and that they were delighted for me to remain the whole afte
oon because I could talk to anyone! And I did. After all, my job was to communicate with my potential readers and make it a nice experience in the book store. It really didn't matter to me if they purchased or not; Meeting new people from Kentucky, Michigan, Washington, Florida, Germany and Sir Lanka was so enjoyable and interesting for me.

Both my illustrators stopped by to show support. Lori Smaltz, the photographer, was there with her gorgeous coffee table book of celebrated cemeteries of Savannah (Bone Garden Enchantment). Jefferson O'Neal, a wonderful artist and the illustrator for all of my children's books, stayed and signed kiddie books with me.

During the three hour event we enjoyed meeting people from all over the country; tourists dropping in, regular customers that shop at Shavers all the time, and a few of my personal friends. I met a lady from Sri Lanka, in remission with stage four cancer. What a beautiful spirit she had...her outlook was so loving and positive. Then there was Celia (a realtor with Sotheby's) who marched in, came straight to my table and 'browsed' my books. She quickly picked out two; achildren's book for her granddaughter, and my novel for herself. My hair stylist came by with her son, Cameron, (a sweetie) and they bought all of my children's books. Thanks! Andrea!

And then there were the four-legged shoppers! E. Shaver's is pet friendly and in they paraded, knowing they would be welcomed. A beautiful springer spaniel with the sweetest face. An Airedale with a harness that said, 'service dog'. But you could hardly take him seriously with his one cocked up ear; making him look like he was always asking you a question. It was a hoot! And then little 'Evie', a mutt with chihuahua, wire-haired terrier and probably six other ingredients; Evie is a bounding, jumping, bundle of pure joy!

The funny, human observation that I made was that some customers would NOT look at me. As if they thought, "Oh no. If I look at her, I'll have to buy something!" Very funny, but that's just me and my weird sense of humor. I was just so darn grateful to the owner and staff at Shaver's Booksellers. They have taken me in, supported my work and are willing to share their limited shelf space with my books! I am blowing them kisses of gratitude!