That’s the number of books sold during yesterday’s signing. Actually Julia sold 3 since one was a double volume set. Sitting expectantly at a signing desk as strangers file by is an earthly level of hell known only to hapless authors sent out by their publicists in an effort to sell books.
I love to talk to people about gardening and growing their own food. I love to cook and talk to people about having some fun in the kitchen and at the table. I love to talk about how the most simple vegetable…say a cucumber, is nothing but a salad or let’s face-it, a somewhat watery, sometimes pungent, overlooked, not-even-very nutritious vegetable. But pickle it, and the lowly cuke becomes party food! A proud presence at holiday feasts and a culinary bright spot on winter-blah menus. Basically I love to talk to people.
But talk people into buying a book because I wrote it? I’d rather drink straight vinegar! It’s just not a mantle that sits comfortably on my shoulders. I know, I know…authors are responsible for their own marketing efforts. I get that.
I COMPLETELY stand behind my content. Grow your own food – even if it’s just a salad in a pot on the back porch. I guarantee you, you’ll connect with your inner 5 year old that was once stunned when the bean seed in the dixie cup turned into a lush green vine (certain to lead you to Jack, the giant’s den and the proverbial golden egg-laying goose).
Put up some preserves! Even if it’s just a jar of quick pickles. It’s easy, it’s incredibly satisfying and almost magical how vinegar, sugar and salt can transform just about anything into a zesty, tasty condiment that will liven an entire meal. Let me tell you… a pampered pantry filled with small batches of goodies put up in season is money in your back pocket when it comes to lean winter months in the vegetable garden.
I’ll preach your ear off from my “Backyard Bountiful” pulpit. I blog, I write, I speak, heck – I’ll even invite you over for dinner! I’d just rather leave it to you to decide whether or not to buy my books. (but don’t get me wrong – I hope you will!)
Anyone who thinks published authors are sitting on golden eggs is better off planting a bean in a dixie cup. Thoreau to Novella Carpenter, Julia Child to Carla Emery, I think I can speak for us all in saying that the real delight is in the growing, the doing, the writing and the sharing. Signing books? Eh, not so much.
Somebody PLEASE remind me of this the next time I get asked to sit behind a desk at a bookstore with only my smile for company.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t mind signing books but I have a bit of a ready market; I go to give talks somewhere, I take a few books along (the first one is sold out now, so it’ll have to be the next one) and those who want one buy one. I’m not a great self marketer but I do okay. Your book sounds great and should take off. Keep going and keep that sense of humour intact.
I’ve noticed that wood-carvers are somewhat immune to that ever-so-lonely on-display in public feeling, cuz they whittle whilst they sit there, making them seem, well, productive and somewhat mysterious. I’ve seen some painters do the same at certain art shows, so that their adding details to a painting while they wait becomes part of the romance of the event.
Writing just doesn’t quite lend itself to that same romantic “look”. Hair a mess. Shoulders hunched over. Chewing your lip and muttering while trying to prod “Word” into making you a better storyteller, and shouting the occasional ‘fuckshitdamnhell’ at the rafters. (Okay maybe I’m revealing too much about me here . . .)
Unless, maybe, you brought a portable hammock and dangled a foot over the edge whist sipping lemonade through a bendy straw, laying there all glam looking, writing longhand with an uber-elegant fountain pen on a hand-bound book of parchment.
How the hell do you make writing look more glamourous while everyone watches? And will it help you sell more books?
Thank you friend
I second this post. The one thing I dread about being successful with writing is giving signings.
AMEN!
Hey, you’ve inspired me! I just stumbled across your blog and so GLAD I did. I know NOTHING about gardening, dream of growing & preserving my own food, am overwelmed by all there is to know but determined. Both your books are now on my Amazon wish lists and I look forward to reading more of your blog. Thanks for sharing all you know
.-= Sarah @ Mum In Bloom´s last blog ..Frugal Friday: Ham & Cheddar in a Loaf =-.
Aw shucks Sarah. Thanks so much.
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