How My First Book Signing Came About

I mentioned we went to my friend’s place for Thanksgiving. What I didn’t mention was what occurred. Probably because I was in shock. Heck, I still am!

Mary’s been our friend for over 30 years and is more like family to us (our kids call her Aunt Mary). She loves to do things for us (and loves to entertain). When we arrived on that Thanksgiving Day she got all fanatical-like, handed me my book and asked me to sign it. It made for a good laugh.

Now, she didn’t have to buy the book. I had sent her a digital copy, which she’d already read (heck, she was one of my beta readers). But she wanted to give me a sale (and maybe show off the book to her friends). So, I should have realized her mind was going bonkers when my husband suggested she have a book signing for me. He assumed she would invite a couple of friends for dinner (because Mary LOVES to cook). But Mary never does things small. Oh no.

Case in point: Many years ago, my husband "complained" that Mary didn't have any mustard for his ham. He didn't care there wasn't any mustard. He just likes to play with her; get her all riled up. Well, the next time she served ham, she gave him a choice of something like 5 mustards! I swear, I didn’t even think they came in that many varieties!

So I shouldn’t have been surprised when I received the following e-mail from Mary (sent the day after Thanksgiving, no less!):

Read this invitation and tell me that the date/times is good. Since you are a wonderful writer, feel free to edit. Yes - I will make this happen!

Hey - want a great, inexpensive, personalized gift for someone who likes to read? Need something different for a gift swap? Want something special for yourself?
My friend Stacy McKitrick is now a published author. She will be having a book signing on Dec 13 at the Grand Reserve at Albany Crossing clubhouse from 5:00-8:00. Stacy will talk about her writing, inspiration, current and future books at 7:00. Coffee, tea and dessert will be available.

This is Stacy's first published book. Wouldn't you love to have a signed copy of Steven King's first book? Or John Grisham's? Think of this like that, as I see great things for Stacy as her second book is already getting ready to be published!

I will have a limited number of books for sale (at Amazon's cost, no shipping costs, no profit for me), but you can get this book with free shipping with a total $35 purchase at Amazon.com (put URL here). Can't make the signing, but want a copy? Let me know on the RSVP or an e-mail and we'll get one personalized for you.

Please RSVP early with a note if you will need to purchase a book (or books) at the clubhouse so that I will have enough copies. Cash or check only for (enter price here) made out to Mary (redacted).

directions and address here.

Let's DO THIS!

I couldn’t believe my eyes! I showed it to my husband. He laughed, but said I was doing it. Well, I knew I was doing it (how could I not?).

So, now I'm having my first book signing on Friday, December 13 from 7-9pm at the Grand Reserve at Albany Crossing, 6039 Poplar Ridge Dr., Westerville OH 43081  (Hmmm… should I be worried it’s on Friday the 13th?).

The location is the club house in her condo residence (the place is free for her to use - thank goodness). If you happen to find yourself in the Columbus area that day, you are invited to attend (she’s serving DESSERT!). For Mary's sake, I hope people come out. I'd hate to see her go through all this work for nothing!

Don’t I, like, have the BESTEST friend ever? I think so. J

Stacy