Ever have one of those days? One of those weeks?
Usually, when someone asks that question, there’s a negative connotation. But I’ve had a series of those days that folded themselves into one of those weeks…in the best of all possible ways. Starting with the release of my debut book for Harlequin American Romance last Tuesday. Walking into a book store and seeing The Officer’s Girl on the shelf was so exciting I grabbed the first sales clerk I saw and said, “This, this is my book!”
Poor woman. She obviously didn’t understand. It took another couple of tries before she realized I meant I’d written the book. Once she did, the joy spread until the next thing I knew, a voice came over the speaker announcing “an author” was in the building, and if anyone wanted to, they could come on over to the Romance section. And it was super when the clerk asked me to sign the copies of The Officer's Girl they had in stock.
I also participated in my first official book signing this week. And boy, what a book signing it was! Every new author should have nearly 300 eager fans show up and a staff to hand out tickets so attendees wouldn’t have to stand on line for hours. You probably already guessed not all those people were there to see me. And, much as I’d love to insist they were, you’d be right. The book signing kicked off the annual Washington Romance Writers’ Retreat. Held at Turn The Page Book Store Cafe in Boonsboro, MD, the other signers included the amazing Nora Roberts, Charlaine Harris, and Roxanne St. Claire.
For me, it was still a blast. Chatting with the attendees and being part of this event was such a fabulous experience, I’m eager to do it again. And, since I just completed my second Harlequin American Romance, maybe I'll be able to next year when Catch of a Lifetime is released.
Here's a photo of some of the crowd at Turn The Page.
10 comments:
I'm so happy for you! What fun. :)
Congratulations! That was awesome the clerk in the bookstore let you sign some books.
I'm reading The Officer's Girl right now! Seriously, I really am. Just read the part where Brett takes down the shutters for Stephanie.
Gillian,
Not sure what happened with the comment I posted earlier. Today was a travel day for me--coming back from 10 days on the road--and I think my cell phone ate my comment.
Thanks for stopping by!
Marcie,
Ooooh, the shutters. Gotta love a guy who can't stand the thought of his gal all hot and sweaty...and alone. Grins.
Hope you enjoy the rest of the book!
It's sooooo good to be home again!
Estella,
Thanks bunches! Glad you stopped by today.
I might not have been in a bookstore, but I bought your book then brought it home and replayed the message you left on my answering machine (months ago, that I refuse to delete, telling me I'd finalled in the Launching A Star contest) with everyone in the house standing around and me jumping up and down, "This is the book she wrote!" Needless to say, my family thinks I'm a bit loopy.
Jennifer Bates
'Falling for the Farmer'
Congrats! Sounds like an amazing experience. WooHoo! I'll pick up a copy to take on my trip next month.
My copy is still in the mail. I'm sure it's excellent as it was chosen to be HAR. Congratulations on your firsts.
It was great sharing it with you, Leigh! Best seller wishes for The Officer's Girl and all the books to come.
Well done, Leigh! Way to get out there and promote your work. :-)
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