After a few days of continual rain, it was a relief to find clear skies. I wouldn’t have to don waterproofs to reach The Guisborough Bookshop with my box of goodies. And more importantly, less inclement weather would hopefully encourage people to stray outdoors for a book signing.
The wonderful independent bookstore team had affixed an Apokeri Bay book signing poster to the entrance, while inside were two tables with a book signing notice and my books lovingly arranged. I quickly set up my stall with extra books. And I’d brought freebies – postcards, bookmarks and two tubs of sweets. The clock struck eleven and I was ready to go.
Sitting in a prime position, I observed The Guisborough Bookshop team at work. You could tell so many people love this independent dog-friendly bookstore. And during the two hours I was in residence families, couples and individuals streamed in. All on a mission to grab the perfect gift. They came in for lots of different reasons, to browse for books, choose greetings cards or a calendar, to place or pick up orders and purchase tickets for the local firework display. It was lovely to hear the banter between the employees and their customers, and it was easy to see that this bookshop is a busting part of the community.
This was my first book signing and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was great to chat with so many friendly people and hear their stories. There was the lovely couple who retold the nightmare journey home from Newcastle International Airport. Road closures and diversion notices blown over in high winds saw them drive around and around in circles. They finally spied a sign for Durham and trundled suitcases through their front door two and a half hours later. Or the chatty lady who’d holidayed in Italy but never Greece. Maybe after reading Apokeri Bay, she might be tempted to visit Lefkada.
And there was the delightful chap who’d called off his hunt for the ultimate corned beef pie to stroll around the bookstore. He’d written short stories and had a yearning to complete a novel. His friend had published over 100 books and we discussed various routes to market. Waving my book in the air he bid me a cheery farewell, perhaps his best seller will be based on locating the best ever pasty?
Thank you so much to the fabulous Guisborough Bookshop team for providing me with the opportunity to promote my book. A massive thank you to my brilliant friends, you went out of their way to call in and purchase Apokeri Bay. And thank you to all the bookshop customers who didn’t even know me and gave me a cheery hello, a well done, chatted and purchased my novel. I’m immensely grateful to you all.
Sitting behind a computer writing manuscripts, drafting then redrafting thousands of words can be a solitary undertaking. I do love the creative process but getting out to where my books are sold and then taken home and enjoyed is fantastic.