First Big Book Signing!

April 16th is the day! For me, this is a big day. The first, and hopefully not the last, book signing at a major retailer. Barnes & Noble has asked me to join their annual book signing event and currently 16 others are coming to autograph their latest novels too. (Let me know if you are coming by clicking the 'attending' button for the event at Dead Right Fan Page listed there).
It is a 2 hour time frame that makes me think right away about speed-dating. Make it short and do it fast. Maybe I should buy a stamp for my signature to keep writer's cramp at bay?
I will admit I am not as nervous as I was when the "Meet and Greet" happened a few weeks ago. It could be because this style of book signing is much more informal and a little more one-on-one between reader and writer. I was asked to bring a minimum of 10 books to sign during the 2 hours we are given. Wonder how many people will be there for such an occasion? I bought 40 books just in case.
This is also my first contract, in hand, that I have signed to preform as a bona fide author. The feeling it gives me is accomplished. Accomplished in something I have wanted to become, but never thought I would do in this lifetime. I know writing books isn't a sure fire way to make the rent. If that were the case I might have started long ago if it were what drove me to publish. Really, I published the book for self-gratification with the hope of others liking it along the way.
I think it is a great story to be shared and want others to know about it, but I am not going to sit and wait for that big paycheck to fall from the sky and set me up for the rest of my life. I am satisfied with keeping writing as a hobby until that day comes; turning my current 9 to 5 job's earning into extra cash for playtime activities.
While I wait for that day to come, I will enjoy life with my family and continuing to pound the pavement for my current job. Spreading the word of a new novel when I finish one to give a little enjoyment for a short time to those that love to read.
Somehow I ended up rambling and getting off topic. I will learn how to blog someday. There are plenty of days left in me to learn I suppose. Back to what I started to say. Come join the festivities at Barnes & Noble in Tallahassee if you are in the area and say hi if nothing else. I won't require you to buy a book just to chat, so come by and spend a little time getting to know myself and the other authors! I know I will be meeting new faces during that time. Looking forward to seeing you there.