It's time for the December meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group and I am a co-host this month! I'm looking forward to visiting as many group members as I can as I make my hosting rounds.
As always, the IWSG is hosted by the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh. My fellow co-hosts this month are Heather Gardner, Kim Van Sickler, and Elsie is Writing. If you're not already a member of this wonderful group and would like to join in, please sign up here. We'd love to have you with us!
A quick reminder for next month - the January IWSG will meet on January 8 instead of January 1 due to the holiday. Also, don't forget about the wonderful Insecure Writer's Support Group website that is getting more awesome every day.
Now for my latest insecurity!
I'm participating in my first book signing this Friday and I can't deny I'm a nervous wreck about it. It's a small event with a group of local authors at the BLOC Coffee Company here in Cincinnati, from 7-9 pm. I thought that would be a great way to get my feet wet with this sort of thing as opposed to going it alone, but I'm still anxious about it. I envision myself forgetting my own name, or perhaps forgetting the English language entirely, if someone comes up to my table and asks about my books. When it comes to getting tongue-tied, few can match my skill.
But I assume in spite of this anxiety I will survive the event. I'll let you know next week! :D
I don't have that much time to freak out about this signing though as my novel The Ghosts of Aquinnah's official release is tomorrow! I've had December 5 circled on my calendar for so long now, I can't believe I'm actually at this day.
Lexa & Julie's Dream Destination Blog Hop, which I am co-hosting with Lexa Cain, starts tomorrow as well and will be going on all weekend. If you are interested in participating and haven't signed up yet, sign up on the Linky List below and click here for all the info on the hop and the amazing prizes we will be giving away.
See you tomorrow! :)
Doing the signing with other authors will help. Just be yourself and be excited.
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations on your release!!!
You're going to do and be great, Julie! I have no doubt. Being with the other authors is a great way to ease yourself in. And maybe you could bring Clancy for more moral support! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations a day early on tomorrow's book release!
Congrats on your release! I'm sure you'll do great at your book signing.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the release and good luck with the signing. I know you'll be fine. Just remember to relax and have fun.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had other author's for my book signing. It helps to be in numbers. You'll be fine, Julie! And tomorrow is the big day! YAY!!! I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteHi Julie. I just went through the same thing a couple Saturday's ago. I was at a book festival with 18 other authors. Some I knew, some I didn't. I was nervous too. I assumed no one would show up and if they did, they would by pass me and my books for sure :) But I did sell 7 and sat next to a woman who wrote paranormal romance as well from New Jersey and now we are friends! Being there with other authors who also had some anxiety helped but at the end, there was nothing to be anxious about, It all went fine. You'll do great. Can't wait to read your new ghost story!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your release and good luck with the signing! I'm imagining I'll be a nervous wreck when I do one!
ReplyDeleteHey, Julie,
ReplyDeleteYou'll be nervous for sure, but I know you'll do well. Looking forward to the hop tomorrow.
A book signing? That's exciting and amazing! Congrats on the release. I think I'll sign up for the blog hop.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for being co-host!
Take two Xanax and call me in the morning. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your signing. It'll be fun. Know that we're all there with you in spirit.
M.L. Swift, Writer
@Alex, I'll try, I definitely am excited. Thanks!
ReplyDelete@Madeline, LOL, Clancy would probably freak and try to bite someone with my luck. Thank you!
@Sarah, I hope so, thanks!
@TB, I appreciate it, thanks!
@Cathy, I do think that will help, I'm lucky I learned about this opportunity. Thank you!
@Karen, I will try to do a lot of deep breathing exercises LOL. Thanks!
@Debbie, oh, that's awesome you sold that many books! And that you had such a great experience. Thanks!
@Emma, thank you!
@Joy, I hope so, thank you. :)
@Loni, thanks for signing up, yay!
@Michael, LOL, only two?? Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the signing. I think you'll do wonderfully! And your books are awesome. Can't wait for the blog hop!
ReplyDeleteI'm always scared to death I'll screw up signing something and spell it wrong (in ink, of course) or leaving a blog of ink from an unruly pen.
ReplyDeleteI probably haven't helped your nerves with this, have I... :D
You'll have an awesome time and have fun!
Good luck on your first book signing AND book release. How exciting! You didn't say where you'd be signing. You never know if one of your blog readers might be able to go. If I were nearby, I'd stop by to give you encouragement.
ReplyDeleteThanks for helping out with the IWSG today!
Play off the Page
Don't worry, Julie. You're going to have a great time. It'll be one more marvelous memory to look back on.
ReplyDeleteYour first book signing? That sounds SO exciting Julie!
ReplyDeleteHave a blast!
And I hope you sign LOTS of books. Have you practiced your signature?
Writer In Transit
Oh, I forgot to say thank you for co-hosting IWSG today!
ReplyDeleteTake a deep breath! And remember, they might be just as nervous speaking with you, the famous author, as you are speaking to them.
ReplyDeleteOh, boy. I have yet to do a book signing and I cringe even thinking about it. How do shy people get into this fix anyway, LOL.
ReplyDelete@Christine, thanks so much, and thanks for the review of Ghosts!!
ReplyDelete@River, LOL, I've been worried I'll spell my own name wrong. It wouldn't be a shock LOL.
@Mary, oh, that's a good point! It's here in Cincy - I will amend the post. Didn't even think of that LOL.
@Joylene, I hope so, thanks so much.
@Michelle, I have such terrible handwriting, I probably should. Thanks and it's my pleasure to co-host!
@Cherie, LOL, you got me with the famous author. :D
@Huntress, I know, I feel like I'm torturing myself LOL. :D
ReplyDeleteYou're going to be marvelous at the book signing. I think you chose the best way to get your feet wet too. I would want to go somewhere small with other authors too. Being on my own would frighten me even more. But you're going to do great! I can't wait to hear all about it! :)
ReplyDeleteI was a wreck before my first book signing. My suggestion, remember if people stop by your table its because they want to learn more about you and your book. Plus, giving away chocolate helps. :)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck Julie. Looking forward to seeing how it went.
You'll love signing books. I found my interactions with people in the real world always make me feel like a "real" author.
ReplyDeleteWhen I did my first signing, someone pointed out that if I forgot how to spell my own name I could copy it off the book cover. That was comforting.
ReplyDeleteHope it goes really well.
You're gonna love the book signing. Our crit group of 4 authors did 2, yes 2, presentations this summer. One with the topic,on the road to publishing, and another on imagination. We had no rehearsal or discussion about what we would do, but the presentations went so smoothly and each of us hit different ideas with each one. The attendees were very complimentary, and yes, we sold some books too!! Best wishes with your new release!
ReplyDeleteHad to pop over to say hi, fellow co-host! And I'll see you again on your big blogfest tomorrow too. Best of luck with the book signing. This may sound stupid, but I've read that some people walk right by author tables not realizing that the author is the one sitting there...so if traffic is slow, you are supposed to smile at passersby and introduce yourself as the author! Who knew?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book release. I know you'll have a great time at the signing.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Good luck with your book signing. Sounds exciting. Looking forward to your blog hop this week.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, how exciting! Have fun during your book signing, and then come back and tell us all about it ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats on the release tomorrow as well, woohoo!
Readers love to meet authors, so just be yourself and you'll do great at the signing. Congrats on your release tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your first book signing and your new release! Two wonderful outcomes for all your hard work! May you have a great crowd who will ask you interesting questions. :) Writer’s Mark
ReplyDeleteI wish I could come!! I want to do a group signing :(
ReplyDeleteOkay, enough pouting. Thanks for co-hosting. Oh, and just to make you feel better...I was so nervous at my first signing, I spelled my niece's name wrong!
Good luck at your event. I understand how nerve wracking it can be, but I'm sure you'll do fine. *crosses fingers to be safe*
ReplyDelete@Chrys, I hope so, thanks!!
ReplyDelete@Natasha, oh, chocolate, great idea! I have bookmarks and other swag but I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the tip! :)
@JM, I hope that's how I'll feel too, thanks so much.
@Patsy, LOL, good tip! :D
@JQ, that's great you had such a good experience! And sold some books too. I hope I will be able to say the same next week. Thanks!
@Kim, oh, I wouldn't have thought of that either LOL. Thanks for the suggestion!
@Nancy, I hope so, thanks so much.
@MJ, thanks, I'm looking forward to the hop as well.
@SK, thank you, and I definitely will, even if it's a nightmare LOL.
@Cherie, thanks so much, I appreciate it!
@Nancy, you're right, they are wonderful outcomes. I need to remember that instead of freaking out so much. Thanks!
@Elizabeth, I wish you could come too! LOL I can definitely see myself spelling a family member's name wrong. :D
@Patricia, thanks for crossing your fingers for me! :)
ReplyDeleteYay! Congrats on your book release! Enjoy your signing event:)
ReplyDeleteWriterlySam
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ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your signings. I've done one by myself, and I'll always prefer a gig with other authors. My advice would be not to go with the intent to sell a lot of books. Meet people. Talk. Have fun. Then, regardless of the number of books you sell, it will have been a good day.
ReplyDeleteJulie, that's so awesome!!! I wish I lived even remotely close so I could come by and cheer you on (and get a signed copy for myself). Have FUN, and good luck!
ReplyDeleteHave a great book signing! I'm sure you'll be fine :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the book signing, I'm sure a few nerves will just make it go even better. Let us know how it goes :)
ReplyDeleteTake a breath. Remember this is all apart of publishing success and move forward.
ReplyDeleteHoping everything goes smoothly at your book signing. If you happen to forget the English language, I hope you have one to fall back on. I'm sure you'll do well.
ReplyDeleteYou will love your book signing! Doing the event as a group will make it extra exciting.
ReplyDeleteBreathe deep, smile and know that at the end of the day they're just happy to meet an author they enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHappy almost-release day! I'll be posting about it tomorrow!
Don't worry about the book signing. You'll have fun.
ReplyDeleteYou'll be fine. Most of the people coming by will be just as nervous about asking you for a signature as you. Thanks for co-hosting the IWSG!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the signing! Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDelete@Samantha, thanks!
ReplyDelete@Donna, good advice, thank you!
@Liz, I appreciate that so much, thanks!
@Laura, I hope so, thanks. :)
@Suzanne, I will, thank you.
@Sheena-kay, good point, I will keep that in mind. And take a deep breath!
@Nana, LOL, I may need that new language. :D
@Brinda, I hope so, thanks!
@Beverly, thank you so much, I appreciate it!
@Ken, thanks, great to meet you!
@Molly, thank you! And it's my pleasure to help host, I love this group. :)
Congratulations on the book release, Julie. Good luck with the signing. One thing I learned early on is to always ask how a name is spelled when personalizing. I found out the hard way when I misspelled "Betty" Bettie). Who would have thought?
ReplyDeleteMary Montague Sikes
@Mary, oh my gosh I know I would have done the same thing there. Thanks for the advice!
ReplyDeleteThat's cool that you'll be with other authors. Hopefully it makes it easier on you!
ReplyDeleteDespite how utterly cool I seem online, I get nervous too :P Deep breathing helps!
Congratulations, Julie! You rock! And I'll see ya at the hop!
ReplyDeleteI hope that "Ghosts" is a huge success.
ReplyDelete@Samantha, no way, you definitely seem way too cool for that. :D
ReplyDelete@Kittie, thank you, you rock too!
@Michael, I hope so, thanks.
Enjoy your first signing. Try to relax and be yourself. Don't worry about selling books. A friend told me if you sell 1 book at a signing consider it a success.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the signing, I do hope it will be a great success!
ReplyDeleteCool on the book signing. That's exciting! I've been too chicken to do one yet.
ReplyDeleteWoot on Ghosts! It's a wonderful book, be secure in that, Julie.
So how long do I have to wait until your next book?
I can't believe the big release is here already, either! Dec. 5th always seemed so far away.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on Friday! You'll be fine - the worst part is the anticipation. Once you're there, you'll have a ball. Smart idea to start w/ a group event.
I just scheduled my post for tomorrow's hop---looking forward to where everyone else is going to take us!
Book signings are a blast, meeting the readers is always fun! You'll see, don't stress, just have fun, smile, and be sure to have hand outs - a flyer with the blurb and with online or other buying information (such as how to order it direct from you) allows them to walk away and contemplate the purchase. Most will come back for your signature. And definitely, chocolate is a must! Have a great time! And congrats on the release! AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteHow fun that you're having your first book signing. If someone asks you a writing question that requires a long answer, you can refer them to your blog...because you have to keep the line moving along! =)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the release, and good luck with the book signing! I'd be a nervous wreck about that sort of thing, too. (I am absolutely the worst at socializing.) I hope the event goes well and that all your nerves are unwarranted!
ReplyDeleteYou will be fine. You may forget a word or two, but in the grand scheme of things, it won't matter. Lean on the other writers and enjoy this step. Congrats on the release!
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting.
Book signing, awesome!! You'll be great!
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(From Sarah, with Joy)
Hi, Julie,
ReplyDeleteI am soooo excited for you. The book signing will be great. Imagine chatting with your future fans. It's a great way for readers to meet you and get to know your books first hand.
You'll be fine. Just remember to BREATHE and have a cup of coffee in hand. LOL
So much excitement!
ReplyDeleteCongrats and best of luck tomorrow.
As for the signing, good luck and maybe you could fill out some index cards with your information for when you forget!
Heather
Good luck, Julie!! hope to hear it was a success!
ReplyDeleteHave some super fun at your book signing!!!
ReplyDeleteYou will do great at your book signing Julie! You don't need to worry, because you are an expert on your own novels! Just try to relax, and everyone will see you for the wonderful person that you are. It also helps that you're an excellent writer! You'll celebrate afterward with a big slice of birthday cake! Good luck, and see you tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Hi Julie - that's fantastic you've got a booksigning - it'll be fun and you'll relax into it.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be popping over to pick up Ghosts of Aquinnah .. I'm looking forward to reading it ..
Cheers and no insecurities here - it's all going swimmingly for you .. happy times - Hilary
Wow, a book signing, congrats!
ReplyDeleteThere's no part of the writing process that isn't nerve wracking. lol
@Diane, I definitely would consider that a success, such a thrill. Thank you!
ReplyDelete@Carole Anne, thanks so much!
@Mary, you're so nice, thank you! LOL, I need to get moving on that book...
@Nicki, I know, I can't believe it's really here. Thanks so much! And thanks again about the hop!
@Yolanda, thanks so much, I will follow your advice. :)
@Cynthia, great idea! Thanks!
@Heather, yeah, socializing is the hard part for me too LOL. Thanks!!
@Kim, thank you! And the co-hosting was my pleasure, a blast!
@Sarah, I hope so, thanks!
@Michael, I've got the coffee ready. Although with my luck I'll spill it on someone LOL. Thanks!
@Heather, good idea! Thanks! :D
@Tammy, I hope so, thank you!
@Lynda, thanks!!
@Julie, that will be nice, thanks so much. :)
@Hilary, thanks so much about the book and for your good wishes!
@Debra, that's for sure LOL. Thank you!
Thanks for taking on co-hosting duties! The signing sounds awesome - good luck with it.
ReplyDelete@Annalisa, thanks! And I really enjoyed being a co-host, it was fun.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you about the book signing and the new release! How fun is that! Book signings can be great fun. Just relax and enjoy talking with folks about your novel!
ReplyDelete@Lisa, thank you, I appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear about your book release. Congratulations! I hope you book signing goes well. I've done one small one myself and felt good about the results, though I did have a few friends and family around me for support.
ReplyDeleteHave fun at the book signing. That's fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information about January's IWSG date.
@Toinette, thanks! And it's great to know your signing went well.
ReplyDelete@Julia, my pleasure, and thank you!