As promised, here’s my report on the Lori Foster Author/Reader Get Together! (As always, click on the thumbnail pictures to enlarge.)
First, and probably most important to me, was spending time with my indispensible critique partner, the fabulous Leanna. A big thanks for her gracious hospitality and for keeping me as calm as she could considering the case of nerves I’d worked myself into.
Friday evening was mostly “meet and greet,” but I did get to spend time with several of my Indiana RWA chapter sisters.
Saturday brought the raffle basket giveaway. When I turned in my two baskets Friday night, I couldn’t believe the sea of donated items. There were baskets with digital cameras, Barbie dolls, bottles of wine — just about everything under the sun. I didn’t see who won either basket until Saturday afternoon. Katherine and I had a great basket, and I’d tied it with an orange ribbon. While I was talking to a few of my fellow Siren-Bookstrand authors, I caught a glimpse of orange as it passed by. I had to chase down the lady holding it. Ironically, she’d been looking for me. I took down the nice woman’s name, but I can’t find it! If she cruises by this blog — Please send me an email! The multitude of baskets raised over $6000 for charity.
I sold close to a dozen books, more than I’d expected but less than I’d hoped. It was wonderful to talk to readers, and I loved making new friends. I got to meet a bunch of Siren-Bookstrand authors in person, so now I can put faces to names.
Two big things that will stand out in my memory.
First, this was my first book signing, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
And second, one person made the whole weekend worthwhile. She planted herself in front of my table, pointed to Turning Thirty-Twelve, and told me it was the best title. Ever. Then she said she’d just turned thirty-ten. I loved signing a copy for her. 
All in all, a great first experience of being the author instead of just the reader.
Good for you, Sandy. Turning Thirty-Twelve is an excellent book and everyone should get the opportunity to read it.
HOW AWESOME! It must have been so amazing just being there! Thanks so much for posting the pics and I hope you find the lady who won the basket. Congrats on your first book signing, how exciting that this was where you got to have it.
Thanks, Catalina! I’m so pleased you loved the book!
Hi, Val!! It was exciting!! And I hope I find her too!
How exciting! Thanks for sharing the pictures too!! Congratulations!
Hi, Stacy!! And thanks! Did you catch all of our chapter sisters in the pictures??
Best title Ever! How very cool is that?
Glad you had a nice time, Sandy. Now that you’ve ‘done it’–the BIG signing EVENT–you’ll only get better and better!
(Well, ya know take that with a grain of salt coming from a book signing ‘virgin’…unless I get to count the hvac convention last summer where a bunch of my favorite refrigeration techs toted along copies of my book that they’d bought on Amazon and wanted me to sign. I might have been a l’il in my cups that night. Not sure I got my signature right)
WAAAAY cool!!
Lainey, you always make me smile. I love that story!!