I was one of those awkward passers-by. I was never sure what to do, knowing I didn’t intend to buy a book but conscious of the guts it took to sit behind that table and smile at people as they walked by. What is the etiquette, Terry? Is stopping and chatting, asking questions about the book enough? Then I feel twice as guilty if I don’t buy the book. Ah, the dilemma! What would you have liked in those early years?
Thanks for your comment, Joy. I wish I knew what to suggest. I just stopped doing those three hour signing sessions that seemed to put so much pressure on customers in the store, not to mention on me! When I see a writer sitting at a table promoting their book, I now make a point of going up and talking to them. I usually end up buying their book even I don't always end up reading it. All the best.
How am I expected to remember a code to type here, Terry? Finally got a pen and wrote it down. Book signings... true. I have driven hours to sit at a bookstore, twiddling thumbs and waiting to sign. Then a bunch arrive at quitting time. If there are other authors I usually buy from the newbies and get them to sign it... which I can't really afford. So far, only one has won an award and I haven't read his book yet. I have become convinced that signing books is important, but... anyway, you describe the situation to a T.
That was a good read, Terry. You signed one of your books at a Probus event about a year ago in Pickering. Blue Heron was there! I especially enjoyed your recollections of Paul Quarrington. There have been many posts about buying Canadian and some are posting about reading Canadian. Thanks for your contributions.
Dear Terry. If you ever come to Ottawa for a book signing, please let me know. Yes, I know that you are a very busy man but my friend and I are huge fans of you and your books.
Thanks so much, Alice. I'll try to remember to let you know. You can also check out my Appearances page on my website. I keep it up to date. No Ottawa dates on there right now, but my new novel comes out in the fall, so we'll see.
Thank you Terry. As usual, a goldmine for us newbies. My launch happens in June and it hadn't occurred to me, until I read this, that books might need to be signed, and phrases at the ready would make it more efficient than authorial pondering on the spot. Your warm-hearted stories are a delight, and call for publication in a memoir. I note a certain well-known author has recently announced hers, so what about it?
Thanks for the kind words, Jack. Who knows, perhaps there might be a memoir at some point in the distant future, but right now, I'm having too much fun writing novels!
I think it's the most ridiculous thing in the world. I can't imagine why anyone would want the signature of someone else. I most certainly don't.
I worked for San Diego Comic Con for ten years. There was a section for book signings. Totally bemused me. If I was an author, I would totally refuse to do them.
They used to give our free books to read. As I read all the time, I totally loved getting those free books (at the publishing stores). The authors used to ask me how I wanted it signed. I didn't want it signed at all. I don't like books marked by anything. I never used to know what to say to them. "Sorry, I don't want you signing it." It would be rude to say it to them.
Once I was speaking to a world famous author. I didn't have a book. Out of the blue, he took a business card and signed it. I was so bemused. WTF must I do with that? I dumped it in the next trash can.
Thank you so much for this. As a former bookseller (and librarian) I have empathized with authors sitting at the table. I found the Paul Quarrington link incredibly touching, the road trip and all. I am convinced I saw him, not too long before he died, with the Ferguson brothers, in White Rock or South Surrey, but I must be making it up because I can find no reference to their having done a reading here. I just know that I cried when I heard he had died because I had been so impressed that evening (where ever it was.)
I was one of those awkward passers-by. I was never sure what to do, knowing I didn’t intend to buy a book but conscious of the guts it took to sit behind that table and smile at people as they walked by. What is the etiquette, Terry? Is stopping and chatting, asking questions about the book enough? Then I feel twice as guilty if I don’t buy the book. Ah, the dilemma! What would you have liked in those early years?
Thanks for your comment, Joy. I wish I knew what to suggest. I just stopped doing those three hour signing sessions that seemed to put so much pressure on customers in the store, not to mention on me! When I see a writer sitting at a table promoting their book, I now make a point of going up and talking to them. I usually end up buying their book even I don't always end up reading it. All the best.
When I get back home, I’m going to check out my copy of the Best Laid Plans to see what inscription you wrote 😉
Let me know!
How am I expected to remember a code to type here, Terry? Finally got a pen and wrote it down. Book signings... true. I have driven hours to sit at a bookstore, twiddling thumbs and waiting to sign. Then a bunch arrive at quitting time. If there are other authors I usually buy from the newbies and get them to sign it... which I can't really afford. So far, only one has won an award and I haven't read his book yet. I have become convinced that signing books is important, but... anyway, you describe the situation to a T.
Thanks, Monica!
That was a good read, Terry. You signed one of your books at a Probus event about a year ago in Pickering. Blue Heron was there! I especially enjoyed your recollections of Paul Quarrington. There have been many posts about buying Canadian and some are posting about reading Canadian. Thanks for your contributions.
Yes, I miss Paul Quarrington and often reread his novels.
Dear Terry. If you ever come to Ottawa for a book signing, please let me know. Yes, I know that you are a very busy man but my friend and I are huge fans of you and your books.
alsmeathers@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Alice. I'll try to remember to let you know. You can also check out my Appearances page on my website. I keep it up to date. No Ottawa dates on there right now, but my new novel comes out in the fall, so we'll see.
https://terryfallis.com/appearances/
You are so incredibly gracious to respond to me. :-)
Thank you Terry. As usual, a goldmine for us newbies. My launch happens in June and it hadn't occurred to me, until I read this, that books might need to be signed, and phrases at the ready would make it more efficient than authorial pondering on the spot. Your warm-hearted stories are a delight, and call for publication in a memoir. I note a certain well-known author has recently announced hers, so what about it?
Thanks for the kind words, Jack. Who knows, perhaps there might be a memoir at some point in the distant future, but right now, I'm having too much fun writing novels!
PQ signed my Whale Music the same way!
Wonderful retrospective! So happy the Leacock Boys gave Paul a magnificent send-off. I am in the Terry Fallis Memoir camp. Would be a fun read!!
Great memories Terry! I am going to check my Terry Fallis inscriptions too!
I think it's the most ridiculous thing in the world. I can't imagine why anyone would want the signature of someone else. I most certainly don't.
I worked for San Diego Comic Con for ten years. There was a section for book signings. Totally bemused me. If I was an author, I would totally refuse to do them.
They used to give our free books to read. As I read all the time, I totally loved getting those free books (at the publishing stores). The authors used to ask me how I wanted it signed. I didn't want it signed at all. I don't like books marked by anything. I never used to know what to say to them. "Sorry, I don't want you signing it." It would be rude to say it to them.
Once I was speaking to a world famous author. I didn't have a book. Out of the blue, he took a business card and signed it. I was so bemused. WTF must I do with that? I dumped it in the next trash can.
Thank you so much for this. As a former bookseller (and librarian) I have empathized with authors sitting at the table. I found the Paul Quarrington link incredibly touching, the road trip and all. I am convinced I saw him, not too long before he died, with the Ferguson brothers, in White Rock or South Surrey, but I must be making it up because I can find no reference to their having done a reading here. I just know that I cried when I heard he had died because I had been so impressed that evening (where ever it was.)