While some of you suffered the heat at ball games, outdoor chores and various and other sundry summer activities, I spent Saturday in the cool confines of the historic McConnell House at Wurtland, Kentucky.
The occasion was the first-ever Author Showcase, with two dozen authors of all different types of books attending.
I shared a table with the wonderful Jennifer Johnson, whose newest book, "Holding Out for a Hero", has just been released to great reviews. Also in our room was outdoor writer Soc Clay of South Shore, Kentucky, who kept us entertained during the lulls in visitors.
Okay, let me say this -- it's quite different being on the signing side of the table instead of the looking side. I've gone to lots of these types of events over the years, and gotten to know some really good writers. I will admit, I'm more comfortable as the looker than the marketer, trying to convince my folks what a great read my romantic suspense books are.
Well, of course, they are. At least my editors and I think so, and judging by reader response, other people seem to enjoy them as well. But I'm not the kind of person to brag on myself, so saying "Buy my book" isn't easy for me.
So to make it easier for me to talk to people, I put out a basket of chocolate and Jennifer and I gave away a door prize. And I handed out as many of my autographed promotional cards as I could, hoping that people would remember my name.
We'll be doing another author showcase, the organizers say, and I plan to be there. I hope Jennifer will be beside me again offering moral support, and yes, I'd love to be near Soc, whose supply of stories never runs out!