Where Did You Read?

Before B&N, before Borders, before Walden Books, before chain stores had a book section, people went to the library to pick out a book to enjoy for an afternoon or two weeks. A hardcover book. Only the wealthy had shelves of books.

I’m not wealthy, but I do have shelves of books. I have enough books to keep me reading non-stop for years. I have so many because 1) I’m an avid reader. 2) I can afford a mass-market book now and then. 3) I’m a writer and I’ve received many books from writer friends and conferences. And, I need to research the market so book purchases are sometimes necessary. I’m lucky.

However, there is nothing like walking into the library, smelling the volumes of paper, running my hands over the bindings and rejoicing that so many stories are there for my taking. It’s a high, I tell you.

It saddens me that there are those who cannot afford to purchase a book, much less an electronic device to download a free book. Books are essential for education of our youth, ourselves. The library is very important to them. Who knows, a future president or a future doctor who cures cancer, or someone who might marry your child, could be one of the masses that use the library today. Education is important to the well-being of our society and that is why it’s important for us to support our libraries.

Because of the poor economy, governmental funding for our libraries is stagnant, while operational costs are increasing. Yes, I know, what you are thinking. I can’t afford to give to another charity. But could you pack a lunch a few days this week and donate some of the money you saved to your library? Or could you take a few of those books on your shelf and donate them to your library. Is your library planning a fund raiser, maybe a bake sale or basket raffle? Could you donate items? Do you have an hour each week to donate your time? A lot of little aids add up to huge supports.

This week is National Library Week. April 8-14. Please consider helping them to help others.

Odd-Ball Writer

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What is that title all about? That's what you’re thinking, right? It's about me.

I think most people picture writers as reclusive individuals, living and working in isolated settings, wearing flannels or threads from the late sixties and talking only to our characters. Not worried which direction our hair takes either. Some of my fellow acquaintances might fit that image to the T, but me, not so much. Okay, I’ll admit to having bad hair days. I do love working in my flannel PJs, and I do love the clothes of the Woodstock era —especially my favorite blue jeans with a butterfly patch on my *** (I’ll let that image up to you)

I do live on a mountain top, as you can see from this picture, but there usually is so much going on in the house that I have to lock myself in my office in order to have a one on one with my characters. Or go hiking with a pen and pad in hand, otherwise I’m too connected to the outside world.



A lot of my writer friends fear book signings. Not me. I love talking to people, especially those who love books as much as I do, ( I got my gift of gab from my aunt-who also landed me my first job as a waitress) which brings me to the reason for my post today. I spent a few hours this week doing signings at two libraries. Lehighton Memorial Library and Dimmick Memorial Library. Both unique and manned by wonderful librarians and supported by great friends.
I met and spoke with a host of people. Friends and locals who I love for supporting me. I also met quite a few people who were from as far away as Settle (WA), Baltimore (MD), Queens (NY), NJ, Maine, or California . It was fun chatting with them, learning why they were visiting our area, which is AWESOME BTW. For instance, the couple from Seattle was researching their past. Their ancestors actually had held their wedding reception in the house where I was signing. (Dimmick Memorial Library Annex)

At each library the patrons and I discussed what type of books we liked to read. We shared our favorites (Anyone ever hear of ‘God On A Motorcycle’—I have to Google that one) and they gave me the opportunity to tell them about my own books. A few were truly intrigued in me as a writer and that fascinated me. I’m me.
By being open and honest, I think I changed the image of a writer for a few.
So, if you’re a writer and fear getting out there to talk to readers, don’t be. They’re just like us, except they don’t have characters whispering in their ears.

If you’re a reader, thank you for appreciating our work.

If I met you this past week, I want you to know I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations. I’ll be signing again real soon. Check my website www.autumnjordon.com under news or like my FB fan page Autumn Jordon’s Fan Page, or follow me on Twitter - Ajordon.

And remember, before Borders and B&N and Amazon there was the library. Libraries are struggling and their services are needed by many. Consider helping them with a donation. Many accept used books. Talk to your librarian on how you can help.

Now, more pictures of Jim Thorpe, PA Area. (I wish I could insert a train whistle here) October-fest is all this month.

The Signing Was A Blast!

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Book signings cause writers to shiver, or so I’ve heard. If you read my post last week— Wait! You didn’t. Ah, please do. It’s important to your library. Okay, if you've read my post last week you know this past Saturday I held my first book signing at my local library. I’ve got to tell I was nervous and my friend, Misty, cyber-slapped me a few times because of my frantic messages to her.

I had lined all my ducks up in row for the event by; one, contacting Becky, the very nice head-librarian a month prior, donating my book to the library which Becky and her staff put on display only for a few weeks along with a poster announcing the signing and brochures which I had made up highlighting the great things about my book Evil’s Witness; like it was a Golden Heart Finalist entry, it’s received two great reviews and chosen excerpts. I also included a little information about me. Then my local paper also ran a very nice story about me prior to the signing.

With publicity taken care of, I had hoped to have a one or two people stop by and talk to me and maybe buy Evil’s Witness, but I never expected to sell every one of my books, including my own copy.

For an hour and half, I had a great time sharing what I know about the craft and industry, talking about Evil’s Witness’ conception and development, and my journey as a writer and signing personalized messages. I know a portion of the people who came, some from my past (it was such a treat to see you), but I made many new fans too. I was so thrilled when a few readers showed up with their own copies to be signed. All and all, I think I signed 30 books. Not Nora’s stacks but a number beyond my hopes.

I want to thank the lovely librarians, Becky, Molly and Carey of the Lehighton Memorial Library for making my first signing spectacular! You were AWESOME! They really chatted up Evil’s Witness to their customers. I look forward to seeing you again.

Misty, thank you for all your advice and cyber-slaps. WINK

And to all of those who took the time to stopped and chat and purchase Evil’s Witness, thank you. I hope to hear your thoughts on John and Stephanie’s story. Please email me. I’d love to highlight a few quotes on my website.

I’ll be signing again over Labor Day weekend on September 4 at StoneyBrook Campground, which is perfect because Evil’s Witness's opening scene takes during the same holiday weekend and with my heroine camping in the same mountains. I’ve learned a few things at my first signing and hope to be a little better prepared this time, such as signing book markers ahead of time. I’m so looking forward to meeting new fans, even if it’s only one or two.

Before I get to my question of the day, don't forget to follow me. In one week, I'll announce the winner from my new followers this month. The prize, an e-copy of Obsessed By Wildfire.

Now, authors, does anyone else have hints or suggestions for a successful signing?