I've often wandered through various book stores and have watched authors sitting at a table with a stack of books waiting for someone--anyone--to walk by, and asked myself was that sales technique worth all the time and effort? Yesterday's event for Angel Cats at the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Barnes and Noble Book Store was an affirmation that a book signing could be a success.

The publisher had previously sent author, Laurie Crawford Stone, lovely postcards and had provided the store with other display items. Barnes and Noble had provided a table, sign, and seating arrangement in the large calendar section in the store. They had also generously agreed to stock Voices from the Garden, another anthology that included one of Laurie's essays. Laurie propped a photo on an easel in honor of Teddy, her cat, that was memorialized in Angel Cats. Since Laurie is a columnist for my electronic magazine, I brought business cards for One Woman's Writing Retreat, so that people could read her interview at the site. Lisa Hannon, also a columnist, joined us as did many of Laurie's and Lisa's family members, friends, and animal advocates.

Laurie talked about her experiences with adopted and rescued cats, read passages from Angel Cats, and encouraged others to share their own stories. Joseph Hannon told the crowd how meeting Laurie and adopting two cats from her foster group had changed his life. His wife, Mariam Hannon, joined in sharing similar anecdotes. A representative for PAWS and More Animal Shelter shared a story about one of their rescued cats, Logan, who in spite of four years of compassionate nursing, didn't make it. The woman also brought a scrapbook with photos of the cat, and told us how that experience--helping such a brave little soul--had taught her about courage and how to fully live each moment. Laurie's mother surprised Laurie with a story and photos from childhood, reminiscing about how the family had found their first cat. Many audience members shared their stories ranging from their spiritual beliefs to funny antics concerning pets.

 

What made the signing a success was the audience participation. By the end of the hour, all the cozy and not-so cozy chairs had been occupied, and many more people were standing behind our group, curious about the presentation. Soon a long line formed and people were asking for autographs, buying Christmas presents, taking brochures, and a few were giggling with their friends marveling about whether they could see one of their own stories in print by entering the editors' next writing contest.

Yesterday's event was a valuable lesson--one that I've often learned from working on the Web. I believe we grow as artists when we can reach out to our audience, share personal experiences, network, and ask questions. To me, that is the best way to market our own work, because everyone involved is enriched by the process. The signature on the book that others take home becomes more meaningful when it's personal, and we've inspired them to embrace the art of storytelling.