Well, that's another one to chalk up to experience. Saturday was my book signing day - the lovely people at Teddy Bears of Witney had given over a whole one of their windows for a display of my books.
And in the long back room where the child-safe bears live, I had the top of a glass display cabinet for the Puddletown toys, where they sat very happily. I also had a digi-frame set up, showing previous work.
One crucial thing I did learn as the day went on was that I should have put them on the two lowest shelves because of course, they are not at child height and the little mites had to crane their necks to see.
I set my table up at the back, with everything I needed, including work, as I didn't expect to be overwhelmed with crowds of adoring fans.
I was not disappointed. I was not overwhelmed by crowds of adoring fans.
Several people came in to see me over the six hours; stayed to chat about various things, admired the toys and books. I very much enjoyed meeting them all and one lady who has read my blog (*waves if she is reading this*). One person came in specifically because she had heard my radio interview and felt a connection, having had a difficult childhood herself - we exchanged details and if the day had been meant for anything, it was for that, so I'm glad.
The shop sold three books in total, which works out at half a book every hour and I sold enough pin badge/postcard combos to cover my bus fare and have a much needed pint. I felt more sorry for the shop, as they had gone to so much trouble on my behalf.
I'm tough enough to take it - the next signing is being planned in Oxford. Hopefully we may sell more than three books this time.
