Book Signing Confessional

Yesterday I had the very first signing for my new book—Rain on Me: Devotions of Hope and Encouragement for Difficult Times. The signing was at my church = less scary. But my church is BIG = more scary. Mark and I were there for all five services.

You will be proud to know that I did not walk into the men’s bathroom during any of them. 

I did, however, manage to do some other craziness.

The hardest part about a book signing is the beginning. The church made a video to play in the services telling everyone about the book. But before they showed it no one had any idea who I was or why I was in the foyer grinning like a fool.

At one point a woman approached the booth looking eager. I lit up and leaned across the counter. She dug in her pocket. “Yes,” I thought, “My very first customer.” She pulled out a wad of cash the likes of which I have never seen.  It must have been four inches thick. “I bet this has never happened to Max Lucado,” I humbly reflected.

Then, as if in slow motion, my husband reached out and took the entire stack of cash. He nodded and said to the woman, “Thanks for getting fifty one dollar bills for us so we can make change.” My book-signing fantasy went right up in a little puff of ego.

But I wasn’t too concerned because I still had a back-up plan for getting people to come to the booth. In my twisted little mind I had a theory that went like this, “No one knows who I am (besides my ever-faithful friends and Jesus) and no one has ever heard of my book (except my relatives and Jesus).

But every woman loves chocolate. So I will put Dove milk chocolate eggs that coordinate with the book cover (yes, they really did) on the counter in little glass bowls so people will come over here.” If that sounds a bit like bribery to you then here’s what I’ve got to say about that, “You are very perceptive.”

I also decided I needed to make my little booth look pretty. I bought a vase of red tulips and as I was putting them in the water, I broke one in half. Yep, just like that—snap, snap—and my lovely tulip went from stately to stumpy.

Not to be deterred, I taped it back together and shoved it down in the middle. It never quite stood tall like the rest. At one point a little girl asked, “What’s wrong with that one?” I said, “It needs hope and encouragement.”

As for the actual signing of the books, I felt clueless the entire time. I didn’t know what to say, which page I should write on, or what kind of pen to use. I was also paranoid that I would spell a name wrong. Someone would say, “Please sign it to Pat.” And I would ask, “How do you spell that?” Then they would look suspiciously at me as if asking themselves, “Did she really write a book?”

In the end, I did spell a name wrong. But it was not Pat. It was Holley. Oh, yes, my friends. Upon reflection, I’m fairly certain I spelled my own name incorrectly once. So if you’ve got a book and my first name is missing an “e” then see me for a refund. Or sell it on eBay. Whatever works for you.

People were truly very gracious and kind. The best part of the day was talking to them and hearing their stories. It was wonderful and humbling to know where my little book is going. I kept inwardly repeating one of my favorite prayers, “Oh, Lord, please use me in spite of me.”

I’d like to conclude my little confessional by thanking Mark, my banker and husband, for keeping me focused and not letting me do math. Thank you to our dear friends who came and helped. And thank you to my wonderful church for all the support.

And finally, I’d also like to thank all of you amazing readers who know my quirks and keep coming back here anyway—even without the chocolate.   

 

Comments

[Linda]

I love the part of your tulip needing some hope and encouragement. We can still reflect beauty even at times we feel taped and a little shorter than the rest. That is truly blooming where we are planted. God can use us in all kinds of situations in amazing ways. He is incredible. Blessings as you minster.

[Becky]

I love that you are so candid about being nervous. I'm sure you were a hit! Love your blog! Thanks for being such an encouragement to women everywhere.

Blessings,
Becky

[Sandra Joseph]

Oh Holley,
I can totally understand (I too wrote several books at one time and remember those feelings at book signings). But aren't you glad that the Lord was right beside you the entire time delighting in His gifts in you!

Many Blessings,
Sandra
Recognize & Remember
www.sandrajo.wordpress.com

[Laurie]

Looking forward to getting a copy for myself! And yes, the Dove chocolate eggs went perfect!! May God bless all those who will read what He has given to you.

[Jeanette Levellie]

That's exactly what i love about you, Holley: you are as ditzy as the rest of us, and willing to admit it! i think we should start a club...
Congratulations on a job well done-- we and Jesus are very proud of you!
P.S. i once forgot my name when answering the phone at work, so don't feel bad!
--Jen

[Mandy Baker]

Holley, I just love your writing. You are so witty and so funny. I laughed out loud as I read this post. And I love that you are just a normal gal like me! As Meg would say, "Holley, you're my BEST!"

[Amber@theRunaMuck]

This post made me giggle so much. I love you for writing it.

[Diana Carroll]

Holley, God Bless You! You have no idea how you have brightened my day! After reading today's blog, I'm still laughing, certainly not at you, but with you.. You see, my husband is an artist and I like to "think" of myself as one, also. The only problem is every painting becomes my life's work and I work it and rework it, (unfortunately sometimes into oblivion) until my husband reminds me that is probably finshed. Seeing you at your table reminded me of myself at my first art "showing" craft sale. I felt everything you described but after your sharing, I feel so much better about that day. I think I'll get my brushes back out and try again. You are truly a blessing and encouragement.. thank you for sharing your lovely and honest self with all of us.
Blessings to you and those you love,
Diana

[Beth]

I chuckled out loud at this post. Holley, you are great & such an encouragement. I'm thankful for you and your broken tulip. :)

[Jason]

Holley, (or is it Holly?)

You did beautifully, I know even though I wasn't there, because you always do. That prayer about God using you? He does, and I know he did!

I can't wait to hang out with you and Mark next week for your next book signing in Dallas!

[Queen B]

I love this post! I can completely envision what that must have felt like...I'm certain you were completely appropriate and gracious and lovely.

Chocolate and tulips were the perfect touch!

[Thelma]

Holly,
I laughed out loud as I read this post. You have no idea how much I look forward to getting your posting each day. That is how I start my day at work. Thank you for being you. You are a true gift from God.

Thelma

[oh amanda]

It sounds like it was wonderful anyway! I'm sure everyone else was dazzled by you and not at all noticing your "inexperience"! ;)

[Dori]

Holley...with an "e"... :)

This is an absolutely precious blog about your book signing! I love it!!!

"Oh Lord, use me in spite of me..."

That should be a prayer of every heart that writes a single Word down that He draws us to write down.

Blessings, sweet friend.

Oh yes -- I came over here to thank you for your sweet comments on my blog. But boy -- I came here and was blessed all over again!

Have a terrific Wednesday!

Blessings,
Dori

P.S. I would love to read your book! I'll have to check it out, for sure!!!

[Lysa TerKeurst]

Hi Holley,

Oh honey--- book signings are the death of me. Mercy, mercy, mercy. There is no more vulnerable feeling than sitting at a table full of books with your name on them just trying not to look desperate.

I think you've just prompted a post in me--- I'll have to post about some of my book signing horrors later this week.

MERCY!!!!

Hey, if you have a moment this weekend, I'll be signing/ standing around and just hoping someone will stop and talk to me at the Harvest House booth on Saturday from 11:30-1pm.

[jubilee]

Boy, I felt like I was there. My husband never lets me do math either. And it's a good thing! :)

There is something about getting to see a person's vulnerability that draws us to them. You are no exception. Thanks for sharing.

[Sue Ann]

Really funny but sweet :) This kind of stuff ( not book signing) always happens to me. Instant connection. Though unsure of myself most of the time, I have been placed in where I am now by the One who knows best.

[Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect]

Wow! A real, live book signing! How cool!

I think I would be nervous, too, though. Even at my church - because I don't know way more people than I do know there.

I love (and am still chuckling at) your response about the broken tulip! Perfect!

But your prayer is the most poignant thing about this post - "Jesus, use me in spite of me." Isn't that what we all need to say every day?!

[Misty Hafley]

Holley,

you are truly an inspiration. I have this little tendency to mess up anything I try, but like you, I always seem to "tape my tulips", throw out some chocolate, and go right on like nothing ever happened. In the pic, I would have NEVER known you were nervous or anything, you look totally calm and cool as a cucumber! God gives us our own little quirky ways to fix things, it is just up to us how we use what he gives us! Tape is a WONDERFUL thing! My motto: do what you have to do...within reason, of course!

I'm just so glad God has taped my tulip of a life... with his tape, I can face each challenge that comes my way!!!

God Bless, and I am definitely going to find your book!

[Cynthia]

I was so sad to miss the signing last Sunday :-(. How refreshing it is to read your candid description...I laughed out loud! Holley, you are an amazing gal! Thank you for always being so "real"...just as God made you! Can't wait to read your book while munching on some yummy chocolate!