Please check out my guest post on The Muffin – WOW’s Friday Speak Out –
When Others Have More Faith in Your Writing Than You Do
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Join the conversation. Talk to me or tell me your story. I’m all ears.
Writing
Uh oh, Grandma’s in Trouble
As you may have read, I recently took a trip to Washington D.C. I typically visit D.C. twice a year to see my youngest daughter who has been there almost six years. This time, however, it was a treat to take my oldest daughter and my two lovely granddaughters with me. It was the first time flying for the young ones, and I was interested in how they might react to the security checkpoint. Their mother and I gave them a brief summary of what to expect, and we got in line.
I have a pacemaker. I can walk through the x-ray machine but must avoid the wan. As a result, I frequently get the pleasure of the pat-down; which I have no problem submitting to. I’m not one of those who scream civil rights or whimper about being ‘touched.’ So, pat away. They want me to strip? No problem. I’m past the age of being offended. All I’m interested in is getting on the plane, having an uneventful and safe flight and arriving at my destination in one piece.
Everything was going smoothly until the officer swabbed my hands. My daughter and granddaughters went through without a hitch. They were grabbing their things off of the conveyor when an alarm sounded. A woman next to my daughter said, “Uh oh, Grandma’s in trouble.”
To which my daughter replied, “Nah, she has a pacemaker; she’s fine.”
“Nope, that was not her pacemaker. She set off an alarm.”
Talking about a thorny situation … I was watching my granddaughters, not paying much attention to the officer swiping my hands. Then the alarm sounded, and I glanced at the monitor. “Stay here,” the officer said, calling to another officer. Puzzled I looked at the monitor and my eyes widened; it was flashing in big letters – TNT!
“Holy s*@&! What the hell had I touched?” TNT?? Seriously? 
Yep, that’s yours truly at the beginning of my second and more thorough pat-down. I thought my flippant remark about stripping was about come to fruition – that or a cavity search. Lucky for me, it didn’t get that thorny!
I was eventually cleared and allowed to board the plane, but I was certain, somewhere, some dude was typing my name onto a watch list.
The girls had a good laugh at Nana’s expense, of course, and we had a blast in D.C. Oops! I mean fun! FUN. If anyone’s listening out there – I meant FUN!
Maybe, my daughter should come home more often. It’s getting hard to take me anywhere.
Here’s a travel tip: hand lotions with glycerine will test positive for explosives! Who knew!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Join the conversation. Talk to me or tell me your story. I’m all ears.
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The Joy of Anticipation
Daily Post: Anticipate
Such a range of emotions and events are associated with this word. Children and some adults are already anticipating Halloween and Christmas. Lists are being formulated even as I type (including mine).
So many life events create that tingling, stomach churning, nail-biting, or 
desire to squeal and dance in the streets emotions. Tonight, I’m of the mindset of dancing! Notice, I said mind-set. The body would rather sit and imagine.
Regardless which part of me is dancing, all of me is filling the anticipation and excitement. Tomorrow morning I board a flight to Washington DC to spend the next five days with my youngest daughter.
I take this is a trip twice a year, but this trip is different. This time, my oldest daughter and her two beautiful, home-schooled, girls are going with me. I get to introduce my granddaughters to the wonder of flying (their first time) and all the wonderful museums, monuments, and history that make up the power center of our nation. They will see, up close and personal, The White House, and tour the Congressional halls. There are so many firsts I will get to share with them, and I can’t wait!
There are so many firsts I will get to share with them, and I can’t wait! Of course, my daughter, thrilled we’re coming for a visit, is feeling another type of anticipation. We’ll be staying in her very stylish 600 square ft. apartment! Yep, all five of us; for five days; while she works. Such a sweet and generous child, I’ve raised.
Relax, sweetheart, mom’s got this!
I’d love to hear all about the things you are anticipating. Join the conversation. Talk to me or tell me your story. I’m all ears. Be patient, I’ll get back to you, but for a few days, I’ll be with the family.
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You Asked: How do I Prepare For My First Book Signing
I ‘ve been asked, by a friend, to speak to her literary group about my newly released short story collection, Maybe Next Time.
I’ll admit I felt a bit of trepidation upon receiving the invite. I was excited about sharing my work, but a little nervous, but then decided, why not?
I will be speaking about my book, the inspiration for the stories, the Cow Pasture Chronicles and share one of the stories from my collection. It’s a small group and a good opportunity to get my feet wet in the realm of book signings. However, I knew little about being on this side of the table. So, I ask the experts.
How to Prepare for a Book Signing:
- Find out from the person/locale what they’re looking for from you. Do they want you to speak? Read an excerpt? Or, is it simply a platform they’re offering to promote your book?
- If speaking/reading, it’s important you understand how much time is available to you and prepare accordingly.
- Get a ballpark number of attendees, well in advance, to have enough books available.
- Have business cards available with your contact, social media pages, website information, and if desired info on your book.
- Although many people use electronic e-readers, not all do. Having bookmarks or other promotional items is a great and inexpensive way to get the word out, and as a thank you gift to offer guests.
- Use a good pen for signing and have more than one with you. The experts recommend a gel pen – they don’t bleed and don’t dry out if uncovered for a time.
- If the event is open to the public, promote the event – on social media, website, and tell your friends.
- Dress comfortably. You may be nervous, and the last thing you need is to feel like your clothes are choking you to death, or worse, you’re wearing a sauna.
- Take a bottle of water. Even if refreshments are being provided, you are the one speaking and reading – which becomes difficult when your lips are stuck to your teeth.
- Order your books and promotional items well in advance. Showing up empty handed is not cool nor appreciated.
Signing:
I was surprised how flummoxed I became recently when my sister asked me to her copy of the book. It was my sister for God sake, and I drew a blank. I didn’t know what to write! I’ll admit, I felt foolish, but it prompted me into action.
- You don’t have to be clever when signing a book (unless you want to).
- Most authors sign with a generic phrase or their name. Here are some typical phrases: All my best, Thanks, In gratitude, Much appreciation, Warm wishes, Your friend.
- Dating your signature is entirely up to you. The experts say dating adds value for those books likely to become collectibles in the future.
- Signing your full name is recommended, but some authors (not most) will sign just their first name.
- Some attendees will request a particular phrase with your signature. Have a notepad or post-its on the table and ask them to write exactly what they want you to say. This prevents errors.
- In addition, for those who want a personalized signature, a notepad is an excellent aid to ensure you get the spelling of their name correct. Do you realize how many ways you can spell Hailey?Hailee, Haleigh, Haley, Haylee, Hayleigh, Hayley, Haylie.
- Make sure your name is legible.
- Practice signing before you go. Decide how you want to sign and what you want to say (if anything) – practice makes perfect.
- Relax and have fun. Mingle if time allows and talk to the guests.
- Don’t forget to say “Thank you” to your host and the guest attending.
Granted, my book is not War and Peace, it’s a small collection of short stories, but it still represents my work.
I’m honored to have been asked, and I take the invitation seriously, as should you. No matter how large or small the opportunity, be prepared and make it count.
The Pen:
- The best pen should be fade proof, UV-resistant, water-resistant, and acid-free (archival or acid-free).
- Be fast-drying/smudge-proof.
- Show up well on colored or dark paper.
- Work on smooth or glossy paper.
So, what do you think? Have other suggestions or recommendations? Share it with us. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Join the conversation. Talk to me or tell me your story. I’m all ears.
COW PASTURE CHRONICLES 