Costco 2008
March 1, 2008 – Bountiful, Utah
March 17, 2008 – Bountiful, Utah
April 4, 2008 – Murray, Utah
April 12, 2008 – Lehi, Utah
April 21, 2008 – Orem, Utah
May, 29, 2008 – Orem, Utah
_________________________________
March 1, 2008 –
Bountiful, Utah
What a day at the Bountiful Costco. I didn’t get a chance to
have photos taken, but just imagine a Costco on Saturday and you’ll get the
idea. The weather was nice during the week, then yet another storm rolled
through during the day and evening. All I had to do to know what was going on outside
was to see how snow covered or rain soaked everyone was. Spring and summer will
come eventually, and I’ll still be signing.
I have to apologize to those who occasionally got caught in
the traffic jam around the table. But I also sincerely appreciate those who
occasionally caused them. It was great talking with you.
Not only do our area Costco’s now carry three books by
authors with the last name of Parker, but I met another young man whose first
name is Parker, and an older gentleman who told me a short story about his
great grandfather, a Parker, who came west with the pioneers. I’m glad to be a
part of this “Parker” trend.
Thank you to those who I also met Monday March 4th
at my “Drop In” signings at the Orem and Lehi stores. These are unofficial signings
that I do during the week. If you see my big sign at the entrance to the store,
you’ll know I’m there.
One gentleman at the Orem store talked to me briefly about
his time in the service. He was a handsome and friendly man of 86. I really
enjoyed talking with him even it if was only for a few minutes.
My father, who past away a few years ago, was an Engineer in
WWII building and maintaining runways and airports on strategic Pacific
islands. He also served briefly in Europe. I have an incredible respect and
admiration for all those who fought, and who now fight so we may enjoy our
freedoms.
I ended up selling out the stock of books at both stores.
There were a few people at the Lehi store who were waiting for a signed copy
but didn’t get one. Sorry. The store will likely restock soon and I’ll be back
at both stores in the next several weeks for officially scheduled signings.
--Ranse
March 17, 2008 –
Bountiful, Utah
The Saturday signings listed on the Events and Signing
Schedule are official, planned events. During the past few weeks I’ve been
stopping in at various Costco stores to sign for a half-day or so during the
week. These signings depend on a store’s current level of inventory and
presently aren’t listed on the schedule. Today I hung out at the Bountiful
Costco and met some great people.
One man was a book illustrator and we had a great talk about
some of his books and publishing. A project I’ve been toying with for a few
years was of mutual interest so we exchanged e-mails.
Another man that first passed by, then came back was a
gentleman I recalled seeing in Dan’s Foods several years ago during the
Christmas Season. He had invented a game that he was personally marketing
through many of the Associated Foods stores and I remembered having talked to
him briefly so many years ago.
There was a schoolteacher who related that she had reserved
the book at the local library several weeks ago and was still waiting. Since I
was there signing, she decided not to wait any longer.
As some of you may know, I worked for Bonneville
International and KSL Radio for several years during the late ‘80’s.
Occasionally I still see people I used to work with like Scott Seeger, Doug
Wright, and Barb Smith who’s been at ABC-4 now for a while. She started in the
KSL Radio Newsroom when I was there.
One of my fondest memories was playing on the KSL softball
team with many of the news and on-air personalities like Craig Bollerjack, Dick
Nourse and Keith McCord along with many of the behind-the-scenes people that
make broadcasting work.
I had played hardball ball most of my youth and was
primarily a pitcher and outfielder. At one of these softball games I was
playing center field when a ball was nailed out to me just over second base.
The batter got cocky and rounded for second. I fielded the ball and threw it to
second so hard that it actually rose from the backspin. Keith McCord was
playing second base, caught the ball with a very loud ‘POP’ and tagged the
runner out before slowly grabbing his glove and garnering that “oh crap that
hurt” expression.
One thing about being on TV is that the audience knows you,
but you usually know few of them. So even local TV talent often gets the stares
or accosted in public because most are genuinely shocked to see them out of
their boxes and living in 3-D.
Even in my brief time signing, I’ve already met and talked
with, or have had the opportunity to become reacquainted with a few of our
local personalities. But I have to say that talking to Keith again on a slow Monday
afternoon at Costco was the highlight of the day. If any of you have met Keith,
then you already know that he is just one heck of nice guy. Even though it’s
been twenty years since I was at the station, he remembered the baseball games
and was as cordial as ever as we spoke for a few minutes. It was great to see
him again.
An odd moment came (I may have even blushed) when a young
mom happily expressed to me that her mom had recently purchased the book
and stayed up all night to finish it because she didn’t want to stop reading.
The young mom then related that she couldn’t wait to read it herself. As the
author I really appreciate hearing these comments, but at the same time it’s
almost embarrassing. I sincerely appreciate the positive comments while at the
same feel somewhat uncomfortable of such recognition – especially knowing that
the whole story was a gift. I just wrote it.
Probably the strangest and most interesting conversation of
the day was with a lady who didn’t even purchase a book, but who was
unassumingly insightful and obviously intelligent. She had made the usual
inquiries of what the story was about and how I came to write it. After
politely listening to my short story of a stolen career interest, profound
dreams, overwhelming impressions and a secret 5-year writing project, she smile
and asked, “Do you know why you’re doing this yet?” I was surprised at her
intuitive question and simply responded, “No, not yet.”
It was clear that she was familiar with the same inner drive
that causes some of us to follow paths we may not completely understand, but
are compelled to follow – even toward horizons that may hide our final
destinations. I related to her that I have a few suspicions of what I think at
least a portion of my destiny might be. But for now, I just go forward in
faith.
I did relate to her though that part of what keeps me going
is the recognition and occasional sense of an incredibly powerful, yet subtle
force that is guiding and gently nudging me along. In that, I know that a purpose
for this journey exists and for now that is reason enough to continue. And
where some might see my personal experiences and subsequent professional
choices as reasons to seek professional counseling, I saw them as hints so
obvious that I would have been a fool not to pursue them in all earnest.
Every new day is a day of new possibilities. And regardless
of where this course may lead, I believe I will be one of the fortunate ones
who will someday look back and not have to say, “I wish I would have listened…”
--Ranse
April 4, 2008 –
Murray, Utah
Murray rocks. I know, not a very intellectually intuitive
remark, and the signing wasn’t even on the official schedule because it was a
“drop in” during the week. But I was astounded by the traffic at the Murray,
Utah Costco on a Friday. A few stores might have lulls when I can work on
something during the breaks in traffic. I didn’t get much personal work done
that day.
The first person to purchase a book happened to be an old
friend who worked with my wife many, many years ago. She recognized my unique
name and asked if I my wife was… We exchanged contact information and had a
nice visit.
Later one of my nephews and his wife happened by and we
talked for a while. Her mother’s review of the book is on the reviews page of
this site.
One woman approached the table with curiosity and started
the conversation by asking how I came up with the name for the book. I
explained the best I could without giving away too many plot-spoiling details.
She then related to me a dream she had had of being in an endlessly large round
room filled with doors. She said in the dream she could go to each door and
would find something different behind each one – as if her options for
discovery were endless. Sounds a little familiar. It was another one of those
serendipitous meetings. I love ‘em.
It’s always fun to talk with the youth. I had a nice
one-on-one conversation with one aspiring writer who appeared about 10 or 11
years old. The young man said he had already written a few short stories and
was working on more. I offered the best advice I knew and wished him well. No
doubt at least a few young people are inspired by seeing authors who have been
able to achieve a certain level of success. The truth is, getting a book into
the general markets, let alone written and published, is nothing short of a
miracle. It can sometimes be a very difficult and discouraging journey that
takes a great deal more than average dedication and commitment to accomplish.
Great achievements generally require great journeys, and many times great risk.
When I talk to these young people and hear their ideas, goals, hopes and
dreams, they also inspire me to continue my course and be the best example to
them that I can be.
The most interesting question of the day came in the form of
a comment after a person had read a few of the various testimonials and part of
the introduction. She related to me that she was concerned the story might be
too “high-brow” for her – sighting written remarks that the story was
“sophisticated” and “thought provoking.” I explained that the story was written
in such a manner that readers can take as much or as little from the story as
they wish. It is a complex story, but isn’t hard to read and is even
gaining popularity with younger teenage readers. A local 6th grade
elementary teacher recently recommended the book to her students. With that
information, a sense of confidence was restored.
I met another author with a cookbook scheduled for release
in a few months and also got to talk with a lady and her husband visiting from
England. She was looking for a book to read while traveling. I love listening
to those with English, Australian, Irish, or Scottish accents. It was much more
fun to hear about their travels, what they had done and where they were going
rather than reciting my broken record synopsis of the book.
Costco is now stocking Circle of Doors in volume so I’ll
start listing weekday signings on my schedule. Somewhere in there I’ll also
start actually writing the next book along with everything else. Bring it on.
--Ranse
April 12, 2008 –
Lehi, Utah
I admit it, I’m a wuss sometimes. Anxiety seems to become my
friend while getting ready for signings and my stomach usually confirms it. I
told my wife I was nervous this morning. She noted that I looked more catatonic
than nervous. Catatonic… That works.
The condition is usually temporary because after getting to
a signing, settling in and stuttering through my first few explanations and
answering questions, the anxiety subsides. That has a great deal to do with the
people who inquire about the work. Most of them are sincerely nice people and
next to receiving a positive review from someone who as already read the book,
nothing boosts confidence more than having a perspective customer say, “That
sounds really interesting. Will you sign one for me?”
But preparing for a Saturday to hang out at the Lehi Costco
was worse than usual. I inexplicably woke up at 2 A.M. something, then 4 A.M.
and finally woke up later out of sync. You know what I mean – it was like my
body was walking around lethargically doing its thing while my mind, watching
from other plane of reality, made a half-hearted attempted to keep up. I was
just off.
It seemed that practically every driver on the road that
morning had either indulged in a few too many energy drinks, or could have used
one. I needed a piece of black craft paper for a display so I stopped at a
particular craft store on the way through Salt Lake City to pick one up. They
had a full aisle of every color you could possibly imagine, except black.
When I arrived at the Costco, Cindy already had the table
out with a tablecloth, a nice office chair and some books on display. Keep in
mind that Costco is not a bookstore and I usually expect to setup my own table
and chair. So when it’s already done for you, it’s very nice. Thank you Cindy.
And the Costco members were wonderful as usual. I had a
great visit with a former employee of one of the area special-market
publishers. Her name was Sara. I suspect she’ll find particular interest in the
story partly because of her name.
I end up talking about my author friend Mike Ramsdell (A
Train to Potevka) at least a few times at almost every Costco signing. I
suspect we’ll be seeing more of Mike in the years to come.
One of my favorite meetings was with a very astute
9-year-old young man and his father. After the father was satisfied that Circle
of Doors had acceptable content, I signed a copy for the young man. I’m
hoping to hear from them again.
A man stopped at the table to ask if his wife had been by
yet. I didn’t know who his wife was and he didn’t really offer much of an
explanation. His suspicious smile concerned me a little though. Later a woman
came by to explain that she had purchased the book when I was there several
weeks prior and that she absolutely loved it. Apparently it was now floating
through her family and she wasn’t sure it was coming back. She then talked to
some people looking at my banner who I think she knew and told them they had to
try the book because it was just incredible. Then a few other people came by
that I’m not sure she knew and she proceeded to tell them how wonderful the
book was and that they just had to read it. They all ended up purchasing a
book. The woman’s husband jokingly commented that his enthusiastic wife was now
going to want a commission.
Another woman told me that she had been drawn to the book earlier
in the week when she saw it in the store. She said she wasn’t sure why until I
told her my personal story of how the story came to me and what I had gone
through to get it published. She understood the writing process and was
associated with other artists and writers, some successful, who have had
similar experiences. Somehow the book alone had conveyed that connection to her
before she even knew its intrepid history. She purchased a copy for her group.
Throughout my life I’ve always made my own successes through
drive, ambition, opportunity, risk, mistakes, correction and perseverance. But
authorship is a different animal. Regardless what the author or publisher might
do to push the business and marketing side of publishing, the reading public
becomes the final judge to an author’s fate - the written word the author’s
final testimony. I cannot thank enough those who have given me the opportunity
to distribute my work, to allow me to sign in their stores, and to those
readers who voice their appreciation and praise for my efforts.
In this business of authorship and publishing there are
almost endless opportunities to fail and seemingly very few to succeed. It is
partly by the examples of those willing to challenge the status quo that others
become inspired. It is also by the support of those who understand and can
relate to those challenges that the few of us who have chosen to be examples
can continue our work. Thank you.
--Ranse
April 21, 2008 –
Lehi, Utah
The most books sold at any signing to date. Great people,
great store.
The day was summed up by a little girl probably eight or
nine years old. She was with her family earlier as they shopped and visited
with friends. Apparently she had been watching me. Later during a lull when I
got up to walk around a little, she came up to me by herself, smiling, and
said, “You sure sell a lot of books.”
What a cute girl. We talked for a moment before a sister a
few years older came over to retrieve her.
Thanks everyone.
--Ranse
May 29, 2008 – Orem,
Utah
An increasingly busy schedule has kept me from adding as
many notes to the signings as I would like. But before heading to Costco in
Salt Lake City this morning, I want to mention a few things about signing at
Costco in Orem yesterday.
It seems that it’s always the days I may feel a little off
my game that some of the nicest people stop and talk with me. As an author,
it’s a privilege to have your book in a store anywhere, let alone Costco. Many
never get this type of opportunity so mine isn’t one I treat lightly.
As the book continuous to sell, more people are telling me
how much they’ve enjoyed it. Along with generally positive comments, I’ve been
told that the book has ventured to Argentina, Mexico, and various other places.
At the Orem store, a gentleman and his slightly displaced son stopped by. The
man wanted to let me know that he took the book with him to Russia and
thoroughly enjoyed it. He flew there to pick up his son who had concluded his
LDS mission. It was just a great experience to talk with them and to know that
the book was valued enough to take on such a trip. I really, honestly do
appreciate all of the people who are giving the work, and me, a chance.
When I decided it was time to bail and finally head north to
home, I stopped at Wendy’s for a salad. The dining area was pretty vacant and a
young father and daughter were the only other people near were I was sitting.
The little girl must have been around 3 years old and was almost too big for
the high chair she was in. She was a cutie with long curly blonde hair, and her
father looked like he had been at work not long before.
It was nice to watch them and reminded me of when I would occasionally
take my sons or only daughter out for a daddy/son or daughter dinner – not nearly
as often as I should have at that age. This father was very thoughtful, calm
and attentive. I sat down to my meal toward the end of theirs so the father was
helping his daughter with her frosty. When they were done, he gently took her
out of the chair, gave her her drink to carry and they left.
Whoever he was, I give him credit for being at least one
example of what I think more fathers should do with their children, and how
they should act with their families.
