February 16, 2008

 

You know it’s been a good day when you wake up the next morning and your cheek muscles are sore from smiling. I must have been smiling a lot Saturday at the Twin Falls, Idaho Barnes & Noble.

 

The weather was sunny and the store was busy. It was great to see so many friends again both old & young. Ray, John, Tara, Mike, Wayne & Arlene, Jill… You guys looked great.

 

And, of course, there were also many who I met for the first time. I honestly appreciate those who are skeptical of a brand new book and author, but still take the time to venture over to find out what it’s about. I also like answering your questions and I hope my responses were somehow worthwhile.

 

After a speech some years ago that I didn’t feel had gone all that well, a lady from the audience later complemented me on my writing - since I had basically read the speech. I thanked her, but commented that that’s why I write, and don’t speak.

 

I feel the same way about signings. Whatever I write has to be better than the impromptu utterances attempting to explain years of work in a moment. Yet, somehow the message is conveyed and gracious people give the work a chance. And when someone buys the book because “you’re an interesting person,” and they mean it in a good way, it’s been a good day.

 

Thank you to the Times News and Buhl Herald for running features in their respective papers, to the Barnes & Noble store staff and, of course, to those of you who made me smile, and gave the work a chance.

--Ranse