…in the Historical Society’s reading room.
Let me begin this report by extending my heartfelt gratitude to the entire society staff for their assistance throughout the day. (Rest assured, the fifty-five dollar balance on my invoice will be arriving shortly.)
After a brief reading, which seemed well received by the listening security guard, I hosted a public signing for my new book An Aspiration To Lie Flat. The society seated me behind a large desk stacked with paperback copies of my book, in a gorgeous space large enough to accommodate the expected crowd.
Things were going well until the security guard—whose reaction I had clearly misjudged—approached.
“Your writing would be so much better if you let your characters feel any emotions besides pissed off and hurt,” he lectured.
“Thanks,” I replied, feeling pissed off and hurt. “Would you like me to sign a copy for you?”
“No. I’m definitely not interested. That chapter you read? Said it all, man. Said it all.”
Fortunately, the other two society employees were kinder. One told me she would consider purchasing my book in the future.
I counted it as a sale.
What a rewarding experience!
I am pleased to report that the entire event proceeded without incident. Wait times remained acceptably low throughout.
To those who could not attend: I understand. Parking was limited.
Stanton Fenwick 