The AARP book signing I just completed in San Diego was as much fun and enjoyable as the one I did in Boston in May. The people who attend these events, at least those who come up and talked to me, are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Many of them ask questions such as: when did I start writing, how long does it take to write a book, how many books have I written? Some ask the questions out of curiosity, others because they’re interested in possibly writing a book. I tell anyone who voices such an interest to just do it. It could be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve ever done, but you’ll never know unless you try.

The one thing I’ve learned during the book signing process is how to take time to answer everyone’s questions. The first time I had a book signing, I was intimidated by the number of people waiting in line. I frantically signed my name as quickly as possible, not allocating much time to talk to anyone. Now I take the time, and will talk as long as anyone who has questions or appears to be interested in my book wants to, and I really enjoy that.

In San Diego, a gentleman approached me prior to my starting time and we began talking and he asked all sorts of question. At one point, I looked up and several people where standing around listening in on our conversation. Many of them stepped forward afterwards and said how interesting it was listening to what I had to say. A few people mentioned that I answered the very question they were planning on asking me.

And once again, the majority of people who stood in line to get a copy of my signed book were women. I have certainly learned how much they like and enjoy reading suspense novels, even like the one I developed in Unrelenting Nightmare. I’ll be honest; the antagonist in my story is not a nice man and is very ruthless. This is noted explicitly in a synopsis that is included on the flyer that is handed out to participants at the event to draw them to my table. Many of the women who got a copy of the book said they read the synopsis and immediately came over because the story sounded interesting and was exactly what they like to read. When I first had to describe my intended audience, I never imagined women would like this kind of book. But I’ve certainly learned that I was completely wrong and I apologize for my misjudgment.

My next book signing is in Toronto, Canada. I’m interested in seeing what Canadians think of my plot. Wish me luck!