Writers Tricks of the Trade VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1 | Page 28

MEMORIES
W HEN N O O NE S HOWS U P AT Y OUR
B OOK S IGNING
M ORGAN S T . J AMES
Author Parnell Hall - Puzzle Lady Mysteries and much
When I lived in L.A. more
the two things I knew for sure is that it’s a wonderful town for
writers, but it’s a tough one, too.
U
nlike many cities, L.A. is spread out,
sort of like a group of suburbs in
desperate search of a central
downtown.
Not only that, but it seems like
everyone has a book. Frequently the reply
to , “I’m an author,” is “Oh, you too?” So, if
you’re not an “A-List” author, sometimes
attendance at a book signing is like a crap
shoot—luck of the draw. What’s an
author to do if the only ones there are the
store or library personnel, the author and
maybe someone asking for directions to
the restrooms.
Many authors have horror stories
about their disappointment. It's like
giving a party but nobody comes.
Promotional materials hyped the signing
W INTER 2020
or appearance, and the author's
anticipation ran high. But, when the time
arrives, unfortunately it's the only thing
that does! All or most of the seats are
empty.
That raises the
question, "What now?"
While I’ve only had that
happen at a signing
once myself, I have also
had it happen at a Meet
the Author event and a
panel presentation. The
answer is that old
adage, "Even If there is only one person or
no people, the show must go on."
I met the delightfully funny author
Parnell Hall some years ago at a Left Coast
P AGE 23
W RITERS ’ T RICKS OF THE T RADE