~from Ami
So, am I a real writer yet? I just returned from another signing for Next of Kin at a Barnes and Noble in Tulsa and once again forgot to take any pictures!

These signings have pushed me so far out of my comfort zone you wouldn't even believe. I'm comatose beforehand, feeling as if I'm headed for some sort of indictment or horrible punishment. But signings always end up for the best and I'm always glad I did it afterward. It's great to meet people, especially those who've gone out of their way to come and see me. I saw Alycia from Sequoyah Schools where I spoke last week, Chuck and Carol from Tulsa Nightwriters, a few Chelsea folks, and the assortment of people on the lookout for something new to read.

Brett got to come to this one, he's a good talker and also doubles as a visual aid, since he dresses head to toe in militant Arkansas Razorback gear. This in Sooner country. He makes for an excellent conversation starter.

I guess it's something every new author has to go through, this gripping fear of no one showing up, of people ignoring you, of being low man on the totem pole ("At least you're ON the totem pole," Brett says!) and feeling so alone. From hearing other authors' signing horror stories, I know I'm not alone, but it is still difficult.

Appearances take so much time away from the actual writing, but it's something you have to do in order to get to the place you want. Where is the place I want, anyway? How much further down the road?

A little girl stopped dead in front of me today and asked her mom, "Is it a REAL writer?"

Yes, Virginia, it is a real writer!

Next time: pictures to prove it!