On Tuesday night I participated in my very first author event.
I know – exciting, right? It was very exciting – I was invited by a local library to do a reading with their teen reading group, as well as sell signed copies of my book afterwards, so it was a wonderful opportunity.
And I was incredibly nervous. It’s one thing to read your words back to yourself within the privacy of your study (spare bedroom), and quite another to declaim them in front of an audience. However, this library had already been incredibly supportive of my work, purchasing several copies of my book for their shelves as well as hosting me on a previous evening to talk about being a writer. So I couldn’t say no, nor did I want to – opportunities like this can’t be passed up when you’re self-published.
I arrived early, was welcomed with tea and biscuits and warm conversation as I gathered my nerves and prepared to speak. They had done a lovely display in the YA section:
This was quite thrilling and scary at the same time. Although mostly thrilling. To see my book on the shelves of an actual library was something I’d only previously dreamed of. Once again I thanked my lucky stars for the ability to publish through Createspace, without which this wouldn’t have been possible.
And then it was time. I sat down with the group and spoke a little about myself, then steeled myself to read. As we were in a library, I had decided to read a section where Alma, my heroine, enters the Great Library of Ambeth for the first time. As I read I could feel my cheeks burning, as red as the jacket I’d chosen to wear. But the group was silent. They listened. And after I finished they asked me many questions, the hour slipping by so quickly. I sold a few copies, signed them and left, feeling so pleased to have had this support.
I have always loved libraries, which is why I put one in Ambeth. There is something about a roomful of books waiting to be explored and read that is fascinating to me. I introduced my daughter to them from an early age, and she too loves to read, spending time perusing the shelves and emerging with an armful of books. There have been some blogs recently about supporting our local libraries and it’s something I wholeheartedly endorse – they are a tradition as old as the written word and one well worth preserving. And I am extremely grateful to have had their support in my first publishing endeavour.
Thanks for reading xx
Helen Glynn Jones 
Congrats on the author event! That’s pretty awesome!
Libraries are amazing… I have to admit I don’t get to them much these days, but growing up we took regular trips to our local branch and I could happily pass hours browsing those shelves.
Thank you – it was lots of fun and terrifying at the same time, as I don’t love being the centre of attention. And yes, libraries are awesome 🙂
This post made me smile. I’m so pleased the reading went well. Enjoy the good feeling; you deserve it 🙂 x
Thanks so much Louise xx
We done Helen! Here’s to many more!
Thanks Ali – fingers crossed it happens again, though at the same time – scary!
Yeah I did something similar last year, a presentation to 5th and 6th year students at my sons school on World Book Day. It was fun but nerve racking. Actually though the kids were really interested, listened, and asked lots of questions.
Wow, that sounds great! But yes, I think kids are one of the toughest audiences around – it’s a wonderful feeling when you can engage with them like that.
Agree with you there… I mean, why would they take any notice of a slightly overweight middle aged mom lol! Haha! But they did, and they were great fun. Society is so quick to judge and dismiss teenagers… It really annoys me.
Oh, you’re being way too hard on yourself! And I agree – teenagers have so much to offer yet are demonised by the actions of a few. My interaction with them has been so rewarding and gives me hope for when my daughter hits her teens a few years from now 🙂
My oldest son is 13 going on 30 lol! So sensible and responsible, volunteers with disabled children, plays lots of sports, studies hard, signed the pledge not to drink alcohol, doesn’t like discos… Not a bit like I was at his age lol!!!
Oh, he sounds like a wonderful kid – you must be very proud of him 🙂 And yes, I don’t remember being like that at 13 either LOL
Oh, that’s wonderful. Congratulations! What a rewarding experience. Happy for you, and by the way, I love libraries, too.😃
Thanks so much – it was a great opportunity, still can’t quite believe it really 🙂
Congratulations! What a wonderful and rewarding experience! Cheers to more experiences like this one! 🙂
Thank you – it really was a great opportunity and a thrill to see my book on the shelf 🙂
Congratulations on your library reading, a fantastic opportunity. Hope you get another chance soon.
Thanks Suzanne, that’s so kind of you 🙂 In fact I’ve been thrilled by all the nice comments I’ve had on this post 🙂 xx