Sunday, June 18, 2017

Signs



Happy Father's Day!

I have never been a big believer in signs or coincidence. Nor do I put much stock in the astrological forecasts in the internet. To me they are about as random as the message you get inside a fortune cookie. An old friend says that whenever you read one, you’re supposed to add the words ‘in bed’ at the end of the sentence. Don’t know if that makes a difference, but it’s usually worth a laugh.

Yesterday was the annual Book Festival in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This was my third year attending and it’s always enjoyable. It’s a great opportunity to talk with people about my novels and the writing process.  Conversations covered the gamut. Characters names, locations, outlines, plot lines, sequels, dialogue. You name it, we probably talked about it.  Sales were pretty good. And a number of people indicated they were going to go online and buy the electronic versions, so that’s something to look forward to.

Now I must admit that when it comes to technology, I’m a bit of a dinosaur. Unlike many vendors, I’m not set up to accept credit cards.  Cash (or as Pappy Cantrell would say, ‘dead presidents’) works just fine. I’ve accepted a check or two and never had a problem.   

As things were progressing yesterday, a young lady visiting my booth became intrigued with the story line of “Why 319?” and when she decided to buy a copy and get it autographed, we ran into a little snag. Explaining the ‘no tech’ situation, she flashed a dazzling smile and said “I’ll be right back. There’s an ATM just down the street.”  She returned within five minutes and made her purchase. With another winning smile, she was on her way.

About an hour later, a young couple was very interested in the same book. Learning that it was cash and carry, they ran to the machine and hurried back.  Ken and Cathy, another couple I was talking to witnessed this. Ken checked out the back cover, then cracked the book and read a page. Once the young couple was taken care of, he turned to me.

“I’ll take this too. People are willing to go get money and buy it right now. That’s a good sign.”

I’m skeptical, but willing to take his word for it.

Here are a couple of pictures from yesterday's event.  And a little tune that's so appropriate for dinosaurs everywhere.






https://youtu.be/zYKupOsaJmk

1 comment:

M. S. Spencer said...

Nice blog. Tip: you can get a Square for free--stick it into your cell phone & use for credit cards. It is SO easy even I could do it. If they want to buy an e-book pull the link up on Amazon or whatever & let them buy it right there. Or put book on a thumb drive and sell that to them. :)