You all know I don’t particularly like to do booksignings, I’m sure. I’ve made no secret of how unfun it is to sit in a store and direct people to the ladies room or the returns desk. Not to mention getting those eyerolls and disdainful comments from people who don’t read those books.
But this weekend, I’m doing a signing, and I’m SO looking forward to it for a change! I was absolutely thrilled to get an invitation to do a booksigning at Turn The Page, the store owned by Nora Roberts & her hubby here in Maryland. I’ve been to the store before–it’s incredibly cool–and have heard stories about these amazing booksignings where the line goes all the way down the block and the event usually runs a good 2-3 hours overtime. But I had never participated in one. So to get an invitation for this Saturday’s event was a genuine thrill.
Of course, now I’m worrying. My Black CATs books have been out for a few months and the “buzz” seems to have worn off. What if anybody who wanted them has already bought them?! The other authors (oh, God, the amazing Nora/J.D. Robb, fabulous Donna Kaufman and delightful Rebecca York) all have new releases out! How much money to people bring to these things, anyway? (I am already counting how much I can afford to spend!)
Woe is me! What if at the end of the day there are dozens of Black CATs piled up all around me and the store wishes they could bury me in the box they came in? 
Fortunately, I do have the new Blaze out, and it’s just hit stores so it shouldn’t already be in everybody’s hands. Plus it’s pretty cheap. I am hopeful it’ll do well–so hopeful I had Julie mail me a bunch of bookplates so anybody who buys one will get both our signatures. (Smart, huh? 
)
But I can’t deny I’d really love to sell the heck out of the Black CATs books, if only because I’m still really holding out hope that my publisher will decide they want more of them.
The good thing is, the store asked me to come up a little early to autograph books for people who ordered them online but can’t make it to the signing. Meaning if any of you would like autographed copies of any of the Black CATs books, or Blazing Bedtime Stories, or Sun, Sand, Seduction, you can go to the store’s website and order them. What a great Christmas present, huh? Hint hint! 
So I’m hoping the pre-orders will help make the signing worthwhile–for them!
If you are in the area, please do think about coming by. I hear this is an amazing event. They do these signings a couple of times a year and friends have told me it’s absolutely fantastic, filled with happy, energetic romance readers and some of the best (OMG I’M SIGNING WITH NORA ROBERTS!) names in the business. I’d love to see some friendly Plotmonkey faces!
And one more thing–what should I wear? Nora is one of the most incredibly dressed women around–gorgeous clothes, fabulous taste, a great figure. I, on the other hand, despite my Weight Watchers 15 lb loss (yay) still most resemble a western Maryland house frau who usually buys her clothes off clearance racks at Ross or T.J. Maxx. What to wear, what to wear?!?
I will be sure to let you all know how it goes and will try to get some pictures. Wish me luck, okay?
PS: Anybody been to one of these events? Have any good stories to share, or tips to impart? Anything you want me to pass on to Nora, other than, “You’re fabulous, thanks for being SUCH an amazing advocate for our genre”?
Leslie Kelly used to say she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up, but then she discovered Nancy Drew books. Being a flashlight-under-the-covers-nose-in-book reader throughout her childhood, she couldn’t think of anything else she’d rather do as an adult than continue to lose herself in fictional stories. Her real life marriage of 20 years to the man of her dreams is a constant reinforcement that happily-ever-afters really can happen…and that they’re worth writing about. Living in Maryland, Leslie spends her non-writing time laughing a lot with the above-mentioned romance hero and their three daughters. Though an author of more than thirty sexy, contemporary comedies, she has recently branched out to write dark romantic suspense under the pseudonym Leslie Parrish.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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How fun! I’m more a fan of Nora’s JD Robb books, but hey, she’s an icon.
As a reader I’ve been to a fair amount of booksignings – fortunately I live in an area with some great authors. The last one I was at was for Julie James and Beth Kery. I’m pretty much past the nervousness now LOL
I wish I could be there to encourage people to buy the Black CAT books. They are totally fabulous and everyone should read them :)
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Find a Kohl’s, find something comfy but flattering and have a good time! You will be fine, especially with the Black CAT’s books (I just started the second one. Finished Fade in between trick or treaters!)
And if you have both Leslie Parrish and Leslie Kelly books together I can guarantee there will be people who don’t know you’re both and will buy the one they didn’t know about.
Now go kick some romance reading booty!!
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If I was in the Maryland area, I’d go! Have fun, it will all work out!
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I wish I could make it, but I’m not close enough. I’ve been to a couple of book signings with Nora Roberts and she was dressed in jeans or dress pants and a blazer. Very casual, but still looked great. She was very down to earth and only stopped answering questions when they told her she might miss her flight if she didn’t get started with the signing. I love going to book signings so much. I was really nervous at my first signing(Nora Roberts), but now it’s so fun to talk to other readers while we wait. I know you will sell lots of books and can’t wait to see all the pictures.
WTG on losing 15 pounds, Leslie! I’m on Weight Watchers right now too and have also lost 15 pounds now(was more, but I gained last week).
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I forgot to mention, Leslie….awesome job on the weight loss (I have only lost 5 pounds in three weeks…not really good, guess I need to get serious) and your Blazing Bedtime Stories rock.
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Oh, what great news, Leslie!! That is FANTASTIC!! TRIPLE WOW!!
You will have a wonderful time. Relax and enjoy yourself. How cool to be signing with Nora!!
Please tell her that this Jungle Crawler loves her books, thinks she is absolutely amazing and as you said thank her for being a beacon for romance authors and readers everywhere. 
Soak up the atmosphere and let us know what the store is like. Don’t forget your camera! We want to see lots and lots of pics! I’ve always wanted to go to Turn The Page. Maybe one day…sigh.
Oh, maybe ask her if she would consider blogging here in the Jungle?
Have fun and they will be thrilled to have you. You’ll sell out all of your books! Trust me! Hold your head up and be proud! You Go Girl!
We’ll all be celebrating for you here in the Jungle.
Cher :fallleaf:
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Hi Leslie!
Congrads on the weightloss! 
I know how hard it is to lose weight. That’s why I don’t have a picture up of me! 
I don’t want anyone to see my fat cheeks, the cheeks at both ends, if you know what I mean!! NO WAY! 
I have never been to one. We don’t get many authors who will come to NW Missouri for book signings. 
I agree with EV, Kohl’s have tasteful, nice and very inexpensive clothes. I went to Maurice’s last weekend and found a cute sweater for a casual wedding I went to. Dillards is a good choice for ladies clothing!
Best of Luck at your book signing!
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How cool to be able to order signed copies online! I love that idea. And since I’ve been meaning to check out those Black CATs for a while now, this seems like the perfect opportunity.
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Now that sounds like a fun signing! I must make a note to visit Nora’s store when DH and I take our trip up the east coast next fall.
I always appreciate it when everyone involved with a signing is in the mood. I can’t imagine, wait, yes, I can…how draining it could be, especially when you get the eye rolls. But, as Christina Dodd mentioned the other day, make sure you know where the restroom is so you can direct people. Maybe they’ll come back for a book once they’re done. :)
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Leslie, good luck with the event, & congrats on the weight loss. Unfortunately, I just ordered your Blaze w/Julie through eHq.com, or I’d take you up on your offer.
If you have time, would you please mention to Nora how much I am enjoying her “Wedding Quartet” series? More than anything I love how these 4 childhood friends, who have created a successful wedding-planning business, have sustained true friendship through the heartache of the men/women relationships. Truly-committed women friends are one of life’s greatest treasures, but, rarely written, &, in spite of loving the h/h aspect (normally my fave reason to read), I’ve most enjoyed the women’s interaction with each other. They know each other’s weaknesses, have counseled them how they can overcome them, but, even when they don’t, they continue to support & love them. A great testament to friendship.
I’m not a clothes-horse, but, I’d suggest a pants suit. If it gets hot, you can take off the jacket, or, if cold, you leave it on. But, most of all, have a great time.
Patricia
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Les, when I signed at Turn the Page a few years ago I was floored how many people bought not just Nora but everyone’s books, mine included. You should do great!
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My comment disappeared!
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Hmmm! Well I don’t know what happened to the first comment I made, the test posted!
Leslie, congratulations on the weight loss.
What a great book signing to attend, wish I could be there! What to wear, remember the old saying KISS, keep it simple stupid. First of all, you are not stupid. Just be comfortable but look nice. People are coming because they love to read.
Have fun, enjoy & please share the experience with us after the signing. Take lots of pictures. I have positive thoughts that your books will sell very well. 
Wish I could order them online but can’t right now.
:fallleaf: Just because I love this little Icon jumping into the fall leaves!
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Hi Leslie. I have been to a few signings at TTP and have stood in the line to see the authors for over two hours. LOL It is still up in the air if I will be able to make it. (It is a three hour drive for me each way.)
I have no doubt that you will sell many many books on Saturday. I know personally I have discovered new authors to me there and spent tons (don’t tell my hubbie) of money on books while I was there. Good luck if I don’t make it.
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Basic black is always in vogue, Leslie. Black slacks and a tasteful sweater and/or jacket. Just remember to wear something comfortable. Wow. Talk about a dream come true!
I love the JD Robb books–to the point I have half of them in hardback now! Of course, I’d have the Black CAT books in HB if they came that way, too. 
Enjoy the signing and be sure to come back and report all the cool things that happened!
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Have fun and good luck.
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Oh Leslie, I think you will do fine at TTP. I am sad I won’t be able to see you and Nora…
I have to work Saturday morning, go home to sleep for a little bit, and then return back to work Saturday night to work midnight shift. I love seeing you and catching up with my fellow Marylander. 
Congrats on the weight watchers… I am looking into losing 20 lbs, but not sure if I want to do weight watchers or stick to eating healthy.
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I’m trying really hard to be able to attend this event! I moved to VA a few months ago and part of my excitement stemmed from being so close to Turn The Page! And if I go…I’ll snap up all your books:)
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Wow! Sounds like it will be a good booksigning. It’s a shame its so expensive to send anything (especially books) internationally, otherwise I’d order a signed book or two. I wish that there were booksignings here, but then I guess for the most part New Zealand is a little too small for it to be worth the time for the authors.
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Oh, ye of little faith! Leslie you are a fine looking young lady in all the pictures I have seen of you. You need only wear an outfit you feel comfortable in.
As for the book signing you know you always worry before any event you feel is important. I can see my son’s rolling their eyes when I give these kinds of advisories. Oh well, it’s the truth. If you wear a comfy outfit and a big smile and are pleasant to everyone you’ll be a huge hit. Your Leslie Parrish trilogy is fabulous and it’s about time people found that out if they don’t know it yet.
So there!
I have never even read a book by any of those other authors. I know they are popular and I’m sure I will someday but my shopping is limited to the people/authors that already satisfy my palate. I wish I could come and I would even from R.I. but I need more notice next time.
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Hey Les, all I have to say is have a blast. I love The Nora too, and I really tried to get the time off to come to this one, but I was not successful…grrr. Anyway, I hope you have a great time without people asking for help or directions to the bathroom. Please take pics so you can share them with us. I think you will do fine. Just have a combo of Leslie Parrish and Leslie Kelly books. Girl, your fans love you. So, don’t worry so much about whether will buy the books. They will go. Great idea, having books plates signed by both you and Jules….lol
Get a good night’s rest, a very nutritious breakfast…congrats on the weight loss by the way, and you will be good to do. Yeah, I was thinking the same thing…what do I know? I am really excited for you. Knock em dead. Can’t wait to hear the deets.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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