Experiences of a Nervous Book Signer

In the Sydney KOORONG bookstore

I have mixed feelings about sharing my recent experience of book signing. Do I think I have "arrived"? Hardly. It's just the beginning of another stage in my life. Before I was published  I used to feel as if I was engaged in a never ending uphill climb. When would it ever happen? Was it because I wrote what no one was interested in? Were my stories up to par? I'm sure you've experienced all those niggling self doubts that bog you down. All this while asking the Lord  was my writing pleasing and honouring to Him.

At this difficult stage I believe all authors pass through, you need a big dose of perseverance and a willingness to learn as much as you can to hone the craft. And then realise that if you have a burning desire to write, the Lord gave you the gift in the first place. Stubbornly believe that things will happen in His time. (Jer 29:11) AND forget about making loads of money out of it, simply write as unto the Lord. A real pleasure comes from that, as it's like offering your precious talent (similar to OT times) back to Him.

NB: The following is not for authors who've already experienced this!
Sitting at a table in a busy bookstore can be quite a challenge. Some people won't meet your eye, just in case you might try a "hard sell". Oh, if only they knew! I just prayed that I'd have the opportunity to speak to anyone lonely. And it happened. Several people just opened up to me, and I was so thankful to the Lord for that. On the practical side, I had a little table banner made by Office Works which showed characters from my book. It only costs $25 dollars and can be eye-catching. Then I had to be ready to briefly explain what the book was about in a couple of sentences which I'd worked out beforehand. I also wrote ideas in a notebook so I wouldn't look bored just sitting there. It also helps to have a friend (or helpful husband) to stand nearby to chat with you occasionally.

These are just a few random ideas to help should you be published one day. Some bookstores won't be interested, while others are happy to have a local author help sell their books. It's good PR for them. I honestly did not relish ringing the managers and asking, but I remembered I am an ambassador of the Lord Jesus and I am offering books that will uplift readers, so that thought gives you confidence, (even if the nerves still flutter!)

Right now I'd really value your prayers as I'm soon to leave for a month's ministry to Thailand.  Malaria is a concern because of all the water around.  We've had all the other shots but we need strength to keep up the pace of meetings. We never know what we'll be doing or where we're going  until we arrive. We love the Thais and pray that many will find faith in the Lord. We're able to hand out thousands of the Gospel of John translated into Thai which have details of a correspondence course at the back of each.

* Rita Stella Galieh has just had her second historical romance,  SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED released by Ark House Press. You can read an excerpt at www.ritastellagalieh.com