Stories with a Twist
Here’s a hack you won’t find anywhere else!
When you are at a school library in Georgia and you are discussing the differences in plants and trees between the Florida Everglades and South Georgia, NEVER dispute a second-grader. For example, coconut trees in Georgia? Pay attention to the seven-year-old expert.
Readers always win.
As soon as I had my table set up at the Bizarre Bazaar in Bainbridge, GA, my newest friend grabbed her DONUT LADY BOOK 1, Sweet Deal Sealed, before they were all gone. Note that I am a good inch taller than she is. She was at the booth around the corner from me with her amazing, talented husband and his beautiful woodwork. I love the new-to-me local festivals in south Georgia. I meet nice people and sell books.
There were some slightly bizarre happenings. I’m not going to tell you though because they all have a place in one of my books for 2020. I will tell you that I discovered the next murderer for DONUT LADY BOOK 4. One hint: the murderer is not pictured above. Unless she wants to be, then all bets are off.
Interested in knowing more about my current books? Here you go! Judith A. Barrett Author Page
The 2019 I HEART Books Sale was at the Gainesville Downtown Public Library. I met new authors and awesome readers, including the members of a local book club that is considering recommending the books of the DONUT LADY MYSTERY SERIES for their club to read this summer.
Book Club: We had an author who came to speak to us once. Would you be willing to do that?
Me: That would be awesome! I would love to! <Wow! WooHoo!>
This was my second year to have a table at a local area Ham Radio “Hamfest.” As a ham radio operator, it’s a great excuse to see the electronics, antennas, and other radio equipment for sale. As an author, it’s a great opportunity to be out in my community, talking about and selling my books.
My favorite:
Ham Operator picks up DANGER IN THE CLOUDS: This book looks interesting. Does it have a ham radio operator in it?
We chat about the services ham radio operators provided during recent hurricanes.
Ham Operator reads back cover: Whoa! This is you! You’re the author! I’ve never met an actual author! If I buy the book, will you sign it?
Me: Certainly. <Squealing inside!>
** ** **
Sales were good, and the conversations were fun. Looking forward to another year!
My books are ready for the hordes of readers who are expected to bust down the doors at the Book Fair/Expo at The Villages in Florida. The Villages is a huge retirement community in Central Florida lovingly referred to “Land of the Blue Hairs” by people who are old enough to remember ladies with blue hair before it was fashionable to have pasteled and multi-color hair. After yesterday when I was almost run down three times in the parking lot, I call it the “Land of the Zooming Maniac Golf Cart Drivers.”
So how was it? I chatted with new friends, sold books, enjoyed seeing old friends, laughed a lot, and will definitely go back next year.
Man <Flips through book>: How much is Pink Baby Alligator?
Me: Ten dollars.
Man: Will you take eight?
Me: No.
Man: <reads back cover>: How much is it normally?
Me: Ten dollars.
Man: I really want it for my grandson.
Me: ….
Man: What would you say if I told you I have only five dollars?
Me: Go make a friend.
Man <cracks up>: I’ll pay your ten dollars if you’ll sign it to my grandson and let me take a picture of you with the book.
Me: You drive a hard bargain.
Man: <laughs harder. Buys book, asks wife to take a picture of him and me with the book, takes a picture of me with the book, and walks away still laughing.>
Last weekend the Tractor Supply Company sponsored Farmers Markets at their stores across the US. Book signing at a Farmers Market? Made sense to me. My books take place in small towns and rural areas. Our store manager moved pallets so his vendors could set up in the air-conditioned store. He said he was worried about the 92° degree Florida heat. Nice people at the Tractor Supply Company.
We go to TSC at least once a week. FarmerMan wandered off and spent tons and tons of I Could Use Wish Money. You know, I could use this; I could use that.
I talked to people, sold books, and readers signed up to subscribe to my newsletter. Can’t beat that!
You fill in the jokes. I’ll supply the words. Ready? GO!
I will be at the GARS Hamfest in Waldo tomorrow from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. I’ll be signing and selling Pink Baby Alligator and talking about Sweet Deals : Sealed and maybe The Girl Who Saw Clouds. #FlatRose will be there too.
And the best joke of all? It’s true – no joke!
Gainesville Amateur Radio Society Hamfest
14370 Kennard St. (First Baptist Church)
Waldo, Florida 32694
If you like electronics, gadgets, and books… might be worth the drive.
If your interest is piqued, then punch in the address and show up! Free parking and $7.00 per person entry fee.