Monday, April 19, 2010

A Tale of the Signing

It was a little surreal and in some ways hasn't even set in yet. I have personally shopped at this particular BORDERS since it opened about 12 years ago. And while I dreamt of writing up a big fatty fantasy novel back then I don't think I even believed I would get it into that store until I was a very old man. Back then I kinda thought sure I'll write when I have time-which I don't right now, I am an adventuring 20 something, I have too much living life and gallivanting to do. But marriage and kids change things...so...being home much more often I got to thinking on how much I ought to get going on this dream of mine. To everyone wanting to do something-You have to make the time or it will never come-that goes for every single thing you want to do in life-you make the time and make it happen.
It took a lot more work and drive than I ever previously imagined to stick it out and even finish a rough draft that people could tell me sucked, and from there the refining fire tempered it until I had something I was proud enough of to submit. 3rd time was the charm, that's pretty darn good from what I usually hear of peoples first manuscripts.

In any case its out there now for strangers to glimpse into my thoughts and workings, my imaginations and barely concealed tales of youth, its out there exposing me to the world and it's what I want to share. Thanks to all the old friends that turned out and here's to all the new ones, may it be the beginning of a lifetime of ink splattered enjoyment for both of us.

31 comments:

Gary Corby said...

Very cool! Congratulations to you.

Caroline Starr Rose said...

Congrats! Tell us more.

Chad Williams said...

Well done my friend. I am proud of you. I hope that you find much success with this and all your dreams. you have inspired me. Now all I have to do is find the time!! I can't wait to get my copy but I will wait for your personalized copy.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Great work up on the signing. Like the picture! From what I hear, they were impressed and want you to come back soon and do another one.

Charles Gramlich said...

My first signing was at a Borders too. I remember it like it was yesterday. the fun and excitement. Glad you have the experience.

LisaAnn said...

How much did you practice your signature before the signing? : )

Congrats David. Thanks for sharing your journey. It's inspiring.

Krista said...

Awesome! Wish I could have been there. Enjoy Storymakers and the Whitney's! Someday I'll get you to sign my book (still waiting for it, but not too much longer)!

Unknown said...

That is so awesome!! What a priceless photo too. One to pass down the generations. (To go with the important lessons you just told of course.)

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Ink splattered enjoyment. Oh I like that. Congrats David. Love that you took your happy moment and turned it inspiration for the rest of us!

nephite blood spartan heart said...

Thanks Gary

Caroline-I'll come up with something more soon.

Chad-you'll get one Chad

Thanks Karen-I will sometime soon maybe after I can get some more buzz going or something-need that word of mouth.

Thank you Nisa, I appreciate the sentiments.

Glad you liked that Kim. Thats the kind of thing I was trying to come up with on the fly for everyones book.

I appreciate it Charles, it was a real nice place to sign and also great to be told it was the best showing/sell for a new local author they had ever had.

Lisa-no I didn't practice signings before hand-I probably should have-the very first guy who got a book has it dedicated to him-but I forgot to write my own name! and then he left-I discovered my omission with the second and third guys.

Krista-thanks-shouldn't be too long now.

Angie said...

Congratulations. I'm sure that is a wonderful feeling. Good for you for going for your dreams!

Angela Perry said...

I love my signed copy. I'm a book addict (aren't we all), but there's something uber special about opening the cover and glimpsing the author's signature. And of course, it will be worth a billion dollars in 10 years or so. You're working on that, right? ;)

nephite blood spartan heart said...

Angie-thank you, it is very satissfying and I am blessed.

Morgan-glad you came, we can hope, I wouldn't mind it being looked upon similar to the first editions of Stephen King's Dark Tower: The Gunslinger-very pricey.

Amalia Dillin said...

That's great! I'm so happy for you! I hope you didn't have any hand-cramp issues :) Although, if you did, that was probably a fabulously sign!

Erin West said...

Woohoo! Real excited for you David, this is too awesome. We're still waiting for Amazon to ship our copy over. Trailer turned out great, it was fun to work with you on that and thanks for all your advice and feedback. (Thanks to everyone for compliments on the art.) Congrats to you, David, a lot. Way to stick it out, can't wait for your future books. NOw if this thing will post and not vanish like it did last time.

Melanie Goldmund said...

Congratulations, that must have been so exciting! Cool helmet, too -- did you bring that in place of a sword? It looks vaguely familiar -- is it Roman? Anglo-Saxon? No, wait, it must be Spartan. *g* I hope you had a great time, and that this is the first of many successful book signings for you! :D

Kessee said...

Read this earlier today, I think it can apply to anyone and anything. So take this for what it's worth.

http://www.kk.org/thetechnium/archives/2008/03/1000_true_fans.php

Congratulations again David. Thanks for your effort in making the book.

Kessee

nephite blood spartan heart said...

No problem with hand cramp issues Amelia-even though it felt like I was signing for 2 hours straight-good problem to have though.

Thanks Erin-I had people asking in Provo if you were there to make an appearance as well.

Melanie-thanks its my Corinthian helm and there is a sword handle if you look closely to my right.

Thanks Kessee but I couldn't get your link to work.

Kessee said...

http://www.kk.org/thetechnium/archives/2008/03/1000_true_fans.php

There we go. The last bit got cut off.

nephite blood spartan heart said...

Kessee-you trickster it did it again. Email me the link.

Rob Larsen Family said...

I went to Borders last night to pick up my copy, but I asked for "Heroes of the Fallen" by Adam West LOL, The poor girl had no idea why I was laughing... :) Found your book in the end, can't wait to read it!

nephite blood spartan heart said...

Thank's Katie, I appreciate it and would love to hear what you think about it.

MTeacress said...

Dang, you lucky dog! The pics are great and what a neat accomplishment for you. Too bad you couldn't bring the sword.

nephite blood spartan heart said...

Michelle-look closely-its on my right-you can see the handle.

Christy said...

David-congrats! The more I write, the more I appreciate those who do.:) I hope your signing went well.

nephite blood spartan heart said...

Thanks Christy, it went pretty good.

Rogue Blades Entertainment said...

Nicely done, David! I love the helmet and sword too :)

nephite blood spartan heart said...

Thanks Jason. I am gonna see about making it to Dragon Con-its a maybe.

Suzette Saxton said...

That looks so cool! I'm sorry I missed it, but you'll be back, right?

Karlene said...

Big congrats. Sorry I couldn't make it to the signing.

nephite blood spartan heart said...

Thanks Suzette and Karlene, there will always be another time someday.