What happens when no one or few attend your book signing?

Las Vegas Writing Examiner

Many authors will agree that they have experienced this disappointment. It's like giving a party only to have nobody come. With promotional materials hyping the signing or appearance, the author's anticipation runs high. Then the time arrives and unfortunately it's the only thing that does! All or most of the seats are empty.

That raises the question, "What now?" While I haven't had that happen at a signing myself, I have had it happen at a Meet the Author event and a panel presentation. The answer is that old adage, "If there is even one person--The show must go on."

I met author Parnell Hall a few months ago at the Left Coast Crfime conference. He writes the Puzzle Lady series, and is a clever, funny fellow. Likewise, his books are delightful. Hall is no stranger to this  "empty house" phenomenon. But he does something I can't--he sings. When this video was brought to my attention, I knew I had to share it with my readers.

 Author Parnell Hall sings his lament

A big "Thank You" to  You Tube. This hilarious video has had nearly 47,000 views so far. I'll bet the turnout at Hall's signings has improved. Now that I thnk about it, maybe I should take singing lessons.

By the way, at the Meet the Author event I referenced above, one person did show up. They wanted directions to the second floor restroom. Sadly, more than half an hour passed, and the only people in attendance were myself, my husband and the librarian. We never figured out what happened to everyone else, but finally decided to cancel the event instead of standing there staring at each other. All was not lost. There were some delicious chocolate chip cookies. Ah, chocolate. The great soother.

As for the panel presentation, there were five people on the stage and three in the audience. A few of the authors were quite high profile, so once again, it was one of those unfortunate happenings. An author has to have a thick skin and the ability to wing it. Consequently, four authors and a moderator presented a wonderful panel discussion to three people as though there wasn't an empty seat in the large library theater...well, there were three people until one left half-way through with an embarrassed expression. Seems she'd wandered in to kill time while waiting for someone who was picking her up.

A Puzzle Lady book

Here is a sneak peek at a Parnell Hall book: His main character, Cora Felton, the Puzzle Lady, couldn't do a crossword puzzle if her life depended on it. Her niece, Sherry Carter, constructs them for her. Cora hates puzzles, but loves solving crime. In his book You Have the Right to Remain Puzzled, Cora is puzzled indeed when she is arrested for the murder of small time gambler Benny Southstreet..By clicking "sneak peek" above, you can read the first chapter.

 For more info about Morgan St. James and her appearances: www.morganstjames-author.com

Every Tuesday: The Spotlight shines on people, organizations or events involved in the Las Vegas writers community as well as literary visitors to our city. Recent Spotlights -  Las Vegas Author Brian Rouff's Indie Journey,  Author Frank Mundo's new book-a tribute to Chaucer,   Publicist Sabrina Sumsion Spreads the Word

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