Part of my Day Zero Project was meant to get me to do things I've never done before that would be good for me, professionally. I've never really been to a book signing before, so I put it on the list. And, I figured since I was in Calgary, where there are a lot more local authors than there are in Bozeman, my odds of finding one would be pretty good.

So I went to this little local bookstore called "Owl's Nest Books" that was scheduled to have a book-signing on Saturday. I went early, went to a nearby Starbucks, read my Kindle for awhile, then headed over to Owl's Nest. Now, I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but I have to admit, I had a few expectations. (Based on experiences that friends of mine have had with, understandably, major authors.)

I expected a big crowd. I expected the stock to be sold out. I expected the author to just sign my book and send me on my way. I expected big posters of the author's head all over the place. to get lost among the numbers. In short, I expected to be annoyed.

I was completely wrong.

I strolled into Owl's Nest Books, and they had this cool little display with about 10 copies of the book, no picture of the author (Kane Conlan), and a very local feel to the place. When I walked in, the author was in the back room, so I started browsing the books. They had a really nice printout that explained what the story was about and who the author was, and one of the bookstore staff came over to help me. She explained about the book, and how local bookstores send more money back into the local economy, and the author was a local author, and the story was set locally. With all that local, I couldn't say no! So I figured, I'd buy the book. The author came back out, he was very nice, and he signed my book.

Then they asked if I was a member of the bookstore and I, of course, said, "No, I'm not from around here." Haha. The story of my life, lately. Anyway, they got to talking with me about my writing, and why I was in Calgary, and we had a nice long chat. Both the author and the saleswoman were very encouraging to me. I told them the story about getting through the border. They laughed, of course, and encouraged me. The author gave me some tips about doing research and being in another country. It was fantastic.

I haven't started reading the book yet, but I'm sure I'll review it here after I do. Needless to say, I'm very glad that I had this experience, and I was both encouraged and entertained. I'm looking forward to reading the book (Manipulators by Kane Conlan), and I'm very happy that I had an opportunity to meet these people, and to get to my very first official book signing! I'm definitely looking forward to having one of my own someday! :-) I might even contact Owl's Nest and see if they'd host me, too. We shall see!