Book Signing Change Your Opinion?

Mellyg · ‎03-16-2020

I've attended a few book signings by some favorite authors (most recent was virtual). Has anyone attended an event with an author that changed their opinion on the author (either better or for worse).

im curious as I had one experience and the author was warm, engaging and was genunily grateful for the support of her readers throughout the years.

Then I had an opposite. The author came across as an elitist snob. I was so unsettled by her demeanor that it's changed the way I feel about her books.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

Giada DeLaurentis could not have been sweeter to the crowd at a small demo and book signing I attended.

David McCullough--just as you would expect at a presentation and signing.

insomniac2 · ‎02-20-2016

I heard Jeannette Walls (Glass Castle) give a long talk about her book. She signed autographs for a very long time, chatting with people as she did so. I was very impressed!

Bhvbum · ‎07-18-2010

Authors agree to book signings because they enjoy them and their readers. But aren't there snobs and pains as readers?

I watched a reader refuse to move on at a signing a few years ago, taking selfies while everyone waited, grinding their teeth. THEN she invited her just arrived friend to break in line to do the same. UGH.

Love my grandkids · ‎11-24-2013

Many eons ago (I'm 72) Barry Williams of The Brady Bunch "wrote" a book, Growing Up Brady. It was in soft cover.

We lived in So. Cal. near the Crown book store where he was going to do a signing. I wheedled my DH into taking me. It was a hoot! All of the people in line were our age!

As to Barry Williams, he was kind of vapid. Pleasant and signing every single book "It's the story..Barry Williams". He really had little to say. He sat and smiled and that was about it.

Someone would make a nice remark to him and he basicallly ignored them.

The fun part was talking to the other people in line! We all kind of made fun of ourselves for doing it!

Travone · ‎10-14-2016

Met Former President Jimmy Carter at a book signing. He was so nice and gracious to all. Wonderful experience.

Mellyg · ‎03-16-2020

@Love my grandkids I think any event based around the Brady Bunch would be a blast. To this day, I'm always quoting lines from the show.
@TravoneI have heard similar things about Jimmy Carter, I had a friend that was a Delta flight attendant and served him (he was in first class), but said he was very down to earth.
@Sooner wrote: I had a friend meet her somewhere and had the same sediment as you. She does seem genuine!

I do realize people are rude anywhere and we all have a bad/"off" day. But it is a form of client relationship in which an author needs to show a level of consideration to readers. The negative experience I witnessed made me feel uncomfortable witnessing it.