It's a First by Wendy H. Jones
As a writer there is no end to the things which happen in your life. Opportunities come along when you are least expecting them. Recently I went in to The Royal Bank of Scotland in Broughty Ferry, Dundee to pay in a cheque. The teller who served me asked what I would be doing for the rest of the day. I said that as it was sunny (yes the sun does shine in Dundee) I would be writing in the garden. It turned out the teller was Rachel, the Bank Manager, and she asked me to do a book signing. Never one to let an opportunity go by I agreed. To put this in to context I had never set foot in this particular bank previously. So it all came as a complete surprise.
As the title of this blog suggests I believe that this may a first in terms of book signings. Banks are not the usual place that you find an author. So I wasn't sure how this would go. I took along books and set up my signing table complete with a noose as can be seen in the picture.
The noose is crucial in this story. Firstly, I am a crime writer so it was an excellent prop. Anyone who used the bank during the period I was there had to queue in front of this table. I regaled them of tales of the last man to be hanged for fraud in the UK. He was a banker who said he had indeed defrauded the bank but he did it for the good of the bank. This kept people amused and they started chatting and I sold a large number of books. Customers loved the fact that there was an author in the bank, especially a local author. They loved the fact that the main character in the books, DI Shona McKenzie, lived in Broughty Ferry. I had so much fun and met a lot of nice people. I made new fans and many customers took postcards to give to friends and family.
So why am I writing this blog? To encourage writers to step out of their comfort zone and to grab any opportunity that comes along. It may sound whacky but you never know what might come from it. I see it as community engagement and a chance to meet people. Even if I hadn't sold any books I had a pleasant day, drank free coffee and met some lovely people. A great way to spend a day.
Wendy lives, and writes, in Dundee Scotland. The latest book in her DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries was launched in April, 2016. She is currently writing a new series of YA Novels, The Fergus and Flora Mysteries. They will be published by Books to Treasure, and the first one will be released on 10th September, 2016.
Comments
Good advice, and much respect for your ability to spot an opportunity and seize it.
I once did a signing in an airport, but on the wrong side of security, where everyone was rushing past with their bags to get somewhere else - not recommended!