I arrive at my book-signing event to be greeted with a small table covered with an immaculate table cloth, my books already displayed, a notice announcing my presence and, as always, a lovely vase of flowers as a centrepiece. The staff are friendly and chatty (today it’s Carolyn … and Sharon, complete with big smiles ). I already know them; after all I’ve been holding book-signings here for the last five years and I’ve been a customer of the shop for more years than I care to remember. Nothing unusual in that, I hear you say; we’ve all done events in stores we know. But this venue is special, this is our local chemist, Kilgetty Pharmacy. And, when first forced to admit to myself that I needed to go forth and sell, this was the second local event I was welcomed to.
Putting on a pose – me with Jane Gilbert (who owns the shop with her husband, Bart)
I’d talked with Jane about my writing for years (I’m not sure she ever thought I’d be published but she was always tremendously encouraging). Anyway, the day that Pattern of Shadows came out I couldn’t wait to show her. Without hesitation she asked, would I like to hold a book-signing in the shop. I was thrilled – thought there was nothing odd about appearing at a chemist. Up to date I’ve been four times, they’ve sold loads of my books,and I’ll be there again just before Christmas.
Kilgetty Pharmacy isn’t just a place where people go to have prescriptions filled; it’s an Aladdin’s cave of goodies. It’s where I’ve bought gorgeous scarves and unusual handbags. Husband tries to ban me from going into the shop; the temptations to buy are always too strong!
And their claim to fame? In 2013, in a UK wide Easter competition held by Bronley for the best window display, this chemist won first prize. I believe the prize was a jolly to Paris for two of the staff!!
A few shots of the busy shop … er … well it was busy until I produced my mobile to take photos … then the staff scuttled off and customers disappeared. (I made the mistake of asking permission.) Hah!
Two kind ladies who did agree to pose, while looking for a present. There are treasures for all kinds of occasions: Engagements, Weddings, Births,, Birthdays (from one to a hundred years old!)) Celebrations of all kinds, Cards, Festive ornaments, Treats for pets, Treats for the birds in the garden … and … and …
Highlight of the day? No less than three sales reps came in to sell their stock to the shop … and I sold a signed copy of one of my books to each of the . Yay!!
My thanks go to Jane & Bart Gilbert, Carolyn Finlay,, Sharon, Val, Linda, Carolyn Jones, Jane Goldsmith and Sue for a great day. See you next time!
So, all you authors out there – a challenge! Where’s the most unusual place you’ve held a book signing? Do please tell – with photos if possible!
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/judith.barrow.3
https://twitter.com/barrow_judith
https://plus.google.com/+JudithBarrowauthor
LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/1fNP6t2
Bit of self publicity here:
Hush! The first two books of the trilogy are on offer at £1.89 at the moment.
Pattern of Shadows: http://amzn.to/1Denx74
Changing Patterns: http://amzn.to/1MxOvJ0
Living in the Shadows: the last of the trilogy, published in July: http://amzn.to/1JzO3Jh
All also available in paperback on Amazon and from my publishers
Judith Barrow 