Book signings (How much is that author at the table?)

I’m an extreme introvert but like many authors I do book signings. Not many and never, ever by myself. Putting myself in front of others makes me physically ill so it helps to have the support of my fellow writers as a mental diversion.
So why do I do it?
I like to people watch and I refuse to be ruled by my fears.
And when my chapter mates ask me to speak on a particular subject, I actually do it, too. (In April, I’ll be signing and giving a lecture on how to use history to add realism to your book.) Understand that public speaking is even worse for me, kind of like sky diving to someone who’s afraid of heights, except I would parachute because I would be by myself.
But I digress.
While I was sitting at a recent book signing a thought occurred to me. Being me, it was a weird thought–representing my slightly skewed version of reality.
Watching people stroll by without making eye contact, I felt like a pet at the pet store, waiting for my forever family to find me. I’m pretty sure I looked that pathetic. But unlike the pets, I couldn’t even promise that I didn’t bite. I do bite, but only my husband so everyone else is safe:-)
I’m sure it’s intimidating to passers-by to see a table full of authors, some of whom could be as pushy as used car salesman. But most of us are pretty interesting people and more than that, we’re readers so we may know about books (not ours) that you might like.

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