YA Fresh

Writer Geek Chic

Every career has some geeky components and accoutrements, and I've recently found out that being a published author is no different. I mean, I'm not carrying around slide rules or all-purpose bottles of Windex (remember My Big, Fat Greek Wedding?), but for the past month, I haven't gone anywhere without my Author Signing Kit.

The kit itself started as a money pouch and was a gift from a friend. It closes with a zipper, so I know nothing will spill into the dark hole of my purse. Inside, you'll now find two kinds of stickers, "Local Author" and "Autographed Copy". I also carry a stack of TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS bookmarks, which I slip into signed books, as well as hand out to people as a business card when they ask about buying my book.


And finally, my kit includes my favorite not-cheap pen. One that always works and makes my terrible handwriting a little better.

The only thing I don't like about the kit is the snickers I sometimes get when I pull it out. But I just sort of sigh and smile. Because hey, after years of weathering rejection slips, what's a laugh or two at something that's working for me?

On this note, I'm leaving on Friday for a four-day driving trip that will include hitting as many bookstores as possible. Wish me luck they have copies of my book to sign!