The next two months are a challenge for me as I head into the final stretch before Book 'Em North Carolina.
I usually spend an average of 7-8 hours a day writing my books and another 25-30 hours a week working on Book 'Em North Carolina. But this time of year, I will spend more than 40 hours a week on the event. It brings together more than 75 authors, publishers, literary agents and book promoters--as well as an awesome Hollywood producer - and it also brings together more than 250 volunteers from throughout the community - civic groups, businesses and individuals.
This is my 11th Book 'Em event and I always enjoy watching everyone on the Big Day. It's like watching a movie with one group after another riding a roller coaster. Everyone responds differently and it's quite interesting.
One year, I saw two authors sit side-by-side and have very different experiences. The crowd was slow that year and one author became quite grumpy and complained incessantly. The other kept her smile and positive attitude. The result wasn't surprising. The author with the positive attitude not only sold more books but she also made a connection that landed her a talk - at the United Nations.
Another year, two authors sat side-by-side. One kept his book in front of his face as if he was engrossed in reading his own work. No one wanted to bother him, so they walked right past him. The result: he didn't sell a single book. The author beside him smiled at each attendee, chatted with them -- and sold more books than any other author that year--around 150 books.
Attitude is everything. It can turn things around if you're positive and sink you fast if you're negative. The complainers are always remembered - but for all the wrong reasons. The positive, can-do, appreciative folks are always remembered - and for the right reasons.
