Meet the Author: Book Signing at Chapters South London
Roughing the Public
Roughing it in Africa was released over two years ago. The initial publication date fell in the middle of the covid pandemic, which made for a less intimate affair when it came time to share my first book with the world. It couldn’t be helped. I followed up my virtual launch event with a book signing a month later. It featured my mother and some of her friends. Following that, I attended a few book clubs in the fall, but they also had limited people in attendance; mostly friends. I love that friends and family supported me in this way, but perhaps you also understand why this is a bit bigger of a deal. I am the feature author for an in-person book signing and Meet the Author event at Chapters South London!
This is my first public book signing and I am a bit nervous, but mostly excited. It feels like it’s been a long time coming, but I look at it as the start of increased interest and a wider audience for Roughing it in Africa, as well as my writing as a whole. Bring on my people!
Meet the Author
So without further ado—Details!
I will be at the Chapters South London store at 1037 Wellington Rd from 12 -4 pm on October 22nd, 2023. You will find me just inside the front door, greeting people who wander in. My plan is to bring a few surprise items to hopefully draw some additional interest. Really though, the main draw will be signed copies of Roughing it in Africa.
The Making of a Book Signing
While this took a while to reach fruition, I am proud to share that I finally plucked up the courage to contact Indigo back in August. For those wondering if they could do so themselves, the answer is a resounding yes! I kick myself for not having initiated the process sooner, but we are here now, so that’s all that matters.
So I emailed Indigo with questions about their Author Program and was pleasantly surprised with a quick and positive response. They encouraged me to contact stores directly, so next step was walking in the door. The stars aligned again, as the day I stepped inside, an author signing was underway. I talked with the THREE authors showcasing their books, then wandered back to the local author section in search of someone to point me in the right direction for a contact in the store. And Bam, I managed to flag down the the very person I was looking for. She was also warm and encouraging and before I knew it, I had a copy of my book in her hands. In no time, we were talking dates for when I could come in to promote my travel memoir.
As much as it has taken a while, I don’t regret the time spent. I feel like people are in a far better place than they were a few years ago. Travel has resumed and people want to be out there once more. Perhaps that means that more people will be open to a travel adventure tale? Or more willing to travel through the pages of my book? We’ll see.
In any case, you can come out to see me this Sunday to flip through a copy of the book in person. I will be there to answer questions and to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. Hopefully I can convince you to grab a copy of Roughing it in Africa too. It’s the perfect accompaniment to throw into your own backpack when you head out for adventure.
Let’s go!
