Raindrops on roses are nice, but one of my favorite things is when a reader
brings in a beat-up old copy of one of my books. I love to see that the book is
worn and well-loved. Not only has this reader enjoyed it, but she has probably
shared it with friends and family.
Recently, this happened several times as I was signing copies of That
OLD FLAME OF MINE across
the southeast. Readers come into the store hesitantly, usually clutching the old
book. They look around to see if anyone has noticed them brining a book INTO the
store instead of taking one out with them.
The reader approaches quietly and usually says something like, "I really love
your books. I read all of them. I have some favorites." And the book or books
are carefully put on the table in front of me.
"I have read these books so many times, but I always seem to miss when you come
to sign books. Would you mind signing these for me? It would really mean a lot."
The last time it was
THE
TELLTALE TURTLE from the Pet Psychic series and an old copy of
FRUIT OF THE POISONED TREE
from the Peggy Lee Garden Mysteries. They were definitely well-loved. Not
falling apart, but colors on the cover turning white and pages yellowing. There
were bookmarks in them and bookplates claiming ownership.
It makes me feel like someone has cherished something that I have done. This is
a person I don't know and may never meet again, but we've touched each other.
Isn't that what all writers crave?
Certainly, I love when readers buy my new books. Usually my tried and true
readers also buy copies of whatever is new when they're at the store to have me
sign the old books. We talk and I give them one of my bookmarks. They smile and
cautiously go back out of the store, sometimes through the cashier line,
sometimes not.
No matter which way they go, I know I have met a friend that I'll see again someday.
Joyce Lavene
Joyce Lavene writes
award-winning, best-selling mystery fiction with her husband, Jim, as
themselves,
J.J. Cook
and
Ellie Grant. They
have written and published more than 60 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon
and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and
regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family.
Visit them at
www.joyceandjimlavene.com.
When you write a book you part with a piece of yourself. Your inspiration, creativity, heart. Your fear and love. If someone recognises that book as special, no wonder you are blown away by the moment.
I love the cover art!
(Clare O'Beara 7:31am May 27, 2013)
I'm anxious to read your book, so that I can be touched as much as all of the other people who have come to see you with their tattered books!! It's a rare talent to be able to write in such a way as to reach inside someone's soul with your words!! I've done a lot of reading, and so far, only 2 books come to mind that have stayed in my heart, and taken a piece of my soul along with it. You must be doing something right to be able to write 60 books and have such a following!! Even the cover of your book is an extra-special piece of art!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:16am May 27, 2013)
© 2003-2026