Last weekend when I was in Puerto Vallarta (I just like saying that still!), I had 2 great signings back to back. The first was at the end of 3 day workshop. I had worked with all these people, and they wanted to read copies of my work, especially Intent to Sell. I sold almost all my available copies in a matter of minutes.

I enjoy being able to connect with people who are also writers. There are few people who really understand what it’s like to write and know the difficulties involved. So when I get a chance to talk to them, it’s a lot of fun. Normally though, if I run a writers workshop, the writers are more interested in what you’re saying and not the fact that you’re selling books. I was pleasantly surprised.

The other signing was on the beach, yeah the sandy beach on the Pacific, during the day. Besides selling a lot of books, and having a few margaritas on the side, I managed to burn one arm, which sneaked out of the shade of the umbrella over us. People who wanted a quick beach read were interested in what I had to sell.

The short version of this insight into my 2 good signings is that the best way to sell books is still the personal connection. The books I sold on the beach were prefaced by long conversations about my first trip to Mexico, my inability to speak Spanish, and suggestions on book marketing. So the next time we do a signing, I’ll be the one ready to chat and see if a connection can be made to make that sale.