My First Book Signing!!

This Saturday I went to my very first book signing! I went to Chapters in "the city" to get my copy of The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan signed. She was amazing! Her author picture does not do her justice at all as she was all smiles and very pretty!

I've never done anything like this as my anxiety/panic disorder which is a common condition for people with Aspergers to also suffer from (though by no means do all). But I was determined to go. I took an anxiety pill before I went and then I worried the whole way there that when I went up to the table and said my name "Nicola" (which is not that common) that she would recognize me, as we have had a few emails back and forth when I originally published my review of her book and I mentioned I'd be going to this signing. So I was hoping she wouldn't recognize my name but kind of dreading that she probably would so anyway this is where the mind of an Aspergers person goes frantic. It's hard to describe and I won't try ... but I was determined to go.

So I got there and walked around a bit, noticed she was there and when I saw her sitting down at the table, I took a gulp and headed on over plus I had decided that if she recognized me I would shake her hand. (I don't shake hands with anyone except my priest at church and occasionally people in church when we give the sign of peace to each other.) Anyway I walk up to the table hoping when she asks my name, "Nicola" will not ring any bells for her but instead as soon as I get near the table she looks at me and says "Are you Nicola? (I nod my head) I recognize you from your picture on the internet!" We shake hands! Then she starts thanking me for posting my review "all over the internet". I managed to look in the general direction of her face, I think, and blabbered and flustered some words, I'm not sure what I said, though I did say I loved the book and I answered questions she asked me. But "whew" it was pretty nerve wracking while it was happening but really awesomely cool when it was over.

This is what she wrote: For Nicola. Thanks for reading & for posting your lovely review all over the internet. Best Cathy Buchanan.