First Book Signing: “From Lemons to Lemonade”

Who ever heard of an author of a new book showing up for a first book signing event without books? It happened to Yours Truly during the first weekend in May at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Sunshine (Florida) District 2007 Annual Spring Convention in Jacksonville, Florida.

Prior approval was granted by the District Board. Plans were set in motion well in advance by the Convention Team for “author” Wayne Page to sign his new book , “A Journey Through The Twentieth Century” as a scheduled event in the registration area located in the Omni Hotel on Friday, May 4th from 1:00 to 4:30 P.M.

On the day before the “big event”, much to the chagrin of the Publisher, it was revealed that “the book” was hung up at the bindery (the machine crashed ) and that there was no way that the initial run would be available in time for the signing.

Rather than canceling, I decided to meet my commitment as scheduled. So armed with pre-paid order forms, a nice photo of the book cover and my new fancy table top sign which read – “ALL PROFITS DONATED TO YOUTH IN HARMONY PROGRAM”, I appeared as scheduled all decked out in my new bright yellow shirt and Norman Rockwell Barber-shop tie.

The registration area was a busy and fun place. During my 3 ½ hour timeslot, I got to meet and greet old friends as well as a lot of new folks. Believe it or not, I even sold a lot of books – without books! Bottom line, barbershoppers are nice folks! The old adage, “when you are dealt with lemons, make lemonade,” worked! In closing, I want to say thank you to those who ordered books in Jacksonville.
-WJP