Sunday, September 17, 2006

Once Upon a Crime signing

Thanks so much to everybody who stopped by yesterday's signing, especially considering that traffic was horrible. Must have been a game at the U, or a game at the dome, or both. I hit the on-ramp before I saw that the westbound lane was solid cars as far as the eye could see. Luckily there was a side lane where I could exit -- and got immediately lost. Or slightly lost. Construction on Lake Street. Can't go that way. Should have taken Franklin across, but in my panic of fearing I would be late - and get taunted by Steve Stillwell (Lovewell), I actually went all the way back home and approached the store from the south. I arrived two minutes late. Whew! And no steve, so he would never know. But seems he HAD been there. Got there EARLY, so went to a record store, then returned. Rub it in. Steve used to own once upon a crime, and he's very good at continuing to support the store and the authors. I also think he likes to make sure his (fillintheblank) demeanor lingers in the dark corners.

Lots of yummy food. I'm still thinking of those chocolate squares with the cream cheese topping. Gary Bush didn't much care for the white grape juice and would actually make a face when someone started to take a drink. Hehe! It wasn't bad though. Pretty good, actually. Pat Dennis stopped and ended up signing some of her Haiku Hotdish books when people realized she was the author. Very cool! Cindy and family - so nice meeting you!

I have to say the phone orders turned an average signing into spectacular. Thanks to everyone who called for a copy. And a special thanks to M L who ordered NINE!! Woot!! And big hug!!

My haul? The hot-off-the-press issue 14 of Crimespree, and a copy of Charlie Huston's ALREADY DEAD, both gifts from Pat and Gary. This is one of the things that is so cool about this husband and wife team. They zero in on a reader's tastes and know exactly what to suggest. I didn't do any browsing. I didn't talk about what I've been reading. Gary just walked up and handed me a book I've wanted to read for the past 6 months. And this isn't a fluke. He does it ALL THE TIME.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad the signing went well. And I'm so glad I decided to stop by and see if you had a new post up. It's great to read some good news!

I want to say I've really come to appreciate your blog, Anne. You may write dark suspense in your books, but your blog is anything but, well aside from the occasionally spooky picture. :o)

Mary Louisa said...

So glad I could be there "in spirit"! Luckily my family doesn't read your blog--otherwise, they'd all know what Santa was bringing them this year. Hope I didn't give you signer's cramp. ;)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an incredible time! Congratulations on the success. :)

anne frasier said...

susan, thanks so much! that makes me feel good -- but i do have to say you've apparently missed some of my bitchfests. :D stick around.

mary louisa, should i delete that??? that did cross my mind, but i thought, nah, they won't be here. but i guess you never know. someone might come here from your blog.

jason, thanks. the signing also brought in some new people who'd never been to the store. they LOVED it. it's a great place.

Jeff said...

Sounds like a good time was had by all. I'm glad you're signing was a success! :)

anne frasier said...

thanks, jeff. :)

Stephen Blackmoore said...

Sounds like it went well. Mmmm. Chocolate squares.

And you're going to love Already Dead. Huston does a great job.

anne frasier said...

stephen: you're right about already dead. i started it last night and am already loving it. i love the whole concept. it kind of reminds me of the UK television series ultraviolet.

Stephen Blackmoore said...

I completely forgot about Ultraviolet. Sometimes vampire stories are done well, and sometimes not. It's kind of a crap shoot.

Anonymous said...

Hi Anne,

It was also great meeting you. As I had mentioned I was just finishing up a book which I did today. So this evening I will be starting your book. I am pretty excited about it. As always I will look forward to your next book.
The picture turned out great, thanks again so much. I really enjoyed our chat.
Cindy

anne frasier said...

cindy, i really enjoyed your visit! and i'm so glad you made it to once upon a crime. i love that place. it's just one of the coolest bookstores. i hope you like the book. that would be a bit sad if you didn't! :D

Anonymous said...

Hi Again,
I started the book night and so far I really like it. You are right about it being different than your other books but I love your writing.
The story is very captivating so far. I have read through chapter 3 and can hardly wait to dwelve more into it tonight.
The vampire thing is a little different but it offers the past as well as the now. Plus with it being based on a town in Wisconsin makes it somewhat surreal. I also really like the bookstore. I have been adicted to mystery and thriller books forever and to find a bookstore with only those types of books is like being in a candy shop for kids. I also thought the owners were very nice and enjoyed meeting them.
I know I will definately be back again.

Cindy