When Borders invited me to participate in their Educator Appreciation Weekend, I accepted scheduling of a Saturday at 2:00 PM Book signing and a Sunday at 2:00 PM Book signing at different Borders. I reread Carolyn Howard Johnson’s chapter on Book Signings in Frugal. I arranged homemade chocolates from a local store, made up a new batch of laminated bookmarks and found an interesting tiny wire basket for my Business cards. I have been at both of these Borders in the past and knew I needed a better draw.
Those of us in wheelchairs often experience invisibility; I wanted to attract attention in a positive manner. My current novel, JENA’S CHOICE is historical, so I began a search for a doll to replicate my heroine; Jena Grant. I checked eBay first but found nothing appropriate. At collections Inc. I found an 18” red haired, green eyed, pretty-faced doll. The clothes were wrong, the price was right. ($14.95) I called a neighbor, Cheryl’s Dolls and she agreed to make the 1869 type outfit.
Jena is beautiful; her dress is a rich cream with tiny yellow flowers and buttons down the front from hem to neck. The bodice is fitted, the skirt flared out from a gathered waist and even her under garments are period appropriate. Once Jena’s long red hair was pulled back into a single braid, I was ready for my book signings.
Borders set my table just to the right of the front door and the large number of people drawn to look at and inquire about Jena pleased me. More bookmarks were passed out and more books sold. My redheaded Jena doll will continue to centerpiece my book signings.
Beverly J Scott Author of JENA’S CHOICE, RIGHTEOUS REVENGE, and RUTH FEVER
