Book Signing for Longbourn’s Unexpected Matchmaker at Auntie’s Bookstore in Spokane, Washington on June 18, 2010.
My very first book signing at Auntie’s Bookstore in Spokane, Washington was a delight. It was one of my favorite bookstores when I lived in Spokane right after college.
Longbourn’s Unexpected Matchmaker is my debut novel and holds a special place in my heart. My deep love of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice inspired this story. Writing it was a labor of love, and seeing it in print is a dream come true. But nothing could have prepared me for the thrill of walking into Auntie’s Bookstore that day, seeing stacks of my book displayed so beautifully, and knowing people were there to celebrate this milestone with me.
The atmosphere at Auntie’s was warm and inviting. The historic bookstore, with its cozy nooks and shelves brimming with literary treasures, felt like the perfect place to have a book signing. The staff went above and beyond to make the event memorable, setting up a lovely signing table and even displaying a poster with my picture and book title on it, that I may or may not still have tucked away for safekeeping. Also, a nice man was there to take photographs, one which he submitted to the local newspaper. She mailed one of the professional photos to me after the event.
I was nervous as I prepared to meet readers for the first time, but those nerves quickly gave way to excitement as the event began. Readers from all walks of life came by to talk about Pride and Prejudice and their love for Austen-inspired stories. Some had already read the book and shared their favorite moments, while others were picking it up for the first time, intrigued by the idea of a matchmaking twist set in Longbourn.
Another highlight was the Q&A session. This is always my favorite because I am more at ease with impromptu questions than I am in planning a scripted discussion. Questions ranged from what inspired me to write the book to which Jane Austen character I relate to the most. (For those wondering, I’m a mix of Elizabeth Bennet’s wit and Anne Elliott’s practicality and stability—at least, I like to think so!)
By the end of the event, I had signed many copies of my book, taken photos with readers, and left with a heart full of gratitude. Auntie’s Bookstore wasn’t just a venue that day; it became a cherished part of my author journey.
If you were one of the readers who attended, thank you for making it unforgettable. And if you’ve only recently discovered Longbourn’s Unexpected Matchmaker, I hope it brings you as much joy as I had writing it.
To Auntie’s Bookstore, to my readers, and to everyone who has supported me along the way—thank you for being part of my story.
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