I don’t know why I’ve always loved the desert. Maybe it’s the clean air, the limitless stars at night, or the strange romance I’ve always felt for seclusion, or maybe it’s just all that sand . . . but I really do love it, so when I was asked to head out there for a book signing, I jumped at the chance.
It turns out the desert doesn’t love me as much as I love it — hardly anyone showed up at the bookstore when I did my reading, and I think the owners sold a grand total of 30 books the entire time I was out there.
See, the average crowd at a book signing since I started promoting Just A Geek has been about 80. The largest was well over 100, and the smallest (until this weekend) was about 30 . . . but I guess my target audience just isn’t out there in Palm Springs.
I felt so bad, because the guys who own the bookshop are so nice, and took such good care of me and my family, but for whatever reason, I just didn’t draw people out there. . The bookshop guys told me that it’s hit or miss out there, and not to feel bad . . . but I wanted them to at least make back their costs, you know? I think it’s just that Palm Springs is a much “older” town than my target audience, and most of the press materials stressed the Star Trek-ness of my book. I need to develop some materials that talk about the other aspects of this book that non-Trekkies or WWdN readers can relate to. If you’ve read Just A Geek and wouldn’t mind sending me some ideas, or posting them in comments, maybe we can brainstorm something useful.
Anyway, there were only about 12 people at the bookstore on Friday night, which would have made me super depressed a year ago, (like my experience at LosCon, for example) but I heeded some advice someone gave me about speaking to small groups of people: enjoy the intimacy of the smaller crowd, and honor the few people who did show up, rather than wasting energy on the people who didn’t. So the reading on Friday, which could have been a real bummer, ended up being one of my favorites.
Because the group was so small, I could take more time to read and talk, because I knew I’d get through the signing in about 4 minutes. I read from Just A Geek as planned, but I also got to read the story “Ready or Not, Here I Come” from Dancing Barefoot, which was a real treat for me. I don’t know if I blogged about this or not, but way back when my first Monolith Press printing of Barefoot showed up, I gave the first copy to Anne, and the next two to the kids. Ryan and Nolan were so excited to be in the book, and so excited to be in that story, I remember them both declaring with absolute certainty, “No, I am the kid in the drawingI I was totally wearing a cap just like that one when we played that night!” I just loved it that they were so excited to be part of something I created, and when I read the story on Friday night, it brought back the game, and the joy of holding my first book in my hands.
If the group at the store on Friday hadn’t been so small, I wouldn’t have been able to just pick Barefoot from a lady sitting about three feet from me and ask the group, “Do you mind if I read you a short story from this book?” after I’d been talking about how having a family to love and support turned my focus from Proving To Everyone That Quitting Star Trek Wasn’t A Mistake onto just being a good husband and stepfather — and enjoying the experience of my life with them.
I haven’t picked up Dancing Barefoot, other than to read a brief selection from SpongeBob Vega$ Pants at a con, in months. But when read from it on Friday I remembered how much I love that little book, and how proud of it I am. It’s really like my first-born child, and the stories in it about my family made me so happy, I decided that I’m going to do another Barefoot-style book, this one with stories that are just about family. Earlier today, I went through my blog archives and also looked through the stuff I cut from Geek, and I have more than enough material (some of it just notes that never made it onto the blog, which will be developed into complete stories) for another book. This one will probably be a little bit longer than Barefoot, and I have a cool idea for the illustrations (that I’ll talk about if / when it works out.) It’s going to be wonderful, and if everything goes according to the plan just forming in my head, it should be available from Monolith Press early next year.
Overall, I had a good time in the desert. I got to bring Anne and the kids out, and we got to enjoy some desperately needed family bonding time, away from any disruptions.
There was also something very cool reading about my family when they were right there in the room. Afterwards, Nolan told me he thought about raising his hand and asking, “So tell me the truth . . . are the kids you talked about really that cool?”
Heh. Yes. Yes they are.
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Now there is some lemonade-making if I have ever seen it before.
Best wishes on the next book-signing in Huntington Beach.
Kevin.
Seems like it was a great success to me … also thanks again with the help you gave on my blog!
-BK
Yay! Wil fan happy dance! I love when you write about your family. The warmth and love show through so wonderfully. You should include the “Misty Morning” blog entry from last May in the new book. That was a good one. Best of luck on the new project!
Uh, Wil? I think you missed an /i somewhere…
Big crowds will come and go, but your true fans(family) will always be there to support you.
Now, if you fix a coding error in your blog, does the LiveJournal feed of it get fixed too? I bet not – that’s what I read, and the italics are still all in there.
A book about the fam would be amazing. 🙂
I would love to read more about your family!
You might want to check with your Dancing Barefoot publisher/distributor. I’m having trouble ordering the book….my bookstore says it’s “unavailable.”
That is so way out there that you can still kick ass, yet not be Wesley anymore 🙂 Well-rounded talent seems rare, and I’m always encouraged the few times it is actually seen (or heard)…maybe there is yet hope for the world. Glad the no-shows didn’t get you down, you’re too brilliant to ever get consumed by mess like that.
juststacey: Ask your bookstore to make sure they’re using the ISBN from O’Reilly, not Monolith Press. The MP version is unavailable, but the O’Reilly version should be in print, and at the very least available for order.
If anyone else is having trouble finding my books, or has had a fabulous experience with a particular bookshop, I’d really like to hear about it.
For what it’s worth, I feel like it’s the stories about your adult life (and your family in particular) that bring me back to WWDN. It’s that “neighbor talking over the fence feel” that appeals to me, and would (I think) appeal to an older audience as well.
I’d say preparing some promo materials stressing that aspect would be a great idea.
Glad you enjoyed the time regardless.
Have a good one,
C
If it makes you feel any better (even though you seem ok with it) Stephen Coonts did a signing at Travis AFB a few years back, and there were only like 10 people there. Stephen Freaking Coonts, and 10 people–AND he had free food.
Yet a couple weeks ago there was a guy who had self published, and there must have been 50 people crowded around to listen to him and get books signed.
It’s the whim of the moment, sometimes. But you’d think free food would get people there… 😉
The LiveJournal feed gets fixed eventually (on its next check/update). Speaking of the feed, do you check comments there? Or only here on your wwdn site?
Wil,
Once again you inspire those that meet you in person, and those not within driving distance. [which is mucho many monkeys]
Wish I could’ve been there for an smaller “An Evening with Wil Wheaton” style of reading. I never miss “An Evening with Joe Satriani” concert… no opening acts… just 2+ hours of the artist I want to see.
Keep it up… keep up the new ideas… see ya in Huntington Beach!
Edwood
Wil,
That is great that you could take the positive out of a situation that could have turned negative.
You should beg, plead and make your case to the powers that be to be included in this:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=6877982
I know you love the Watchmen and think it’d be very cool to see you in it. Send a copy of both your books to Greengrass and Moore and a note saying how much the Watchmen meant to you growing up.
Stranger things have happened.
Too cool. I read your blog for inspiration. I know that if you can do, so can I. I’m not saying that to belittle you, but to upsize myself. Know what I mean?
Now, If I could just get as many readers as you have, I could also get feedback on my stories as well. Oh, to dream.
Wish I could have been there. Family is important. Of all the things I have done in my life being a MOM has been my biggest joy. I am a military wife and in the beggining we didn’t have extra money to spend on books. I would write stories in a three ring binder on notebook paper and read them to my children at bed time. They loved it and it made me feel wonderful. I haven’t read your books but I think I will.
Look at it this way…better to be in the dessert with a few folks, enjoying each other and your common ground…or you could have been in the woods in Wisconsin being shot by the “Deerial Killer”. There’s always an up side.
I think that’s so cool that wil turned something that would seem negative into a huge positive.
i finally read dancing barefoot and its great!!
Well, Wil, it seems to be the way this weekend worked out. I had a small-enough-to-lose-money turnout for the improv workshop, too. I definitely had to work to embrace the intimacy of the group and honro those that came. But I did. And it was an amazing experience,a dnt he feedback I’ve gotten has been wonderful.
But I have decided to embrace astrology to explain the low turnouts.
And work with someone with some marketing skills before I do the next one.
I shall be inviting you again. *g*
Man..I was so proud of my “Deerial Killer” tag that I spelled “Desert” wrong. Nice.
Michael Bolton (Office Space): I must have put a decimal point in the wrong place or something. Shit. I always do that. I always mess up some mundane detail.
Will, small groups are much more intimate and I think it’s easier to connect with your audience, but then what do I know? The other thing I wanted to mention is if you’re interested in having larger audiences, you might consider coming east once in a while. I’m sure you have tons of fans out here in places like NYC, Boston, DC, etc. I know the weather here is not quite as pleasant as it is in sunny CA, but you should come and I’m sure you’d get tons of interest here.
It’s mid-November: The snowbirds have probably begun to land in Palm Springs. The snowbirds are the wrong demographic for JAG. I love it there but I was there visiting grandparents (during the O.J. Simpson trial) so everyone except for 1 girl did seem old.
I look forward to the next Monolith publication. Nolan’s great. Both of your kids are great- cool, even- but that comment made me laugh.
I, also, would rather be a hammer than a nail. good illustration of the concept.
I’ve always preferred your family stories (and storied about yourself personally) to anything else you’ve written. Not sure why I’m drawn to that but I am. I enjoy your politcal writings the least.
Someone’s been listening to U2 lately. 😉
It would figure, that the only 3 days I dont check WWdN, is the one time I absolutly need to. When I finally read it, I end up wanting to cry. Palm Springs is only 45 minutes from where I live. If I wasn’t in Sacramento, I would have been there. I would have loved to been in attendance for at least one of the signings.
But, on the other hand, I’m pleased to hear that you had a good time in Palm Springs. Even more glad to hear that you and your family got to catch up on some family bonding (there goes my idea of buying you a few pints of Guinness). Family time is always a major plus.
I just wish I was able to attend. Any chance for a week’s advanced notice for the next signing in So Cal? 🙂
Oh wow, I just read this. I read it AFTER I sent you something. I think it fits in with your getting away from Star Trek theme, check it out!
Aw, I’m sorry more people didn’t come out (now if you’d come to Tampa…*grin*), but I’m glad you had fun. I bet the next book’s gonna rock just as much as Just A Geek and Dancing Barefoot (my favorite because I can finish it during one class, when I should be paying attention). Your kids do sound cool. *hugs* Mojo wishing at least 200 at the next signing. MOJO MOJO MOJO NO WHAMMY, NO WHAMMY, STOP! *must stop watching Family guy*
Hey Wil,
I WOULD have come to see your signing if I still lived in So Cal. But since you never come out to where I am, you are just going to have to live without the honor of meeting me. *nudges Wil to come out to the Detroit area*
I loved reading this entry because it really shows how much you’ve grown, emotionally, in the past few years. You are becoming more comfortable with who you are, rather than what you were, and it’s great to see you get to that point :).
I was there… Both Friday and Saturday… I was too star struck to show my enthusiasm and introduce myself, so I stayed in a corner. Loved seeing you in person, I have had a huge crush since I “was” you (female version) in our 9th grade production of “The Body”. My teacher was so impressed with the movie that we did the play…taking excerpts and doing them.
You were wonderful, and Anne, you are one lucky woman. You are married to the 2nd best person ever (my hubby being the 1st).
[stalker] You are totally the kind of people that we would hang out with, and our kids are the same age. And we drink the same beer. [/stalker]
No matter how great the big crowds are, theres always something special about the smaller ones. One of my favorite musicians is like that. The music is awesome, and his concerts are great. Not many mainstream artist (doesnt matter what genre) will go for hours on end at the end of a concert and just hang out, passing around the guitar for anyone who wanted to play.
Big turn outs are always good. But its the smaller ones that can really make a difference.
Thanks, Will. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and unthankful today. But, when I read what your wrote today, especially the part about cherishing those who did come to your reading and not being disappointed about those who didn’t, you made me remember how thankful I should be about things I do have. (I’m the “older” audience, too. I’d definitely go to one of your readings if they happened to be near where I am.)
Hi Wil……You asked to hear about any fabulous experiences with particular bookshops so I thought I would share mine.
I Bought Dancing Barefoot a while back but at the time was unable to get JAG from my local bookstore (I am in Australia and my local was out of stock).
So I waited a while then read about your reading at Mysterious Galaxy and how you had signed some First Editions to be sold thru them.
Just recently I decided it was time to order it and I emailed Myst Galaxy to see if I could order internationally. As it turns out they were happy to ship to me here in Australia.
I ordered a few extra things along with my signed 1st edition of your book and the service was excellent.
I got a great deal of help via email from a guy called Patrick. In the absence of a secure credit facility he helped me with all my concerns.
Even though it was via email he was always polite and cheerful and the responses were fast.
And I was delighted when my package turned up in half the time that Patrick thought that it would take to arrive. And its really cool knowing that I am reading from a book that you have personally held in your hands to sign.
So now I am just getting started reading it…..and so far it’s fantastic. I can’t wait to get home tonight and keep on reading.
Thanks for the reading experience Wil. Bring on the next book.
cheers
Lauren
Whoa. Another book?
That’s kick-ass.
Say, the family plays poker, right? Because if the family doesn’t play poker, you should write some poker stories, too.
And if you don’t have any poker stories, you should plan a poker trip to Vegas with some friends.
Just saying.
Yay for planning a family-story book! You write so movingly about your fam – love it. *g*
Brilliant! *and not because I just heard Lois say it on Family Guy*
Now there’s something I’d most certainly buy. The stories about your family are always your best, because they come from the most important place: Your heart.
Run with it, man \m/
Wil-
I am totally bummed i didnt go out to see you this weekend, i totally thought about it but had too much work (damn Borders). and now i missed seeing you withour hoards of people invading my space. 😉 o well. TOTALLY jazzed about another book. that is TOO cool. AND… when you do, be SURE to come and do another book signing at Borders in Arcadia!!! i promise we’d have you again in a second.
JustStacy: check out your local Borders. i know we have tons of them in stock (“we” being Borders Arcadia, if you’re in the LA area) ever since Wil did a book signing here.
Tristan: could you mean Simon and Garkunkle, instead of U2? (i’d rather be a hammer than a nail… trust me, its old school and its awesome).
Just wanted to say thanks, Wil. Your blogs always put a smile on my face. I really needed that today.
I’m glad you had a good time out in the desert. Hopefully, when my time comes, I’ll remember to make the best out of what could be a bad situation, too.
a writer friend of mine didn’t find it too difficult to appear on the diane reams show on npr to discuss his book. it’s a large diverse audience – perhaps that could be a possibility….
So tell me the truth . . . are the kids you talked about really that cool?”
I think that is my favorite line from today’s blog entry. 🙂 I really love the way you brag on your kids. I think it’s cool that they got to hear you bragging on them!
Sounds to me like the signing was very successful. It is quality, not quanity, that counts after all! 🙂 I am sure all 12 of those people were very blessed today, and will remember it always.
Wil-
I’ve had the pleasure of attending two of your readings, so far. I live in So Cal and would have loved to have gone to the Arcadia and Palm Springs appearances, not only to enjoy your dramatic talents, but to pick up a few more autographed books for holiday presents.
I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but, dude, you’ve got to step up your advertising game (see Pam’s comment) and give us some more notice!! For the last two aforementioned gigs, I’ve only heard about them a few days in advance, via your main blog entries. Your “Appearances” page hasn’t been updated since October!!!
I’m asking you now. Will you be having any more reading/signing appearances in the So Cal area before the holidays?? Let us know ASAP!
I’ve got holiday $$$ to spend, but the books must have the Wil Wheaton signature of approval!
Thanks!
What Jessie said!! Her advice was excellent. If the publisher doesn’t want to develop another set of promo materials (don’t know how yours is, but many don’t), try getting something together yourself. And look for some of the positive reviews that are out there – that’s how I first heard about GEEK – to use in the promos.
The coming-of-age-in-Hollywood parts of your stories are somewhat Trek-specific, but good writing (such as yours) makes us see the general through the lens of the specific. You could use that. Ditto the too-much-success-too-soon themes. There wouldn’t be an E! True Hollywood Story if that didn’t happen a lot. Most of those have downer endings, yours is pretty upbeat at this point. Practically a Horatio Alger story of overcoming your early success.
And don’t feel too bad. You gave 12 people the reading of a lifetime, and the chance to get to know you, as a person, a bit better than most. That will build 12 very loyal fans, who will tell their friends.
There are lots of reading/signing horror stories out here. Wait ’til your reading at a convention is scheduled opposite the local version of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and both the people who show up are having trouble hearing because of the screams of laughter coming from down the hall.
That last should have had a *BG* on the end.
Howdy –
Loved the post 🙂
Um… Monolithpress.com seems to be dead, well the dynamic parts of it anyway – faq works, some of the other stuff works, projects & home are down.
DB error. really funny thing is that it’s google’s first listing on the search for ‘monolith press’
Looks like you changed your password and forgot to change it in the monolith config or something 🙂
Thought I’d let you know.
Any readings/signings in the Davis/Sacramento area would be greatly appreciated. They would probably have to beat people back with sticks!!
Hey Wil
Here’s an idea — you’ve really done something cutting edge with the blog thing and have tons of ‘online fans’ – who would probably LOVE to go to one of your readings. Why not have a few ‘readings’ live and online??? You could set times and people could come and hear you do a reading, (video hook up/streaming thing – people see you live and get to ask questions, etc.)- each person could get a free access pass in advance of the time by giving their e-mail and info and if they buy a book, they get some kind of a deal, and you’ll sign their book for them before it’s sent. By logging the people that come and from what areas, you can have an idea where the majority of your online fans/buyers came from. You can send out lots of press, online, etc. to promote it. Hey, maybe it would even be the first online ‘blog’ inspired book reading and signing!
Also, you could do that with the current visitors – get each person to just log in their e-mail and location and then do mailing lists – targeted to those locations and do signings in the areas of the country where you already have lots of fans. Then when people hear how popular those readings are, they will start wanting them in their towns too.
Also, you could do the fringe festival circuit as well, a lot of people do monologues and a lot of that creative kind of crowd might be interested too.
Well, that’s my brainstorming for you for today. If you come up to Victoria, BC – I’ll come and see ya. 😀
Eric, from PA-
Well, I was thinking of U2’s song “Bad” off of their “The Unforgettable Fire” album (look up the lyrics, it’s there). You mention the Simon & Garfunkel song known as El Condor Pasa which lyrics do resemble Wil’s title. However, the order is switched; it goes, “yes I would, if I could”. Thus, while I see the validity of your point, I believe that it is more likely that Wil has been listening to U2. Also, please don’t misunderstand me, I enjoy Simon & Garfunkel too. 😉
Wil,
The thing that draws me to Just A Geek is how despite the obvious differences (your being a child star, a trekkie etc.) You are so much like the rest of us. Your bright, funny and just as insecure as the rest of us. That makes you real.
I can’t wait to read your next book.
Wil,
You may never escape the Trek references in the promo materials.
You can read “The Best Awful” or “Postcards from the Edge” and think Carrie Fisher is a wonderful funny writer. But I’ll bet you dollars to donuts that to every idiotic promo writer, she is and always will be Princess whats-her-face, with the danish pasties on her head.
It’s a strange thing to think of only a dozen people showing up for your book reading. I’d bet I could get more than that to show up for you in my living room… Speaking of which, next time you’re in the Indianapolis area… 😉
S