So here's my signing story--a happy story for a change!

I've always hated signings where I'm condemned to sit at a table in the mall in front of a bookstore and people come and ask where the rest room is.

But in December I did a signing at Waldenbooks in Northgate Mall-- Seattle, and I now know what the secret is.

You have to sign with Mary Daheim.

I've known Mary for a long time, so I've always known how funny she is. She's the author of the Bed and Breakfast Mystery Series and the Alpine Mystery series. We've been on humor panels together, so I knew some of the ways in which she uses humor in her books. But this was our first signing together.

It was a riot. First of all, the mall was packed with people and everyone seemed to be in a good mood. (There was a terrific sale going on. The discipline necessary to keep myself in that chair was impressive, I thought.) The whole thing was a learning experience for me, though I doubt I have the courage to copy Mary's methods.

Let me turn the mic in Mary's direction, so you'll understand what I'm talking about.

Just let anyone barely hesitate and look in our direction as they were walking by and Mary swung into action.

Mary "Are you a mystery reader?"
Man. "No, but my wife is."
Mary: "Well, BUY her something!"

Mary: "You look like someone who has a lot of friends who read--you should buy a ton of our books."

Mary: "Have you ever read our books?"
Woman: "No."
Mary: "Well then, there's no better time to start than right NOW!"

Mary: "Do you like mystery novels?"
Woman: "No."
Mary. "Get thee BEHIND me!"

Woman: "What have you written?"
Mary: "I've written everything you ever heard of."

Mary: "You need to read our books. We are both HILARIOUS!"

Man: "I like Patricia Cornwell's books, so would I like yours?
Mary: " Well, that depends--just how fond are you of innards?"

We did sell a ton of books. We also laughed most of the time, as did everyone around us.

A lot of people went away happier because of Mary's zany humor. We bought one of each other's books. Mary's latest, BTW, is The Alpine Kindred. I hadn't realized she's doing an alphabet series. First one is The Alpine Advocate.

I'm writing my publisher's publicity department to tell them I want Mary Daheim with me whenever I go on tour. My people can get in touch with her people.

If you see us advertised, be sure to visit., but be prepared to die laughing!

Cheers,
Meg

aka Margaret Chittenden
author of Don't Forget to Die, the fourth novel in the Charlie Plato Mystery Series, coming in July.
http://www.techline.com/~megc

June 14, 1999