Being a first-time author is hard. And no matter how much you try to remember that it can take time to become well-known, you still hope that someone will want to read your book.
For one author, not only did she hope her book would be read, she was looking forward to her first book signing event at an Ohio bookstore. Will nearly 40 RSVPs, she was certain that it would be a great night.
But when Chelsea Banning walked in, the chairs that should have been full were empty. By the end of the signing, only two of the people who had RSVP’d for the event had shown up. And as much as she wanted to be OK, she wasn’t.
For a while, I felt like I was throwing my book into the void and getting nothing. This felt like the last straw,” she said during an interview with NPR.
The lack of recognition and sales left her feeling discouraged and disheartened, Banning said.
She said her heart and soul was in her debut novel, ”Of Crowns and Legends.” It’s a fantasy novel that follows King Arthur’s children during a time of war. Banning spent more than 15 years working on the novel before finally publishing it in August. However, getting her novel onto bookshelves proved to be just half the battle. For the past few months, Banning has been tirelessly working on social media to market her book but with little success.
Margaret Atwood and Neil Gaiman. Image above, file photo, below from Twitter
So for Banning, the book-signing was a way for her to try and connect with readers and promote her book. But when only a handful of people showed up, including the sympathetic bookstore owner, she felt disappointed. “I was discouraged and bummed, and I felt bad that the bookstore owner opened his store for me,” she said.
Feeling defeated, Banning turned to social media to share her struggles with other authors. Little did she know that her vulnerability and honesty would strike a chord with the writing community. “I was just trying to share what happened to me because I thought maybe some people would find it relatable, but I never expected such a huge response from so many amazing authors,” she told reporters.
And respond they did. Here is just a small sampling of the massive response.
Neil Gaiman
Author of “Coraline” and “Good Omens”
It happens to everyone. I did a signing where one person showed up, and they didn’t even want a book, they just needed to charge their phone.”
Margaret Atwood
Author of “The Handmaid’s Tale
Don’t be discouraged. I’ve had signings with low turnout too. Keep writing, keep promoting, and keep believing in your work.”
Jodi Picoult
Author of “My Sister’s Keeper”
I have sat lonely at a signing table many times only to have someone approach… and ask me where the bathroom is.”
Stephen King
Author of “The Stand” and “The Shining”
I once did a signing where only 3 people showed up. It happens, but it doesn’t define your worth as an author. Keep writing and connecting with readers.”
It was that outpouring of solidarity that gave Banning a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. “Seeing all of these incredibly successful authors who have had the same experience really helped me to not feel alone in my struggle,” she said.
Now, Banning looks back on her journey with gratitude.
“I hope that my story can help other authors who may be struggling to feel less alone and know that they can keep going and keep pushing even when things get tough,” she said.
Watch below for Chelsea’s interview on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
