Why Do Book Events?

I’d like to talk about book events such as author meet & greets and book signings. Although, on the surface, it seems they are centered around selling books, the events are so much more for me. Of course, selling books is important to the process, but it is a means to my ultimate end goal: building a core readership base. Let me explain.

People write for many reasons. Some write journals for the purpose of self-expression, a way to put thoughts and feelings on the page for personal use. Others write technical papers with the goal of changing a process or the opinions of others. I write to share with others. I want to entertain them with a mystery and moving characters. I also want to challenge the way they think and perceive their world. As a former pastor, teacher, and counselor, it is important to build not just a story or mystery but a world of characters who believe various things. Thus, through the characters’ interactions, the reader will hopefully find herself identifying with a certain individual and investing in that character as a real person with real opinions.

I want to immerse the reader in my fictional world. I hope the reader desires to continue the relationship with my characters, to see them through the next journey. I write to interact with an audience, and I hope my readers will correspond with me to share opinions or ask questions. While selling books is essential to do this, it is not my focal point. I want people to read my stories, enjoy the characters, and to continue this wonderful journey with me.

Abbey Rhodes is a homicide detective based in Nashville, Tennessee. But Abbey is also a broken individual with a past that continues to haunt her. Like the rest of us, Abbey needs to own her truth, or the truth will own her. Root for her. Struggle with her. Follow her journey and become a part of the story. That’s why I do book events…to engage new readers and invite them to join us on the next adventure.

Mitchell S Karnes