I'm not a fan of autographs. But once in a while, I run into a fan who makes the experience worthwhile. I loaned out a copy of Unheroic to a fellow student, with the option to buy it if he liked it. A few weeks later, I ran into him on a CVS parking lot. He liked the book and wanted to buy a copy. He had the book (and cash) in hand.
But, he had a regular pen (mercy!). This is why I always carry a felt-tip pen. In my experience, they're far superior to mere ink and make folks think you're a professional writer. Then I get to the part of the autograph I don't like: actually writing them! See, I have three pitfalls when signing autographs:
1. Remembering the person's name.
2. Knowing what to say.
3. My shitty handwriting will embarrass me to my dying day.
On this day, everything worked out. I actually remembered his name. And since he wanted an atypical autograph, I gave him a weird one. Since I hardly ever write by hand anymore, I was pleased that (this time) the handwriting came out all right. I put my name down and the date (so he'd have bragging rights someday).
Then I gave him a business card with all three of my book covers lined in the back. He could either buy 'em on Amazon or come to me for a discounted, autographed copy.
Did I plan any of this? Nope.
But Fortune favors the prepared.
