We were given the table by the door. Hmmm. I wondered, “would this be a good spot to have my book table?”  Would it be too chilly for people to stand there, as the wind blew in with every opening of the door? Would there be enough room by the table with others entering the building? I quickly learned, no, it wouldn’t be a “good” spot for my table; it would be the best spot for my table.

You see, a book signing and sales table is about so much more than signing and selling books. I want to share a little with you today about what this is really about from the perspective of the author, or this author in particular.

It’s about cheerfully saying hello and good-bye to every single person who walks in the door. It’s about passing out little Christmas books to children, or having someone grab a piece of candy on their way past. It’s about chatting with people whom you haven’t seen in decades, catching up with them, getting their contact information so you can reach out to them in the future. It’s about visiting with young adults who used to babysit for your children, who are now walking in the door with their own children. It’s about having people stop by and share about your book has impacted their life. It’s about having friends grab lunch for you and laughing and sharing that meal together in the tiny space provided behind the book table. It’s about signing books for a Grandma who has purchased books to give to her granddaughters. And it’s about…

…smiling and greeting two young men when they walked in the door. Smiling back, they passed the table and went to glance around the other booths. Soon it was time for them to exit. After greeting them a second time on their way out, they stopped at my table. Now, I definitely wouldn’t say my book has a target audience of a 20-year-old male. But I would say that God can use this book however He sees fit. With two young men before us (my friend, who was also at the table), we began to chat. One picked up the book and as he looked it over, he shared with us that he too, would like to write a book someday. Interesting. Great discussion starter. We soon found out he was new to the area. Having fallen on some challenging times, he moved to our little town with a friend, hoping to find some stability with his family. Interesting. His friend picked up the book and said, “my Grandma is a Christian. I bet she would enjoy your book.” Another great piece of information to continue conversation. Hearing more about their hopes and dreams for the future, I asked if they would like to give their name and email, so it could be placed in a drawing for an Amazon gift card. (This is something I do at each event, and it has proven to put me in a position of not only gathering information from browsers, enabling me to share my blogs with them, but to also be able to personally connect with them as God leads.)

The two young men dropped their names and emails in the glass jar. YES! After more conversation, I asked them if the two of them would continue to look over my book and perhaps read it, if I gave them a copy. They eagerly responded with a “yes! For sure!” Then I added that perhaps when they finished with it, they could give it to Grandma so she could read it. They smiled and agreed to that, as well. And with their names and emails in my hands, and a free copy of the book in their hands, they smiled and we all said our good-byes.

That is one example of why I love setting up my book table. Oh, don’t get me wrong, it’s great to sell books. My book shares the message of Jesus, so I hope and pray it gets into as many hands as possible. But the table isn’t all about selling books. It’s about those conversations…the conversations between two ladies and two young men who were searching for so much more than a book.

I’m not sure where you two guys are right now. But if you happen to read this, I want you to know our meeting was no accident. It was a God-appointment. And it made my day. I believe He has big plans for both of your lives. I was thankful to be the “table by the door”, so I could greet you not just once, but twice. I am anticipating meeting again, and even introducing you to my husband, my sons, and my friends. All this because, it’s so much more than a book signing and book sales table. It’s an opportunity for God to place people in our lives…and you two young men were on His schedule that day. I hope to one day let you know that in person.

 Misty Cramer is an author & speaker who recently released her first book. The Every Day God, 40 Daily Devotions for Walking with God through Everyday Moments, quickly made its way to Amazon's #1 New Release and Best Seller lists in multiple categories. In this book, she authentically shares her own story to remind us all that God has a specific plan, even in the midst of life's messes. She has been married to Todd for 39 years and has five adult sons. While they enjoy their time as "empty nesters" in rural Michigan, they also love visits from their sons, two daughters-in-law, and two granddaughters. Misty sends out a monthly devotion as part of her newsletter, and she'd love to send it along to you. The link to subscribe to the devotion, as well as the link to Misty's book can be found below:

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