That’s it For Now

June 6, 2011 at 9:47 am · Filed under Book Signings and Events, Daily Encouragements, Inspiration ·Tagged author, Be Still…. and know that I am God, Bible, book signing, Charles L. Mashburn, devotions, events, faith, family, family fun, fun, God, love, my home town, novels, Odessa texas, Peace, Pennies From Heaven, relatives, writer

We’re back from the Odessa book signing, and, once again, the dog was sure glad to see us!

We held our eighth and last book signing event Saturday for my book of daily encouragements, Be Still. It was at the Hastings in Odessa, Texas, and was one of the best we’ve had; not because we sold a lot of books—which we did—but because it was the end of an experience.

We won’t be doing any more book signings for awhile, and with regard to doing them in bookstores, this may have been the last one. That’s not to say we will not continue to promote the book, but we will now move on to other methods.

The book store signing events were an eye opener in so many ways. First off, I realized that selling the book was not what I want to do—it never was. I got caught up in the hype of having a new book in print, and wanting it to do well with regard to sales. I knew going in that without name recognition it would be difficult, but I jumped in feet  first and booked signing events as though I were Joel Osteen, Max Lucado, or one of the other big boys. I found out rather quickly it didn’t matter how much advertising you do—I did a lot at first—people don’t care about a new book when it’s written by Joe Blow (that’d be me).

The second thing I learned was it doesn’t matter how many millions of people aren’t buying my book, it only matters that a few hundred people now have my book and either read it every day, or read it occasionally.

The point is—about all of this—is I get the opportunity to encourage someone every day. Someone out there reads what I write each morning and it encourages them. How awesome is that? What I have to say each day might not encourage everyone who reads it, but then again, it might. And even if there are some days where what I have to say encourages not one single soul, I can say I gave it a shot.

I am honored and humbled to offer my words to those who read them. This book I’ve written will be here long after I am gone, and to think I can encourage people in such a timeless fashion is a blessing beyond what I deserve.

I’m just an ordinary guy, you see; a guy who wants nothing more from this life than to be of service to my family and friends in any way I can. My cousin, Ed, says I’ll probably get famous after I’m dead, and that’s just fine with me. Y’all probably couldn’t tolerate me if I was famous.

Anyway, we’re going to take a couple of months off, regroup, and then see what’s next. I know whatever is to follow will be good, because that’s how I see things. My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades!

God bless each one of you!

Love you all,

Charlie

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