ABOUT YESTERDAY [post-signing thoughts]

I had my first signing when I was thirteen.

It was for my novel, Pintus, which was the haphazard, roaring tale of a prince who rescues his kingdom. The night before, I could barely sleep because I was so excited. I arrived at the book store with a scrawling poster and bugging eyes. The store was Black Bear Books. It was situated in the center of Boone's tiny mall. 

I taped the poster to the edge of the table. I organized my books in tall, harrowing towers. I shot every passerby my best welcoming expression. Reel them in, Kelsey, I thought to myself, wiggling my eyebrows at the shoppers. Reeeeeeel them in.

It was marvelous. At the end of it all, I shook the manager's hand and gazed up at him like he had the face of God.

He was later kicked out for embezzlement. And the store died not long after.

​But that's not the point.

The point is that I was empowered that day. I felt validated, and inspired, and excited. That's the way I feel today, too -- the day after my signing with Foggy Pine Books. It's been so long since I've done a signing, and I have to say it is one of the best experiences a writer can have. I connected with artists, wrote poetry for strangers, and sold tons of books. But that wasn't even the best part.

I met people who were touched by my work. I saw copies of my book, dog-eared and bookmarked because the poems meant something to them. And I talked with people who felt less alone because I shared my stories. 

For me, that's what this whole thing is about. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted my words to mean something. I write for connection. Connection with myself, connection with the world, connection with other individuals. If my writing can help a single person outside of myself, then that gives my life, and my work, meaning.

So thank you, to everyone reading this and everyone supporting me. I can't tell you how much it means to me. 
​

yours in haste,