I love conventions! Actually, what I should say is, I love getting free stuff at conventions. I am definitely not one of those that like to go to conventions to attend the different panels and listen to lengthy speeches. While I understand the value of doing this, and especially when it is about something I am interested in, I can’t help but feel a sense of time being wasted as I could just as easily read about it in a book or get online and do some research. What I love about conventions are the endless aisles of booths that give out freebies.
In July I had the unique opportunity to help run a booth at the International Christian Retailer Show, ICRS, which was held at the Denver Convention Center. While selling items to people shopping for their Christian bookstores is fun, it does not compare to walking around the convention, seeing the assortment of people, products, and booths, and gathering everything free that I can possibly get my hands on.
On one of my many trips out into the “wild” I came across a booth with an author signing copies of his book. The line was actually shorter than other authors’ lines so I figured I could spare the time in my expedition to fill my bag with freebies and see what this author was all about. I jumped in line behind four other people thinking I would be at the front in no time. Apparently I was behind four very “interested” people who all seemed to ask the author to tell his life story. While I was waiting my eye caught a book displayed on a shelf right next to where I was standing. It had a little black dress on it and was a “Tiffany and Co.” blue color. Already I was interested. I strained my eyes a little to catch the title of the book and, without too much squinting needed, I saw it was called So Much More Than Sexy and was by Mark Atteberry. (Not the author I was in line for). What? I grabbed the book in complete curiosity and began reading the back. It said:
“A little black lie is being told with every little black dress. The media exploits it. Every man is expected to agree with it. Every woman feels the pressure to buy into it.”
“So Much More Than Sexy—written for women by a man—dispels the lie and other modern myths with simple appeals to ancient truth and common sense. The fact is, there’s nothing wrong with being sexy, but it’s not everything.”
Alright who is this by again? I was definitely intrigued and started thinking I would order it from Amazon just to see what it would be like. I was finishing flipping through the book when a young woman working the booth came and told me that the author would be giving those away for free tomorrow and I was welcome to come back and get it signed. Sad day…I wasn’t going to be here tomorrow. After explaining to the lady my plans for tomorrow, I am still not sure my reasoning for this, she mentioned that I could take the book today, for free. Awesome!
With my little “Tiffany and Co.” book in hand I had soon forgotten that I was in line for an author signing. I turned to quietly sneak away and return to my adventures in convention heaven, but heard a “Can I help you?” Apparently it was my turn to talk with the author and get one of his books signed. And then I did the unthinkable…”Hi. My name is Amber. How did you decide to write your book?” Oh no. I was going to be there awhile!
So Much More Than Sexy by Mark Atteberry on Amazon
