I suck at autographing.
Posted: October 5th, 2011, 12:00 pm
Wasn't exactly sure where to post this subject...
I've been having to actually "write" with a pen and it's a little embarrassing. I knew it would feel a little weird autographing something besides checks and documents but I had no idea my actual motor skills associated with handwriting had deteriorated so badly. Half-cursive, half-printing, and mostly lowercase with random capitals...welcome to the messages in my books.
Besides for the actual act of writing, I'm also having trouble at times deciding what to write, especially if the person is there with me. Pressure!
A buddy razzed me last week as I stared at my book with pen in hand.
"Dude! You wrote a whole f%$@$ book and you can't write a few lines to a friend!"
Most of the books I've autographed have been for friends and family. Those messages are relatively easy, but a few friends of friends, internet friends, and a handful of strangers have also been nice enough to order an autographed copy. In an effort to connect with readers, I have a place in my PAYPAL order form to leave a little message. Writing something personal in response to their message isn't as easy as it sounds.
A friend bought me an Erasermate but that just made the first page of the book look like a textured rubbed out mess. Hard to believe erasable ink hasn't been upgraded since 1980. Here's some random stuff on the Erasermate that you by no means need to know...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasermate
So for all you authors ready to release a book, I'd suggest honing your handwriting so you rip out beautiful messages to all your fans instead of the debauchery I've been sending out.
Also, start thinking of some "Go-To" lines.
Here's one I've been using.
For all our loved ones
Past, present, and future
Furry and non-furry...
Cheers,
Ryan
I've been having to actually "write" with a pen and it's a little embarrassing. I knew it would feel a little weird autographing something besides checks and documents but I had no idea my actual motor skills associated with handwriting had deteriorated so badly. Half-cursive, half-printing, and mostly lowercase with random capitals...welcome to the messages in my books.
Besides for the actual act of writing, I'm also having trouble at times deciding what to write, especially if the person is there with me. Pressure!
A buddy razzed me last week as I stared at my book with pen in hand.
"Dude! You wrote a whole f%$@$ book and you can't write a few lines to a friend!"
Most of the books I've autographed have been for friends and family. Those messages are relatively easy, but a few friends of friends, internet friends, and a handful of strangers have also been nice enough to order an autographed copy. In an effort to connect with readers, I have a place in my PAYPAL order form to leave a little message. Writing something personal in response to their message isn't as easy as it sounds.
A friend bought me an Erasermate but that just made the first page of the book look like a textured rubbed out mess. Hard to believe erasable ink hasn't been upgraded since 1980. Here's some random stuff on the Erasermate that you by no means need to know...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasermate
So for all you authors ready to release a book, I'd suggest honing your handwriting so you rip out beautiful messages to all your fans instead of the debauchery I've been sending out.
Also, start thinking of some "Go-To" lines.
Here's one I've been using.
For all our loved ones
Past, present, and future
Furry and non-furry...
Cheers,
Ryan
