at MAN-Fest 2012 at Waters Church in North Attleboro.
I sold quite a few copies of HUNTSMAN and talked with some great people about writing, stories in general and Viking-era lore in particular and donated some of my proceeds to Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
Day Two was just as beautiful as One though I think there was a bit less foot traffic past the booths, mainly due to the numerous contests: Push-ups (the winner did 91!) Bull-riding, hot dog eating and more.
The highlight of my day occurred at the very end when the raffle winners were announced.
A woman made the announcements for each raffling of donated gifts. (She gave me a nice plug because she knew someone who bought and enjoyed Huntsman so had bought her own copy the day before…)
There was a ninth grade girl helping her, handing the prizes to the announcer etc. (This girl had been selling raffle tickets all day and was really working hard at it every time she came by my booth!)
About 30 seconds after they announced the winner of the copy of HUNTSMAN I donated, a woman was at my booth. (I think she was the ticket girl’s mom. Not really sure…)(***UPDATE- It was NOT her Mom. The woman helps oversee the Waters Church Cafe where Kaylie, the now correctly spelled start of this story…also volunteers!)
“Someone bought some tickets and tried to win your book but someone else won. She’s been working so hard here today that I want to buy it for her!”
She wanted to have it before the end of the announcements so I signed a copy for the girl who had been peddling tickets all day.
I could see them about 50 feet away as the raffles ended. The girl walked down a little slope toward her friend with her shoulders slumped and disappointed frown. She looked at her the woman and gave the saddest…shrug…ever.
The lady turned a notebook she had been holding around to show the book she was hiding to the girl.
It is sooo cliche…but it was truly the look of sun breaking through the clouds on a gloomy day. Her face went from disappointed to delighted in less than a second. There were hugs and a thank you to mom then she stood staring at the cover for about a half-minute.
She looked up and across to my booth and waved HUNTSMAN at me with a grin. I waved back.
It was…I think…the best writing-a-book-related moment of my life. Someone reeeally wanted something I wrote and a friend got it for her. She had given up her time all day to help others and found joy in my book as her reward.
Don’t tell me there is no magic left in this world…I don’t believe it!
Thank you, Kaylie! For all the time and energy you gave to Waters Church and Neighbors Helping Neighbors. For running about selling tickets and getting sunburned.
And giving me the Best Book Sale Story Ever!!
I made a coupon code for Man-Fest in case I ran out of books. (Was not an issue…but I did give out a few…)
Because I am still smiling from Kaylie’s excitement over her new book, I extend the $2.00 coupon to anyone who would like it.
Go to https://www.createspace.com/3893821 and add HUNTSMAN to your cart. Add the coupon code G8EG4CX2 to the coupon space provided.
Tell ’em Kaylie sent ya!
The Fiction of Michael R. Wilson 
Great story, Michael – that’s what it’s all about. Congrats on a great weekend.
Thanks Steve!
Congrats Micheal! I’ve heard of these moments referred to as a “God Breeze” It is at the perfect moment when one needs to be uplifetd… he breezes in an does the job! Sounds like Kaylee was your God breeze. 🙂
that is just so sweet, Michael. God gives us those precious moments so that we can bask in the love He put in our heart. I love a story like that, and I thank you for sharing. Thank you for following me on twitter. I am now following you on twitter and having your blog emailed. Please consider following my blog as well. I would be blessed. http://www.deirdretolhurst.com thoughts and prayers page on right.
THAT STORY IS ACTUALLY ABOUT MY NIECE KAYLIE, AND MY SISTER TOLD ME ABOUTIT BEFORE I READ IT ON FB. WHEN SHE TOLD IT TO ME IT BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES, AND AFTER READING IT TEARS OF HAPPINESS ARE RUNNING DOWN MY CHEEKS. ITS SO GOOD TO HEAR STORIES THAT ARE SO MOVING THAT THEY ACTUALLY TOUCH YOUR HEART. I POSTED IT ON MY FB PAGE SO ALL MY FRIENDS COULD READ IT, AND I HOPE IT TRAVELS ALONG SO MORE PEOPLE CAN SEE AS THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK SAID “THEIR IS STILL MAGIC IN THIS WORLD” SO BEAUTIFULLY PUT!
Everytime she went by my booth she was at a jog holding the clipboard above her head and bellowing “FIFTY FIFTY RAFFLE TICKETS HERE!!”
She kept looking over at me and I thought she just wanted me to buy more tickets…all…day…long. I am a struggling artist…I can’t buy any more than I have!
So after her friend bought the book and explained, I realized she was just eyeing the book each time…no hard sell tactics!
She did a fantastic job! I am proud that I could be a part of her day!
(Make sure she comes online and tells me how she likes it when she’s done reading!)