Book Signings and Events

It has been more than a year since Eric Bumpus and Tim Moranville's book, Cease Fire, the War Is Over! hit bookstands, but book sales are still strong. Bumpus and Moranville have offered to donate 50 percent of their royalties back to the Hollywood Prayer Network, a non-denominational Christian prayer ministry intended to change the spiritual climate of Hollywood from the inside out by praying for the people, the projects, and the powerful influence of the entertainment industry.

Kids everywhere are raving about The Bedazzling Bowl, a middle grade book which has received high marks across the board. The Barnes & Noble in Howell, New Jersey, also carries the title in their religious children's section. When the author, Wendy Lynn Decker, queried the manager as to the status of her book sales, she was told they are selling! "She moved them right up front behind the counter for quick purchase, and she also said they will be ordering more for [another] signing and reading," says Decker. "My picture and book cover are right in the entrance of the store!" This success she owes in part to her recent book signings at the Christian Coffee House and Bookstore in Brick, New Jersey. The two-time event made a huge impact and sold books-so much so that the manager asked her back to do a signing and reading for The Holy Family School."

Ruth Hollon has had a lot on her plate this year. The My Only Way Out author's journey began when her hometown newspaper devoted spots to her and her book in two different papers, followed by an interview on local radio station WFCJ in Dayton, Ohio. When she sent a copy of her book to Laura Bush, the first lady sent her a signed card thanking her for the book and giving her kind words of support. Since then, Hollon has done several book signings in Family Christian Stores and has promoted her book at craft shows. "I talk to people about my book and hand out business cards and postcards," says Hollon. "Thousands of people attend every year. I get good feedback after people read my true story. My goal is to get as many people possible to read my story so they can believe there is a God that will help them also."

During Christmas, author Robin Mercer cozied up in the warm atmosphere of New Life Christian Bookstore in Show Low, Arizona, to greet fans and sign copies of The Warm Wonderful World of Hospitality. Throughout the weekend, Mercer sold 13 books, most of them purchased as last-minute holiday gifts. She also rubbed shoulders with Barbara Bruce, a local personality who hosts her own radio show and has booked Mercer for an interview. She has other engagements planned as well. "More than anything" says Mercer, "being accountable for the contents of my book has re-inspired me to take my own advice and God's calling to 'slow down, invite people into my home, and bless one another!'"

By God's favor and a serious amount of phone calls to local bookstores, author Doris R. McCray was able to land two book signing events for The Journal of a Southern Girl: The Early Years. The appearances, which took place at B. Dalton Books at the Chesapeake Mall in Chesapeake, Virginia, and at a local church event, were well-received, as was McCray's book. She is still waiting to hear back from a few other bookstores as well and hopes to gain exposure in a variety of other media outlets.