When It All Stacks Up

One year ago, I found myself in the back room of a bookstore face to face with stacks of the book I had just written.

I’d come to my hometown, Omaha, to make good on a promise. My book, 100 Treasures and the Stories They Tell, was about to launch and anyone who pre-ordered it from the beloved independent BookWorm would receive a signed copy.

So there I was, pen in hand, a first time author shaking in her branded Lingua Franca cashmere, getting ready to see if all that convincing people to buy my book had worked.

The store’s event coordinator, Carl Erickson, started passing me books, conveyor belt style, calling out the name of each buyer so I could personalize the message. I got to sign books that day for my father, my mom’s best friend, and a friend from summer camp. How special.

That’s when it got weird.

Carl started calling out names I didn’t know. I was signing books for people I didn’t know. How was this possible? I thought my mom would just buy all the books.

That was the first splash from the tidal wave of support that was headed my way.

And in the year since 100 Treasures and the Stories They Tell launched, it hasn’t stopped. You text me when you see the book in stores and then you buy five as gifts. You style your coffee tables and send pictures. I put my heart on the line by writing a book and then you guys all took out your credit cards and bought it?! How cool is that! How grateful I am. If I could hug you through your email inbox I would do it.

We’re getting ready to celebrate the book’s 1st birthday and in honor, we’re sending personalized book plate stickers to anyone who bought the book, or plans to buy more, from their local independent bookstore. Please email theheirloomist@gmail.com with requests.

Thank you, friends, for always being there for me and my book! -Shana