Author offers apology for book signing foul-up

Dear editor:

I want to apologize to everyone who showed up at the Phoenix Storybook bookstore on Friday, Aug. 30, between 3 and 8 p.m. (on American Legion Boulevard) to find that the book signing for my book "Boars, Bazaars, and Bugging Out" was a non-happening.

I found out the day before, Thursday, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m., that Doug Cromly, who runs the bookstore, had NOT ordered the books from my publisher, hellgatepress.com, even though Mr. Cromly and I had planned the event together on July 20.

I canceled the orders I had made for cheese, meat, and fruit, stopped baking cookies, and am holding onto the fancy plates, napkins, and utensils I bought. Perhaps I can find another venue for a future event.

I called people whom I knew had planned to attend, but obviously, I had no way of anticipating all who might attend. Meanwhile, if you are interested in buying the book, please order directly from the publisher at the website. It's the least expensive way to go, and you can read the first 20 pages for free.

I am mortified, but I want to thank the editor for supporting this event in the Mountain Home News.

-- Sandy Pitts