Friday night (11/20), I spoke and signed books for a small group (mostly family and old friends) at a Wide World of Maps store in Scottsdale. One of my friends, now a biologist for Maricopa County, bought 17 of my signed books for Christmas gifts.
Then, Saturday and Sunday, I was at ArtFest in Scottsdale, but there for a book-signing event within the huge outdoor art show. Though about 70 authors participated, only my book was shown in the program, and I was listed as "Featured Author."
Now, here's the kicker: Though I was there to essentially to promote the book, I sold two paintings. One friend, after I signed his book, commissioned me to do a painting of him on the Cape Sebastian beach, based on an old photo that I took. In addition, the friend that I was staying with in Scottsdale bought my painting of the St. George lighthouse. But that's not all.
One of the strangers who bought my book, asked me to draw a quick sketch of the desert with my signature. Then, after viewing my portfolio, she said she would send me a check for one of my paintings.
This one is iffy. But those other two sales—I already have the checks.
During the visit, I also got to get reacquainted with a lot of old friends, hike the mountains I helped to preserve, and get to really appreciate the smallness of Brookings, though Scottsdale, especially in and around the mountains, is really beautiful, too.
Pete Chasar
