Finding just the right piece of prose to read at my book signing was more of a challenge than I thought it would be. I needed to pick something full of tension and suspense, but without giving away a key part of the plot. It had to be something that would pique my readers’ interest, and make them want to know more, thus resulting in potential book sales.

Once I settled on the section I wanted to use, I typed it up into a Word doc. I used a large size font so that it would be easy to read when I stood up in front of everyone. I certainly didn’t want to stammer and stumble over the words because I couldn’t see them properly. I double spaced it—also easier on the eyes. Then, I printed the excerpt on card stock so the pages would be easy to hold and wouldn’t bend.

The most exciting thing happened when I finished reading were the different reactions from those in attendance. Some gasped when I stopped. The hands of others shot up with questions like, “Aw, can’t you read a bit more?” to “How about another excerpt?” to “Can I buy the book now?”As I signed books and talked with each reader, many wanted to know how I had decided on this particular excerpt. And here’s what I told them:

I read the entire book (my work copy), highlighting pages/sections/paragraphs that I felt were exciting. I chose sections that highlighted my protagonist (main character). I also wanted to include my antagonist (villain). And I felt that the audience would appreciate feeling the setting, especially since I had set the book in the same city as my book signing.

The reactions from the crowd affirmed that I had chosen a great passage.

BEGINNING OF EXCERPT FROM “WHEN LOVE WON’T DIE.”

Eleanor hadn’t been driving long when a pale green pick-up truck appeared behind her. The driver rode her tail. Eleanor pressed the gas a little harder, but the pick-up stayed with her.

“Idiot.”

The rain had completely turned to swirling snow now, making it more difficult to see the trees on either side of the road as they closed in on her. Why doesn’t he just go around me?

Eleanor recognized the Andrews’ place on the right. Her own home wasn’t much farther now. She glanced into her rearview mirror, the idiot still on her tail. Why was everyone always in such a hurry?

BANG! The Mercedes lurched forward as the pick-up crashed into its back bumper.

Eleanor’s head snapped forward and back, temporarily causing her to lose her grip on the steering wheel. The car skidded onto the gravel shoulder and Eleanor pumped the brakes, turning the wheel slowly, the way Michael had taught her.

The pick-up rammed her again.

Eleanor screamed, her foot slamming onto the brakes. The Mercedes skidded sideways.

Eleanor’s chest heaved as each breath caught in her throat. Her head pounded but she hit the gas, turned the wheel, and righted the car. her foot pressed firmly onto the gas pedal and she accelerated quickly, suddenly unconcerned with the poor visibility.

She dared a look into the rearview mirror and realized her worst fear.

Mel was after her again!

Eleanor’s chest tightened. She held her breath. He had forced Michael off the road and now he was going to do the same to her. Eleanor knew what would happen if Mel caught her this time.

Gripping the wheel with cold, stiff fingers, Eleanor was determined to get away. She continued to accelerate, the speedometer moving upwards of eighty miles per hour. The green pick-up kept pace with her.

Eleanor knew every inch of Morton Road – all the turns, twists, dips and hills, so despite the increasing snow swirling in front of her, she continued to drive faster, her sights set on the lanterns that outlined their driveway. She fish-tailed around one corner but quickly righted the back end of the Mercedes.
At the bottom of the next hill was a rather sharp turn so reluctantly, Eleanor eased up on the gas. The pick-up appeared closer in her rear-view mirror ready to charge her again. END OF EXCERPT.

As an author, have you ever read from your book in public? How did you choose what to read? Post your thoughts in the comments section. I’d love to hear from fellow authors.

If you went to a book signing as a reader looking for a new book, or a fan of the author, how did what they read affect you? Comment below.