I’ve been known to attend many a book signing and have a large collection of signed books. They’re pretty to look at and a few of them have fond memories attached to them. But when I think back to all the signings I’ve been to I wonder if it’s a signed book I’m after, or something more?

Of course I want more! I want to meet an author and get some insight from them. I want an experience with them! The book is just the physical representation of the experience. Most bookstores are interested in selling lots of books (I don’t blame them), and a good store tries to make it a positive experience. But sometimes, they rush people through, they forget why people came. I know this because I’ve been rushed through lines and politely told to keep moving (not that politely) because I dared to do more than say Hi and thank you to the author.

But even if I had 5 minutes with the author, I’m not sure that is enough. I don’t say it in a greedy way, but in 5 minutes I might get an insight, but probably not. And is it enough time for the author to get to know me and what thing in a book caught my interest and sucked me in? Maybe, maybe not.

But the point is, when you have a chance to meet an author (or anyone) that you admire, you want more than just a quick touch. You want an experience where you felt like you MET the person. But I bet if you thought about it, deep down, you want much more than that.

So what do you really want? And what can you do to get it?