Award-winning author Joey Pinkney signing The Soul of a Man Anthology at Southeast Regional Library during its African American Book Club meeting dedicated to the author (Garner, NC)
The book signing/ book discussion was special to me for a couple of reasons: 1) It was one that I organized by myself for the first time. 2) It was going to be in my hometown of Garner, NC. (I have collaborated with some of the other contributors on a book signing/discussion in Atlanta.)
Left to Right: DeJah Jones, Joey Pinkney and Don’Tay Jones (Joey’s children)
The gathering was small, about 10 or so people. The room in the Southeast Regional Library has a wonderful set up. I’m going to hold more meetings there in the future.
Author Joey Pinkney with new fan
After the brief introduction, I asked if anyone had a chance to read the book. I kid you not, I think I really did hear crickets…and they are out of season right now. That was cool with me because it gave me a chance to cover all the talking points that I had been practicing in the shower, on the way to work and while I washed dishes.
Author Joey Pinkney with new fans
I talked about my story, the step-parent aspect and the novel I plan to write as a followup. Then I asked it there were any questions. Maybe the crickets were asking me something, I don’t know. Then I started talking about how I got involved with the anthology, my author interview series and how we work together to spread the word about this book. That’s when the crowd started to open up. One lady was asking a bunch of good questions to humor me. She was trying to get her friend to help me out to. Then a gentleman started getting insightful with his questions, eventually asking me to read my favorite part.
Author Joey Pinkney with new fan and winner of Body Works prize for the evening
I read that. For me, the first couple of paragraphs set the poetic tone of the main character’s, Terrence Greene, perspective. Then thought about it: this is a group effort. I told about the “Soul Brothers” aspect to our family and ran it down the line. I didn’t know that I knew so much about each and every one of the other contributors of The Soul of a Man Anthology. I guess all those sleepless nights browsing through thesoulofaman.net were for a purpose.
Author Joey Pinkney with JoeAnne Stephens, Reference Librarian and Facilitator of the African American Book Club at the Southeast Regional Library (Garner, NC)
After that, an hour had passed. I wrapped it up, and let them know two things: you don’t have to look towards L.A. or New York for an award-winning author, there is one right here in Garner, NC, and that I was going to donate a book for every two books sold.
JoeAnne Stephens presenting Author Joey Pinkney with a gift from the Southeast Regional Library (Garner, NC)
The librarian that facilitated the event told me she was retiring soon and wanted to add this to her scrapbook. A couple of the attendees said that they had other speaking events that they wanted me to be a part of. I’ll see that when I see that. Sold six books, so three will be donated.
Author Joey Pinkney with attendees of The Soul of a Man Book Signing/Discussion at the Southeast Regional Library (Garner, NC)
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