Today's Book Signing...

Delia did a great job! There wasn't an empty seat at Wordsmith's today! She began by talking about the history of the Flying Biscuit for about 15 minutes and then answered questions for the next half hour. She did a good job of thinking on her feet and answered every question as if she had had weeks to prepare an answer. One guy kept trying to trip her up-- asking about the franchising, the corporate structure, selling out, etc. She answered each of his questions honestly and thoroughly. I think I need to get in touch with a lot more bookstores in the future. If she could do one of these book signings each week, it'd do a lot to dispel the "selling out" myth that has been floating in the air ever since she partnered with Raving Brands in June of 2006.

Delia is a very motivational person. She spoke mostly about how people kept telling her at the beginning that she didn't know what she was doing. After all, she was a 40 year old waitress-- what did she know about business? One of her advisers even asked her "Who do you think you are?" . She relayed her feelings of angst just prior to the opening and said she spent a lot of nights asking herself "Who do I think I am?". She answered by saying that she's not a quitter. She said that she could give up and go back to waitressing, but she knew that she would always regret it if she didn't give it a try. She went ahead and signed a 10 year lease in hopes that that would motivate her to make it all that it could be. And after a few years, it paid off. She did a lot of reading, a lot of studying, a lot of talking to anyone that could give her advice. And she built an empire! One day at a time. She didn't just go to lawyers and business advisers for advice-- she went to line cooks and dishwashers and asked their opinion every time she had to make a decision. Because of her guts and willingness to give a try, she's given hundreds (if not thousands) opportunities to advance in life. I can't even begin to tell you the changes in my life since she hired me. For a former 40 year old waitress with not a lot of education, she turned into the smartest, most inspiring business woman that I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

There were a couple of young girls in the audience today-- 20-somethings. They commented to me afterwards how inspiring Delia was. They felt like they could achieve all of their dreams after hearing her speak today. That's what it's all about. Even if we didn't sell 1 book today, Delia touched those girls lives and that's what's important. maybe these girls will grow up to be the next Martha Stewarts or Paula Deen's and they'll have this day to look back on as the inspiration to succeed.

Who would think that anyone could listen to the author of a cookbook talk, and walk away with a feeling that they could rule the world? That's what working with Delia is all about-- and that's why I can say that I love my job! We all make a difference out there, whether it's obvious or not!

P.S. I also bought 2 books today at Wordsmiths. I don't know anything about them, but they came highly recommended by several people: "The Flawless Skin of Ugly People" by Doug Crandell and "The Stupidest Angel (a Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror)" by Christopher Moore (a signed copy). From what the people at the bookstore told me, Moore is the funniest writer EVER! I'll let you know!