Book signings are the best, and worst, place to get autographs. They are the best because you know you'll get the autograph. That's what they're there to do. Sign books. It's the worst, because if it's a really big name, they will ONLY sign the latest book. No old books. No photos, or other memorabilia.

I laughed when I saw a story in USA Today on May 1st, from author Tony Horwitz. He has a blog (life.usatoday.com) where he talks about his book tour.

Some of the excerpts that were in that USA Today from his first blog:

"Book tour is one of those deceptive phrases that sounds fun and sexy, like a rock tour -- klieg lights, groupies, roadies, mosh pits, backstage parties. The reality is more like a month in the life of a Fuller Brush Man or encyclopedia salesman (though I'm not sure either of those exist anymore). You schlep from town to town and bookstore to bookstore, peddling your wares with a smile and a pitch, hoping someone will bite. Or even show up. I know because I've done this twice before, and inevitably there are nights when you arrive to find yourself at a podium facing rows of empty chairs the bookstore staff has optimistically set up. Bookstore employees are as nice as they come, and they always blame a bad or non-existent turnout on the weather, or a local basketball game or the final episode of some must-see TV series."

This guy, from the few blogs I've read, has a great sense of humor. It reminds me of one of my favorite comedic writers, Dave Barry (who he quotes in his opening on book tours. Barry said "They basically figure your book will be worth more if you're dead. So they just send you out everywhere.")

He'll be all over the U.S. signing books. If you're a collector, go out and get one.

If not, why not go anyway? That is, if a big game isn't on. Or the last episode of LOST isn't airing.

If for any reason, it's one less empty seat Tony has to look out at.