I Sold Out My First Barnes & Noble Signing

Just after setting up the table and hoping a few readers might stop by.

I was so nervous walking into my first Barnes & Noble book signing for my vampire romance novel, Path to Ashes.

When I sat down at the table on March 7 with 24 books stacked in front of me, my heart was pounding. My goal was simple: sell half the stack.

Two hours and many new friends later, every single copy was gone.

I couldn’t believe it.

Lately life has been heavy on my shoulders, including a stalking situation that has unfortunately disrupted parts of my debut book tour. Thanks to several incredible people, including my husband and members of Rough Stock Jiu Jitsu, I was able to attend the event feeling safe and supported.

The friends who made sure my first Barnes & Noble signing was safe, joyful, and unforgettable.

I woke up that morning determined to make the most of it. I even managed to burn my hand while trying to do my hair. I’m definitely not the most naturally “girly girl,” but it felt worth the effort.

After being escorted in by my small entourage, I set up my table and expected maybe a handful of readers to stop by.

Instead, I was met with one of the most engaging and welcoming reader communities I could have hoped for in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Some people even arrived carrying their own copies of Path to Ashes. Others were discovering the story for the first time.

Meeting readers like this is why I write. Thank you for the kindness and support.

Getting to talk about Scarlet’s story — a woman navigating the brutal politics of the immortal underworld while trying to hold onto her humanity — reminded me why I started writing this book in the first place.

The kindness and curiosity of the readers truly touched me. It put everything back into perspective: the joy of storytelling and the connection stories can create between strangers.

As the minutes ticked by, readers came and went, and the stack of books slowly grew smaller.

One by one, they disappeared.

At some point I realized something unbelievable might happen. I might actually sell out.

When the final book was purchased, I won’t lie… it was a tearful moment. My friends hugged me and I felt incredibly grateful for the support surrounding me.

Path to Ashes took several years to write, and seeing people pick it up, ask questions about the story, and take it home with them was surreal. Moments like that remind me why storytelling is such an ancient and powerful art.

Right after the final copy of Path to Ashes sold.

I’m also incredibly thankful to the wonderful staff at Barnes & Noble Harrisonburg for hosting me and helping make the event such a success.

Most of all, thank you to every reader who came out that day. Your support means more than I can express.

About the Book: Path to Ashes

Path to Ashes is a dark paranormal romance that follows Scarlet, a woman pulled into the dangerous politics of the immortal world after she discovers her husband's affair with a vampire. As ancient vampires close in and power struggles threaten everything around her, Scarlet must decide who she is willing to become in order to survive.

The novel blends romance, danger, and supernatural intrigue as Scarlet navigates betrayal, desire, and the terrifying reality of the immortal underworld.

Upcoming Events

If you missed the Barnes & Noble signing, don’t worry, I’ll be at more events soon and would love to meet you.

Authors Rock Festival — Roanoke | April 15

Rocktown Author Festival — Massanutten Regional Library | April 25

Path to Ashes is available through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and as a signed edition through my website. If you enjoy vampire romance, dark paranormal stories, and morally complicated characters, I hope you’ll give Scarlet’s story a chance.

— R. A. Moritz