My First Book Signing (Unplanned)

By: Damien Branch

Today reminded me of something: the hustle doesn’t always follow the script.

I wasn’t planning on promoting any of my books. My mind was on surgery coming up, my body was in pain, and honestly, I just wanted to leave. But sometimes God puts you in positions you didn’t expect.

My boy put me on the spot. He’s like, “Yo, promote your book!” And I’m standing there thinking, Not right now, bro. Wrong time. My energy wasn’t there, my head wasn’t on business mode. But instead of snapping, I tried to handle it with respect.

So I did what I could — I gave out my phone and told people to lock in their Instagrams. That way, if they checked me later, my link is right there. Smooth exit. Or so I thought.

But then it hit me: I had a box of books in the trunk. Three copies of Built Different and three copies of The Mirror Has Thorns. Signed them all on the spot. Six books, gone. Just like that. Pocket full of cash.

It turned into my first book signing — in the most random living room, with people I didn’t expect to meet, at a time when I wasn’t even thinking about selling. And one of them even got a sneak peek of my next book, Street Blessings.

Here’s the truth: I felt weird in the moment. I was in pain, trying to leave, stumbling over my words. But looking back? That wasn’t an L. That was a blessing. God reminded me that this gift isn’t on my timing, it’s on His.

Sometimes the hustle will push you when you’re tired. Sometimes your story will sell itself when you’re not ready. Sometimes your first “book signing” happens before you even planned it.

And that’s exactly why I call them Street Blessings.