Here's autographing event that adds up to a different kettle of fish: Take one commuter crowd at the end of the workday (Thursday, September 4); pour them onto a ferry (the 4:40 p.m.); add a dash of awe-inspiring surroundings (the stretch of Puget Sound from Seattle, Wash., to Bainbridge Island); and one popular local author with a brand new book (Susan Wiggs's Just Breathe). Mix for 30 minutes. Yields a boatload of book lovers, signed book in hand, ready to start the weekend celebration early.
 
Of course the hope is that a captive audience of passengers who may not already be fans of Wiggs's more than 30 books could well come out the other side of this half-hour sail as converts to the author's work. Marianna Ricciuto, assistant manager of public relations at Harlequin, said that the idea evolved after Harlequin approached the Washington State Ferries about advertising Just Breathe on their vessels, and Trans4Media, the PR agency for the transportation company suggested hosting a signing during the commute. The Harlequin marketing team embraced the idea. "We wanted to create [an event] that captured the feeling of Just Breathe, surrounding [the guests] with awe-inspiring beauty," Ricciuto said.

This is the first event of its kind to take place literally on the Sound, according to Aunie Aubrey, director of administration at Trans4media, who does PR for the fleet. "We are thrilled to have our first book signing on board the Washington State Ferries, featuring Northwest author Susan Wiggs," Aubrey said. The idea immediately appealed to author Wiggs, a Bainbridge Island resident: "It's the best commute there is, on Puget Sound in high summer. I hope Just Breathe is the kind of engrossing, feel-good novel people can relax and enjoy during a ferry sailing."

Passengers and Wiggs fans should board the ferry in Seattle at Pier 52 (801 Alaskan Way). Regular ferry fees will apply. Wiggs will be signing in the passenger cabin of the ferry. Copies of Just Breathe (Harlequin/MIRA, $24.95, 9780778325772/0778325776) may be purchased in the galley, courtesy of Olympic Cascades (which caters the refreshments on board with local business partners). Bon voyage!--Jennifer M. Brown