I can't explain the desire to collect signed books (and music) other than to say that it is a way of feeling more connected to the authors and musicians. The moments that you were standing with the author or artist and has a "conversation" with them can be special, a moment when the two of you were in the same place. It seems special.
But the compulsion to collect signed works goes beyond that. I've collected signed editions of authors I admire, but who aren't living. I've also collected signed copies that I've discovered in garage sales used book stores.
Today, I'll talk about how I collected some of these and what strategies that you can use to collect them yourself.