No, I'm not having a book signing anytime soon. Maybe in a year (if we stretch it a bit...my book release is set for Fall of 2010). But a lot of my friends have been discussing the pros and cons of book signings, and it's got my mind gearing.
Here are some of my ideas for making a book signing a success:
1) Places to go.
This is the part that is the hardest. I could spend tons of money traveling the globe, but really, nobody knows me. Nobody's going to go out of their way to come to my book signing. I need to go places that are close by or that already have a steady flow of traffic. Off hand, close to my house, I can think of: two independent book stores, two big-chain bookstores, four Walmarts, ten grocery stores, and one Sam's Club. And that's just in a ten-mile radius.
Before you roll your eyes about going to Walmarts and grocery stores, let me tell you a story. One time in Utah, I was grocery shopping, and tucked in the back by the milk was John Canann and his then publicist, Narelle. John was talking to customers and selling products. He was so friendly, nice, and complimentary of me and my baby. I had never heard of the guy before. Really. But I bought--not one CD, or even two CDs--three CDs and tickets to his Christmas concert. Call me a sucker. But I met him in person and wanted to support him. I don't think I'm the only one who would react that way!
Now that I've got my local places to go, I just have to schedule. I could knock these places out in a month. And then I can start seeing about traveling just a few minutes over to the next town. Or taking it even bigger and going to another state. This could be my chance to visit my sister in Massachusetts! Or my college roommate in Washington!
2) Advertise.
It'll be great to be in places that have a pretty constant flow of people. But it won't hurt to bring more people to me! I'll get my website up and running and my business cards made. I also plan on having special bookmarks made (more like a brochure) that have the first chapter on them. It'll be up on my website, but some people might be too "busy" to check it out. I'll make it easy for them. I'll also list the dates and places for my book signings in this brochure (bookmark).
Obviously by including the first chapter, I'm hoping readers will be so smitten that they'll come flocking to meet the brilliant, local author. Right? I'll leave copies of these brochures with all of my scheduled book-signees so they can begin including them in grocery bags and books. I mean, they want the book signing to be a success, too!
3) Invite.
You can bet I'll be contacting everyone I know, everyone I've ever heard of. It's time now to expand my friend list on Facebook and Twitter. I expect all of my old high school friends and everyone from church to show up. My mom I'll probably bribe to hang out at the bookstore for the duration of the signing and act like an interested customer. Then again, that might not work. She looks too much like me.
4) Incentives.
At the book signing, I'll probably have some cheap trinket that I give away with every sale. Like, a key chain that lights up or something cool. I'll also have cookies to attract attention. Everyone will take a cookie and a brochure, even if they don't buy the book. And that's getting my name out there! I'll also probably have a drawing for something. Maybe a free autographed copy, but probably not. Because then no one will buy the book. They'll be so busy hoping to get a free one. I know! I could do a $10 gift certificate to the bookstore I'm doing the signing at! Can't lose that way. (But I would probably only do that if I sold a certain number of books, unless the bookstore donated the certificate.)
5) Follow-up
I got this from another blog: have a list where people can sign up for my email updates! That way, everyone who buys my signed first book gets to find out when my second book comes out! By this time they will be rabid fans and bring hoards of family and friends to my book signings!
As you can see, I've spent all morning thinking about this. I'm quite excited about it. Too bad it's so far away!
Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 38,410
actual: 38,573
tomorrow's goal: 40,573
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
How Do You Choose What Book to Buy?
When I was younger (like, elementary school), I'd flip through the Scholastic Book order-form and choose books based on the summary. Same with the book fair and the library. On towards junior high and high school, like most teens, I loved going to the mall. But invariably, I spent all my time in the bookstore. Trying to decide which book to buy. (I didn't start caring about fashion and clothes until, um, college. Did I just admit that?)
One of the worst things I ever did was join a book club. I'm sure this works great for some people, but me, well, you can't judge a book by its cover, or its jacket. I had so many books that were just unreadable. Awful! I hate buying a book only to discover that you can't stand it!
After that I began borrowing heavily from roommates and the library. Isn't it great when you find an author you love? Then you can just buy their books at leisure, confidant that you'll enjoy everything they write.
Now I don't buy books unless they've been recommended to me. Sure, I can look at a book review, but opinions are so varied. It's when friends of mine who have enjoyed what I enjoy and like what I like say, "This book is awesome!" that I decide to buy it. I'll admit, it's hard to venture out and try new writers. At least for me. The feeling of disappointment when the book doesn't hold up to its promises dampers any adventurous-book-shopping plans I may have had for the future.
That's why I'm realizing how important it is to do things like blog tours and goodreads. If my friend's blog says the book is great, I'm 100% more likely to look at the book than if the blog said nothing. (Seriously. And sometimes it takes seven of such blogs before I add the book to my shopping list.)
What are your shopping habits? Do you buy spontaneously? Or go to the store with a book in mind? Or both? When my book comes out, are you going to buy it based on a pretty cover and nice summary, or because all of your friends recommend it? (Just wondering who I'm going to have to bribe here...)
Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 36,266
actual: 36,410
tomorrow's goal: 38,410
One of the worst things I ever did was join a book club. I'm sure this works great for some people, but me, well, you can't judge a book by its cover, or its jacket. I had so many books that were just unreadable. Awful! I hate buying a book only to discover that you can't stand it!
After that I began borrowing heavily from roommates and the library. Isn't it great when you find an author you love? Then you can just buy their books at leisure, confidant that you'll enjoy everything they write.
Now I don't buy books unless they've been recommended to me. Sure, I can look at a book review, but opinions are so varied. It's when friends of mine who have enjoyed what I enjoy and like what I like say, "This book is awesome!" that I decide to buy it. I'll admit, it's hard to venture out and try new writers. At least for me. The feeling of disappointment when the book doesn't hold up to its promises dampers any adventurous-book-shopping plans I may have had for the future.
That's why I'm realizing how important it is to do things like blog tours and goodreads. If my friend's blog says the book is great, I'm 100% more likely to look at the book than if the blog said nothing. (Seriously. And sometimes it takes seven of such blogs before I add the book to my shopping list.)
What are your shopping habits? Do you buy spontaneously? Or go to the store with a book in mind? Or both? When my book comes out, are you going to buy it based on a pretty cover and nice summary, or because all of your friends recommend it? (Just wondering who I'm going to have to bribe here...)
Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 36,266
actual: 36,410
tomorrow's goal: 38,410
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Review: Saving Madeline by Rachel Ann Nunes
I'm home. And happy to be so. No place is quite as productive as my own couch, quite as comfortable as my own bed, and quite inviting as my own kitchen. Even if it's a little messy.
But I'm also battling a horrible depression because my husband is not here. I almost wish I hadn't gone to see him. My boys need their daddy. Just three more weeks. Sometimes I find myself lacking the energy or motivation to do anything. ANYTHING. It gets quite hard.
Enough about me!!! I finally get to blog about that great book I told you about last time, Saving Madeline. I will say this book is inspired by a true story, because it's fiction, but I know true events inspired Rachel Ann Nunes to write this book.
Set in present day, Saving Madeline follows Caitlin, a public defender (read: free lawyer) and Parker, a man who kidnapped his daughter from his ex-wife. Caitlin is a stout defender of justice and morality, and sometimes this is hard in her job, where she's paid to defend her client, good or bad. Parker looks like just another crook. On the outside, it appears a vindictive, jealous father took his daughter from her mother and is trying to destroy her reputation.
But Parker is different. His sincerity and concern for Madeline, as well as his kindness for Caitlin, tell a story about a man who will cross whatever line necessary to protect his child. How can Caitlin argue with that? She finds herself doing everything she can to prove Parker is in the right. But what she doesn't fully grasp is that they are in a race against time. Because if Parker is telling the truth, Madeline's life is in danger.
Nunes is a fantastic writer. This book held my attention from chapter one. It's a suspense novel, a thriller, and of course, no book would be complete without romance. This is the book that had me up until after 1 am, reading and waiting for the resolution. The book provides a lot of insight into the public judicial system as well as the child protection services--what they can and can't do. This is one book you want to read.
Want this book, but don't want to buy it? Everyone who comments on this post will be entered into a contest to win a copy of the book! So good luck!
Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 34,162
actual: 34,266
tomorrow's goal: 36,266
Friday, September 4, 2009
Spotlight: T. Anne
Okay! I'm finally getting online. The boys and I are making a surprise trip up to Missouri tomorrow to see Daddy. I sent Mark a letter to let him know we were coming, but apparently the Drill Sergeants are holding on to letters this week. Luckily, Mark borrowed someone else's phone (the Drill Sergeants are collecting phones, too) and called us. So I got to tell him. Otherwise, it really would've been a surprise. (The fort is giving them a three-day pass because of Memorial Weekend, that's why we're going up.)
But today we have a wonderful guest with us! T. Anne from her blog White Platonic Dreams. I've only recently met this lady and I'm so excited to get to know her more. Please welcome her!
Me: Hi T. Anne! Okay, before we get started, I gotta know: What should I call you?
T. Anne: T. Anne something. I haven't quite pinned down my nom de plume. My daughter is rooting for T. Anne Princess, or Crown. It's nice to be thought of as royalty, I suppose. In actuality I descend from the Hun's. I'll wait till she's a little older before bowling her over with that little tid bit.
Me: Okay...T. Anne the Hun. You're right, Princess sounds better. So! T. Anne Princess. Tell me about your writing! What is your work in progress?
T. Anne Princess: Oh I'm so glad you asked! Currently I'm working on the third book in a young adult series aimed at the Christian market with strong cross over potential, entitled The Rockaway Island series. It's modeled after the old school Sweet Valley High series but with modern dilemmas and an oh-so-awesome cast of characters, free of vampires and zombies. Mostly.
Me: Mostly?
T. Anne Princess: No, really, there are none of those.
Me: Breaking the mold, huh? Sounds awesome! I remember Sweet Valley! Oh, I was a fan.
What's the plot, since you have no vampires?
T. Anne Princess: The series rotates around the life of Laken Alexander, a freshman at Crystal Bay high. Each book is rife with it's own mishaps and horrors. It's written in first person with a light edgy sense of humor... like say that of a fourteen-year-old girl? Oh wait, she is fourteen! Perfect. It's written perfectly. I hope to grow the series throughout her high school years, following Laken to college and potentially the grave and beyond if publishers allow. I can dream, right?
Me: Yeah, I guess that's allowed. After all, you must've been dreaming when you thought up the name 'Laken'! That's totally cool, though. I love those sorts of books. That's kind of how I see my series with my main character, Jaci. She's fifteen and I want to follow her into college. At what point are you in the submission process?
T. Anne Princess: I've actually received some excitement over the series from a few different agents. I'm just waiting for responses and making sure I get at least one rejection a day, it keeps me at sanity's edge. That's where I function best.
Me: Ahh!!! Good for you! That's so very exciting. How long has this process been for you?
T. Anne Princess: It's been a little less than half a year. I was focused primarily on my literary fiction prior to this.
Me: Oo, literary fiction. Brave soul. I'll skip those questions for now. Enough about your writing! Who do you live with?
T. Anne Princess: Many a mammal. My wonderful husband-person who I lovingly refer to as Soprano, our three sons, one daughter and two furry children who shed something awful.
Me: I'm dying to know why you call him Soprano. No answers? Okay, I'll come up with my own. He reminds you of someone off "Meet the Sopranos"? Hmm. Where do the Princess and Soprano call home?
T. Anne Princess: I live in the urban sprawl that is Los Angeles. We are currently a glowing ember on this spinning blue marble, so all prayers are welcome.
Me: Yes, I'm sure you need them. What's your favorite thing to do on a hot, breezy summer day? (And I know you get a lot of hot ones in LA.)
T. Anne Princess: Lay by the pool and listen to the kids have a splashing good time.
Me: What's your favorite movie?
T. Anne Princess: The Princess Bride and Ground Hogs Day. I'm not too big on movies, I read mostly, while feigning interest in whatever Soprano's watching. Shh... don't tell.
Me: Mum's the word. So, what do you want to be when you grow up?
T. Anne Princess: Organized, well loved, very old and if there's still time, a published author.
Me: At least you have realistic expectations. Do you have any pets?
T. Anne Princess: A golden retriever who is almost 10. He is destructive beyond belief but he has a sweet side too. Also we have a pekingese and he's the cutest one on the planet, I do believe. He's in charge of the golden. We also house a small yet exquisitely graceful Beta fish named Tinkerbell.
Me: Wow! I'm so excited to read your books. Be sure and tell me when you get a contract!!! It was so fun to meet you!
And that's T. Anne Princess. Or T. Anne Crown. I guess she can still change what she's known by. Be sure and stop by her blog and say hi! Oh yeah. Don't count on seeing me again until Tuesday. Have a happy holiday!
Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 32,072
actual: 32,162 (+2,090)
Tuesday's goal: 34,162
But today we have a wonderful guest with us! T. Anne from her blog White Platonic Dreams. I've only recently met this lady and I'm so excited to get to know her more. Please welcome her!
Me: Hi T. Anne! Okay, before we get started, I gotta know: What should I call you?
T. Anne: T. Anne something. I haven't quite pinned down my nom de plume. My daughter is rooting for T. Anne Princess, or Crown. It's nice to be thought of as royalty, I suppose. In actuality I descend from the Hun's. I'll wait till she's a little older before bowling her over with that little tid bit.
Me: Okay...T. Anne the Hun. You're right, Princess sounds better. So! T. Anne Princess. Tell me about your writing! What is your work in progress?
T. Anne Princess: Oh I'm so glad you asked! Currently I'm working on the third book in a young adult series aimed at the Christian market with strong cross over potential, entitled The Rockaway Island series. It's modeled after the old school Sweet Valley High series but with modern dilemmas and an oh-so-awesome cast of characters, free of vampires and zombies. Mostly.
Me: Mostly?
T. Anne Princess: No, really, there are none of those.
Me: Breaking the mold, huh? Sounds awesome! I remember Sweet Valley! Oh, I was a fan.
What's the plot, since you have no vampires?
T. Anne Princess: The series rotates around the life of Laken Alexander, a freshman at Crystal Bay high. Each book is rife with it's own mishaps and horrors. It's written in first person with a light edgy sense of humor... like say that of a fourteen-year-old girl? Oh wait, she is fourteen! Perfect. It's written perfectly. I hope to grow the series throughout her high school years, following Laken to college and potentially the grave and beyond if publishers allow. I can dream, right?
Me: Yeah, I guess that's allowed. After all, you must've been dreaming when you thought up the name 'Laken'! That's totally cool, though. I love those sorts of books. That's kind of how I see my series with my main character, Jaci. She's fifteen and I want to follow her into college. At what point are you in the submission process?
T. Anne Princess: I've actually received some excitement over the series from a few different agents. I'm just waiting for responses and making sure I get at least one rejection a day, it keeps me at sanity's edge. That's where I function best.
Me: Ahh!!! Good for you! That's so very exciting. How long has this process been for you?
T. Anne Princess: It's been a little less than half a year. I was focused primarily on my literary fiction prior to this.
Me: Oo, literary fiction. Brave soul. I'll skip those questions for now. Enough about your writing! Who do you live with?
T. Anne Princess: Many a mammal. My wonderful husband-person who I lovingly refer to as Soprano, our three sons, one daughter and two furry children who shed something awful.
Me: I'm dying to know why you call him Soprano. No answers? Okay, I'll come up with my own. He reminds you of someone off "Meet the Sopranos"? Hmm. Where do the Princess and Soprano call home?
T. Anne Princess: I live in the urban sprawl that is Los Angeles. We are currently a glowing ember on this spinning blue marble, so all prayers are welcome.
Me: Yes, I'm sure you need them. What's your favorite thing to do on a hot, breezy summer day? (And I know you get a lot of hot ones in LA.)
T. Anne Princess: Lay by the pool and listen to the kids have a splashing good time.
Me: What's your favorite movie?
T. Anne Princess: The Princess Bride and Ground Hogs Day. I'm not too big on movies, I read mostly, while feigning interest in whatever Soprano's watching. Shh... don't tell.
Me: Mum's the word. So, what do you want to be when you grow up?
T. Anne Princess: Organized, well loved, very old and if there's still time, a published author.
Me: At least you have realistic expectations. Do you have any pets?
T. Anne Princess: A golden retriever who is almost 10. He is destructive beyond belief but he has a sweet side too. Also we have a pekingese and he's the cutest one on the planet, I do believe. He's in charge of the golden. We also house a small yet exquisitely graceful Beta fish named Tinkerbell.
Me: Wow! I'm so excited to read your books. Be sure and tell me when you get a contract!!! It was so fun to meet you!
And that's T. Anne Princess. Or T. Anne Crown. I guess she can still change what she's known by. Be sure and stop by her blog and say hi! Oh yeah. Don't count on seeing me again until Tuesday. Have a happy holiday!
Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 32,072
actual: 32,162 (+2,090)
Tuesday's goal: 34,162
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Support your local Indie!
I'm on a campaign to get people to buy from their local independent bookstore.
I'll be honest, before I was offered a contract by an independent publishing company, I didn't realize that independents ("indies") operated alone. I guess I kind of assumed that all book stores had the same connections, got the same catalogs, received the same deals. Not only is that not true, but many big bookstores (Barnes & Noble) don't even buy books from independent publishing companies. OUCH.
As I began to prepare my marketing campaign, I came across a blog that said something like, "If you want your indie to buy your book and have a book signing for you, start showing your support for them. Buy books there. Frequent it. Get to know them." That makes sense. Indies are owned by individuals. The owner often mans the register.
Here's something from www.indiebound.org, an indie website:
I, for one, do not want to see the demise of the printed book. Or the demise of bookstores. Many love the Kindle; I'm not converted yet. Many love amazon.com; I also use it if I can't find what I want locally. But many of use feel the woes of businesses closing. What are we doing to stop it?
I suggest you go out and find your local indie. Chat with the owner, thank them for their business. Then buy a few books! Indies have their own bestseller list, and it's not the same as the New York Times bestseller list. Better yet, join an indie community! I found the coolest website (many of you may know it): www.indiebound.org. You can find all the indies around you and create a profile and get to know people. I just joined yesterday and am looking for FRIENDS! So if you're already on there or joining, let me know!
For you authors out there, this means one big thing: NETWORKING. Networking with people who actually go out of their way to support writers.
Have fun! If you get a chance, tell me what treasures you find!
Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 29,710
actual: 30,072 (+2,362)
tomorrow's goal: 32,072
I'll be honest, before I was offered a contract by an independent publishing company, I didn't realize that independents ("indies") operated alone. I guess I kind of assumed that all book stores had the same connections, got the same catalogs, received the same deals. Not only is that not true, but many big bookstores (Barnes & Noble) don't even buy books from independent publishing companies. OUCH.
As I began to prepare my marketing campaign, I came across a blog that said something like, "If you want your indie to buy your book and have a book signing for you, start showing your support for them. Buy books there. Frequent it. Get to know them." That makes sense. Indies are owned by individuals. The owner often mans the register.
Here's something from www.indiebound.org, an indie website:
Why shop Indie?
When you shop at an independently owned business, your entire community benefits:
The Economy- Spend $100 at a local and $68 of that stays in your community. Spend the same $100 at a national chain, and your community only sees $43.
- Local businesses create higher-paying jobs for our neighbors.
- More of your taxes are reinvested in your community--where they belong.
- Buying local means less packaging, less transportation, and a smaller carbon footprint.
- Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money to beautify your community.
- Local retailers are your friends and neighbors—support them and they’ll support you.
- Local businesses donate to charities at more than twice the rate of national chains.
- More independents means more choice, more diversity, and a truly unique community.
I, for one, do not want to see the demise of the printed book. Or the demise of bookstores. Many love the Kindle; I'm not converted yet. Many love amazon.com; I also use it if I can't find what I want locally. But many of use feel the woes of businesses closing. What are we doing to stop it?
I suggest you go out and find your local indie. Chat with the owner, thank them for their business. Then buy a few books! Indies have their own bestseller list, and it's not the same as the New York Times bestseller list. Better yet, join an indie community! I found the coolest website (many of you may know it): www.indiebound.org. You can find all the indies around you and create a profile and get to know people. I just joined yesterday and am looking for FRIENDS! So if you're already on there or joining, let me know!
For you authors out there, this means one big thing: NETWORKING. Networking with people who actually go out of their way to support writers.
Have fun! If you get a chance, tell me what treasures you find!
Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 29,710
actual: 30,072 (+2,362)
tomorrow's goal: 32,072
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Non-linear Writing
I'm doing something different this time around with my novel. Previously, I've just followed my outline, writing every chapter that popped up. This time, I'm skipping around.
Since I'm writing from four different POVs, I've noticed each easier for me to keep my train of thought if I write the sections from one POV for a few days. When I find myself growing tired of that character, I switch to a different POV. The result is that I've written something like this: Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 3, 7, 11, 6, 9.
It's been quite fun, actually. I know that when I finish, I'll need to go back through and iron out the seams, make sure the whole thing fits together seamlessly. It's keeping me energized, though, fueling me on every day to take a fresh look at my manuscript.
I suspect this way of writing isn't new, though! Certainly I didn't stumble upon it by mishap. Those of you who write in multiple POVs, how do you do it? What method do you use? I'm very curious!
Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 27,597
actual: 27,710 (+2,113)
tomorrow's goal: 29,710
Since I'm writing from four different POVs, I've noticed each easier for me to keep my train of thought if I write the sections from one POV for a few days. When I find myself growing tired of that character, I switch to a different POV. The result is that I've written something like this: Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 3, 7, 11, 6, 9.
It's been quite fun, actually. I know that when I finish, I'll need to go back through and iron out the seams, make sure the whole thing fits together seamlessly. It's keeping me energized, though, fueling me on every day to take a fresh look at my manuscript.
I suspect this way of writing isn't new, though! Certainly I didn't stumble upon it by mishap. Those of you who write in multiple POVs, how do you do it? What method do you use? I'm very curious!
Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 27,597
actual: 27,710 (+2,113)
tomorrow's goal: 29,710
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Oh, Negligent Mother
That would be me. My kids ran havoc this morning around the house while I slept. And it's my fault.
See, last night around 9:57pm, when my eyes were heavy and my heart rate slowing down for sleep, I decided to just read for three minutes from the book I started on Sunday.
You can imagine what happened from there. At the beginning of each chapter, I'd think, "This is the last one." Then the chapter would end, and I'd have that totally unresolved feeling--you know, like when you fight with your significant other and you're agitated and restless and need to get it figured out??? So I'd start the next chapter. And the next. And then the climax of the book came and I wasn't even tired anymore.
I think it was just after 1am when I finished. So this morning I let my three-year-old watch the one-year-old while I slept in for an hour. Bad, bad mom.
Oh, and if you're wondering about this book--because it was a good one, and I know everyone's going to want to read it--it's called Saving Madeline. It's not out yet, but I'll be doing a book review on it on September 8. So stay posted for more info.
Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 25,581
actual: 25,597 (+2,017)
tomorrow's goal: 27,597
See, last night around 9:57pm, when my eyes were heavy and my heart rate slowing down for sleep, I decided to just read for three minutes from the book I started on Sunday.
You can imagine what happened from there. At the beginning of each chapter, I'd think, "This is the last one." Then the chapter would end, and I'd have that totally unresolved feeling--you know, like when you fight with your significant other and you're agitated and restless and need to get it figured out??? So I'd start the next chapter. And the next. And then the climax of the book came and I wasn't even tired anymore.
I think it was just after 1am when I finished. So this morning I let my three-year-old watch the one-year-old while I slept in for an hour. Bad, bad mom.
Oh, and if you're wondering about this book--because it was a good one, and I know everyone's going to want to read it--it's called Saving Madeline. It's not out yet, but I'll be doing a book review on it on September 8. So stay posted for more info.
Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 25,581
actual: 25,597 (+2,017)
tomorrow's goal: 27,597
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