Saturday, May 22, 2010
Book signing number two
Last night, a friend hosted me for a book signing at her barn at a horse show. The show had a fun progressive barn party (each barn served something different like pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, barbecued corn, wine, cupcakes, etc., and you wander around and just stuff yourself. There's a scene in Bubba Goes National where they do one!), so I set up my table during the barn party when a lot of people were wandering around. A lot of people stopped by to see what I was doing, and I sold several copies of Bubba, Elements of the Soul and The Ultimate Horse Lover. People were really excited to see the books, which was nice. Some didn't have money on them and promised to come back during the weekend, so I may sell a couple more. It was really fun! Greg had made fliers for me to post around the show ground so people would know about it and come look for me, but I didn't get them up until the afternoon...and probably not enough of them. That was a bummer. However, I'm happy with how it went!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
My first book signing in the books!
My poor neglected blog...I haven't posted much here, despite so many exciting things happening! Here's a whirlwind catch-up: published Bubba Goes National in January. Got it into two brick-and-mortar stores in my area, on Amazon, barnesandnoble.com and booksamillion.com. Not a blockbuster quite yet, but I am selling them. Sold out my first order and had to order more. Almost sold out of those and there are more on the way. Set up my first signing at a used bookstore here in Folsom. That's what I'll talk about today!
Before going to my signing, I read a lot about what I should do, particularly at AbsoluteWrite and Accentuate. I tried to be prepared...I didn't have everything suggested, like a name tag or a big poster, but I did have a sign with my name and the prices of the books, business cards, fliers and of course books. I didn't do nearly enough promotion due to being tied up at work and then getting sick, so fliers didn't go up around town until yesterday. I did do some promotion online. One person came because of that, but just to say hi, not to make a purchase. I sent press releases to 9 media outlets, none of whom did anything with it except myfolsom.com (thanks, John!).
I'll run through my day in roughly chronological order with my thoughts:
Since the signing was scheduled to start at 1:00, I had all morning to gather my things, shower, put on makeup (those of you who know me well know that's a big deal), etc. Greg helped me decide what to wear. I left around the time I wanted to, since I had to stop at Office Max for a couple things. I also decided to go to Starbucks and get a traveler pack of coffee to offer passers-by in hopes of luring them in. I got to the store in plenty of time and was set up and ready to go by 12:55, and the shop owner was quite gracious...she said I was better prepared than most authors she hosted. Win!
One of the suggestions I was given was to have some sort of give-away. My bookmarks didn't arrive in time, so I had candy. I only gave out a few pieces, but I was glad to have it since I got a dry throat a couple times and needed to suck on something. I also autographed a bunch of the business cards I brought so I could hand them out, and it gave me something to do. I did give out a few, and I put one with each book I sold.
It turns out, no one wants coffee in the afternoon when it's 70 degrees out. No one. After finishing off my caramel frappuccino I got for free because they were practicing, I had a cup of the coffee I brought. That was all that got used. I brought the rest home and will drink it iced over the next few days! Maybe that's a better idea for morning signings, or cold day signings.
The advice I was given was to not sit behind my table, but to walk around and basically grab people and pitch them. Well, I'm shy. I didn't manage that...I sat behind my table. However, I did force myself to smile brightly and say hello to everyone who passed. If they slowed down and looked interested, I launched into a little pitch about what I was doing there. In most cases, they weren't interested in making a purchase but took a flier or business card. In one case, I sold a book to a perfect stranger. Win! I was totally exhilarated. Also, two people I know who knew I was there today stopped by to buy books and have them signed, so that was nice.
Sooo....I sold a total of three books. The shop owner said that was actually good! LOL! There wasn't a lot of traffic, and it being a used book store, most people going in wanted bargains. So, I did feel good about myself for doing it and I learned some lessons, and I'll be better prepared for next time. I made sales I didn't expect to make, so I'm calling it a success.
Lessons learned:
1. Don't bother trying to give away hot coffee on a warm day.
2. Bring something for myself to drink other than coffee. I'll be buzzed until next week!
3. Bring snacks. Candy doesn't count. I'm starved...and wired!
4. Next time, get up and be more forward and outgoing. Everyone was nice, and one is rarely mortally wounded by a rejection.
5. Test pens before using them. The ones I bought on the way over sucked.
I think that's about it!
Before going to my signing, I read a lot about what I should do, particularly at AbsoluteWrite and Accentuate. I tried to be prepared...I didn't have everything suggested, like a name tag or a big poster, but I did have a sign with my name and the prices of the books, business cards, fliers and of course books. I didn't do nearly enough promotion due to being tied up at work and then getting sick, so fliers didn't go up around town until yesterday. I did do some promotion online. One person came because of that, but just to say hi, not to make a purchase. I sent press releases to 9 media outlets, none of whom did anything with it except myfolsom.com (thanks, John!).
I'll run through my day in roughly chronological order with my thoughts:
One of the suggestions I was given was to have some sort of give-away. My bookmarks didn't arrive in time, so I had candy. I only gave out a few pieces, but I was glad to have it since I got a dry throat a couple times and needed to suck on something. I also autographed a bunch of the business cards I brought so I could hand them out, and it gave me something to do. I did give out a few, and I put one with each book I sold.
It turns out, no one wants coffee in the afternoon when it's 70 degrees out. No one. After finishing off my caramel frappuccino I got for free because they were practicing, I had a cup of the coffee I brought. That was all that got used. I brought the rest home and will drink it iced over the next few days! Maybe that's a better idea for morning signings, or cold day signings.
The advice I was given was to not sit behind my table, but to walk around and basically grab people and pitch them. Well, I'm shy. I didn't manage that...I sat behind my table. However, I did force myself to smile brightly and say hello to everyone who passed. If they slowed down and looked interested, I launched into a little pitch about what I was doing there. In most cases, they weren't interested in making a purchase but took a flier or business card. In one case, I sold a book to a perfect stranger. Win! I was totally exhilarated. Also, two people I know who knew I was there today stopped by to buy books and have them signed, so that was nice.
Sooo....I sold a total of three books. The shop owner said that was actually good! LOL! There wasn't a lot of traffic, and it being a used book store, most people going in wanted bargains. So, I did feel good about myself for doing it and I learned some lessons, and I'll be better prepared for next time. I made sales I didn't expect to make, so I'm calling it a success.
Lessons learned:
1. Don't bother trying to give away hot coffee on a warm day.
2. Bring something for myself to drink other than coffee. I'll be buzzed until next week!
3. Bring snacks. Candy doesn't count. I'm starved...and wired!
4. Next time, get up and be more forward and outgoing. Everyone was nice, and one is rarely mortally wounded by a rejection.
5. Test pens before using them. The ones I bought on the way over sucked.
I think that's about it!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Windswept Destiny Publishing Announces Book Signing for Bubba Goes National
Folaom Author Jennifer Walker Signs her debut novel, Bubba Goes National
Folsom, CA April 4, 2010 - Windswept Destiny Publishing, an imprint of Twin Trinity Media, announced today that Folsom resident Jennifer Walker will be signing her debut novel, Bubba Goes National, at Colton Books, 651 East Bidwell Street in Folsom on April 17th, 2010 from 1:00 to 4:00pm. She will also offer two anthologies that contain her stories, Elements of the Soul and The Ultimate Horse Lover.
Bubba Goes National is about 13-year-old Leslie Clark, who lives with her widowed father. She loves horses but he can’t afford them, so she works for a horse trainer to earn lessons. She saves up her money to buy her own horse and finds an Arabian gelding at a livestock auction, which she buys. Lucky, nicknamed Bubba by Leslie’s teasing father, had been cast off by his breeders but is a dream come true for Leslie. Together, they work their way to the Arabian horse National Championships.
Although Bubba Goes National was written for the 10 to 14-year-old market, it has appeal for horse lovers of all ages. Readers will learn a little about horse care and showing while reading a delightful story about working hard to make one’s dreams come true.
Michelle L. Devon, author and owner of Accentuate Services, says, “Bubba Goes National is a sweet story, but it also tackles some of the more difficult issues teens have to deal with these days, such as: death of a parent, competitive rivalry, overcoming tough obstacles, and working hard to earn something. It’s a story any teen girl who has ever dreamed of having her own horse will want to read, and horse-loving grownup girls will too!”
Bubba Goes National is available at a cover price of $12.95. Books can be purchased at the signing, at Colton Books in Folsom and at Christensen’s Saddlery in Loomis. Additionally, autographed copies can be purchased at http://www.authorjennwalker.com/bubba.html. It is also available through online retailers and major distributors, such as Ingrams, Coutt’s, Baker & Taylor, Blackwell Book Services and Holt Jackson.
Folsom, CA April 4, 2010 - Windswept Destiny Publishing, an imprint of Twin Trinity Media, announced today that Folsom resident Jennifer Walker will be signing her debut novel, Bubba Goes National, at Colton Books, 651 East Bidwell Street in Folsom on April 17th, 2010 from 1:00 to 4:00pm. She will also offer two anthologies that contain her stories, Elements of the Soul and The Ultimate Horse Lover.
Bubba Goes National is about 13-year-old Leslie Clark, who lives with her widowed father. She loves horses but he can’t afford them, so she works for a horse trainer to earn lessons. She saves up her money to buy her own horse and finds an Arabian gelding at a livestock auction, which she buys. Lucky, nicknamed Bubba by Leslie’s teasing father, had been cast off by his breeders but is a dream come true for Leslie. Together, they work their way to the Arabian horse National Championships.
Although Bubba Goes National was written for the 10 to 14-year-old market, it has appeal for horse lovers of all ages. Readers will learn a little about horse care and showing while reading a delightful story about working hard to make one’s dreams come true.
Michelle L. Devon, author and owner of Accentuate Services, says, “Bubba Goes National is a sweet story, but it also tackles some of the more difficult issues teens have to deal with these days, such as: death of a parent, competitive rivalry, overcoming tough obstacles, and working hard to earn something. It’s a story any teen girl who has ever dreamed of having her own horse will want to read, and horse-loving grownup girls will too!”
Bubba Goes National is available at a cover price of $12.95. Books can be purchased at the signing, at Colton Books in Folsom and at Christensen’s Saddlery in Loomis. Additionally, autographed copies can be purchased at http://www.authorjennwalker.com/bubba.html. It is also available through online retailers and major distributors, such as Ingrams, Coutt’s, Baker & Taylor, Blackwell Book Services and Holt Jackson.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Halfway through LAFFN
Today is January 16th, and we are halfway through LAFFN. How are you doing? Are you halfway done? I'm not. I haven't had much time to work on it, although I try to do just a little every day. I'm still reading through my first draft and editing/adding to it as I go. I'm on page 46 of 112. Lots of stuff going on in my life this month, but I'll keep making a little time for it every day!
If you're feeling like you should just give up because it's halfway through the month and you've hardly accomplished anything, or haven't even started, DON'T GIVE UP. Pick up your manuscript right now and get something done on it. Even if you only spend ten minutes on it every day, you'll be making progress. Maybe tomorrow you can spend a couple of hours and get caught up. Even one page or one paragraph is better than where you were yesterday!
Get LAFFN!
If you're feeling like you should just give up because it's halfway through the month and you've hardly accomplished anything, or haven't even started, DON'T GIVE UP. Pick up your manuscript right now and get something done on it. Even if you only spend ten minutes on it every day, you'll be making progress. Maybe tomorrow you can spend a couple of hours and get caught up. Even one page or one paragraph is better than where you were yesterday!
Get LAFFN!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Tragic barn fire in Northeast--donations needed
Passing this along. Please help if you can:
Dear Friends,
As many in the northeast may have already heard, longtime Arabian trainer and breeder Randy Stoneback suffered a devastating loss after a barn fire at his Pennsylvania facility claimed the lives of eight training horses, two of whom had just recently won National Championships at Sport Horse Nationals, and virtually all of the farm equipment, including trailer, tractors, spreaders, tack and hay. The fire, believed to have been electrical in nature, started at approximately 4:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, and so quickly engulfed the building that the Stonebacks were able to get to only a few horses in that barn. The facility is comprised of several different barns, so over fifty stalls, and many more horses, still remain at the farm, but virtually all of their equipment and hay perished in the fire.
Randy and his family have been breeding Arabian horses for over fifty years, and Randy has been a professional trainer in Pennsylvania his whole life. Randy’s parents, Dr. Stoneback and his wife, Marge, are long-time fixtures on the East Coast Arabian horse scene, and had just recently moved back in with Randy due to health problems. Both the doctor and his wife are currently hospitalized, and have not yet been informed of the accident.
Obviously, there are many items needed immediately to continue the operations at the farm while they recover from this accident, as well as to replace much of the equipment. Friends who would like to help are welcome to send a tax deductible contribution to The Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund, with a notation on the check that the funds are to be earmarked for the Stonebacks. The fund is a separate, restricted fund with 501c3 charitable status, managed by a five person board, and the family will be sent notification of all who have donated.
The address to send donations, with a note earmarking that they be directed towards Stonebacks, is
The Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund
236 Henry Sanford Road
Bridgewater, CT 06752
If you would prefer to donate by credit card on line, simply go to http://www.horsemens...help/index.html , where you will find a button that says Make A Donation, which will take you to a secure Paypal site where you can make your donation, after which you can send an e-mail to mary@horsemensdistressfund.com to note that you would like to earmark it for Stonebacks.
During these times when the worst happens, the best and saving grace is to experience the strong sense of community that surrounds our Arabian horse world. If you would like to send a personal message, the address is Randy Stoneback, 127 Tripps Lane, Strattanville, PA 15258.
Sincerely,
Mary Trowbridge
The Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund
Dear Friends,
As many in the northeast may have already heard, longtime Arabian trainer and breeder Randy Stoneback suffered a devastating loss after a barn fire at his Pennsylvania facility claimed the lives of eight training horses, two of whom had just recently won National Championships at Sport Horse Nationals, and virtually all of the farm equipment, including trailer, tractors, spreaders, tack and hay. The fire, believed to have been electrical in nature, started at approximately 4:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, and so quickly engulfed the building that the Stonebacks were able to get to only a few horses in that barn. The facility is comprised of several different barns, so over fifty stalls, and many more horses, still remain at the farm, but virtually all of their equipment and hay perished in the fire.
Randy and his family have been breeding Arabian horses for over fifty years, and Randy has been a professional trainer in Pennsylvania his whole life. Randy’s parents, Dr. Stoneback and his wife, Marge, are long-time fixtures on the East Coast Arabian horse scene, and had just recently moved back in with Randy due to health problems. Both the doctor and his wife are currently hospitalized, and have not yet been informed of the accident.
Obviously, there are many items needed immediately to continue the operations at the farm while they recover from this accident, as well as to replace much of the equipment. Friends who would like to help are welcome to send a tax deductible contribution to The Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund, with a notation on the check that the funds are to be earmarked for the Stonebacks. The fund is a separate, restricted fund with 501c3 charitable status, managed by a five person board, and the family will be sent notification of all who have donated.
The address to send donations, with a note earmarking that they be directed towards Stonebacks, is
The Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund
236 Henry Sanford Road
Bridgewater, CT 06752
If you would prefer to donate by credit card on line, simply go to http://www.horsemens...help/index.html , where you will find a button that says Make A Donation, which will take you to a secure Paypal site where you can make your donation, after which you can send an e-mail to mary@horsemensdistressfund.com to note that you would like to earmark it for Stonebacks.
During these times when the worst happens, the best and saving grace is to experience the strong sense of community that surrounds our Arabian horse world. If you would like to send a personal message, the address is Randy Stoneback, 127 Tripps Lane, Strattanville, PA 15258.
Sincerely,
Mary Trowbridge
The Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund
Elements of Time available for pre-sale!
If you enjoyed Elements of the Soul (and who wouldn't?), you might also enjoy Elements of Time, another short story and poem anthology. Although I am not in this one, I heartily encourage you to purchase a copy and support the contributing authors! The pre-sale price is only $9.99.
If you haven't ordered Elements of the Soul yet (in which I have TWO stories), you can order both books and their coordinating bookmarks together, as a bundle, for just $20! Click here to order the bundle.
If you haven't ordered Elements of the Soul yet (in which I have TWO stories), you can order both books and their coordinating bookmarks together, as a bundle, for just $20! Click here to order the bundle.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
I'm LAFFN
All right, I'm still sick, but I've started reading my 2008 nano, editing as I go. When I get to a scene that needs to be written/finished, I'll do that as it comes, and then I'll continue working on it until it's done! I hope everyone is doing well!
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