Barnes & Noble In-Store Event When was the last time you walked into a bookstore? Me too, except for this week when I was walking through the set-up for my event this coming Sunday with the store manager. We all know that the pandemic did a number on a lot of us, especially brick and mortar businesses, including the mega bookstore Barnes & Noble! I never would have imagined that, you know, too big to fail and all that. That's why I'm arranging an in-person, live event in the store (at 960 Colorado Blvd, Glendale). I want them to survive. I'm not just going to sign books. With my friends and fans who attend, we'll talk about writing, my newest book, The Netahs, Down in the Valley (Book Two: Down in the Valley) then I'll introduce the concept of writing flash fiction, then we'll do a writing exercise together, and maybe even share those. I have prizes, snacks, and my favorite pen for signing books, just in case that's requested. So, if you find yourself with a free afternoon this coming Sunday, and you're not running in the Denver Marathon (so heads up on planning your route), why don't you join us? For more info, scan the qr code with your phone camera. This link will take you to the store event page. www.barnesandnoble.com/event/9780062169479-0 You might just find more than a few good books. For recommendations, check out my recent reviews on GoodReads at https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/51066082.
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That's right, don't forget the moms in your life, it's their day, tomorrow, so you still have time! Make it special like only you can.
Meanwhile, I'm back at my desk to send out the inaugural edition of my Netah News newsletter. You can sign up for free at the bottom of this post. I know you don't want to miss it! What kind of news you ask? I'll start with progress or set backs on current writing projects. Recently that has included a lot of promotional work for my recently released book 2 in The Netah series. Then books I'm reading, and yes, I'm voracious. Events will get a spot, and thoughts on travels past and pending. Now it's time to find a much better place to start book 3 than my first attempt, thanks to a wonderful seminar put on by SCBWI's local YA Connect group. Traci L. Jones, an old friend of mine, talked about beginnings of books and best practices. Now I know what I did wrong, there was no hook, no showstopper inciting incident, no pizzazz. Sounds easy enough, right? You have no idea! , After what felt like months, but was only weeks, my virtual launch party happened. The Netahs, Down in the Valley is officially launched. Zoom worked, the Eventbrite registration worked, lights, camera, sound all worked as planned.
But that's not all. As hoped, I was able to connect with friends and family from across the country. We talked about writing, editing, inspiration, and then I read an excerpt from book 2. It was Josh telling a story to his new lodge mates about his first day as a Netah. Some time had passed, and he had a little perspective on the events, so he could laugh about it. I kept reminding myself not to nervously speed through the reading, but relax, take my time, slow down! I think I did a pretty good job, because I was encouraged to make the book an audible offering. I'm still processing how it went. It was my first attempt, it was ambitious, and though my turnout did not match registrations, it was a success, nevertheless. I will do it again, with revised expectations. I had promised a prize to the first 10 registrants, for instance, but when the time came to announce the winners, most of them were absent. So, we moved on to choosing among attendees for a hardcover copy, autographed by yours truly. That was a happy surprise. Now to prepare for the next event. I hope to see all my local fans and friends on May 19 from 1-3 pm at the Barnes & Noble on Colorado Blvd. I created a QR code for it, posted below. It's also on my Good News page, so no one misses it. The store will take pre-orders, which will save us time when you swing by for an autograph! I'm planning to talk about writing, about my book, and then lead a flash fiction writing session, so bring something to write on, a pretty notebook, your laptop, the back of an envelope, no judgment. Hope to see you there! Let me know you're coming so we can put out enough chairs! My writing career started with a typewriter in high school, then an electric one, and eventually a computer. I'm a fast typist, but computers are like a fancy typewriter for me. I can easily edit, cut and paste, delete whole sections, change the name of a character through an entire book with a few clicks. That's how I managed to finish and publish 3 books and a short story.
Then came zoom meetings and social media. All I can say is GET HELP! I don't mean right now, I'm fine, now, really, because I got help. I am about to run a virtual launch party for my recently released book, The Netahs, Down in the Valley, book 2. I did my homework and decided to use Eventbrite to gather attendees and emails, and then set up a Zoom account to run the event on. I got the ball rolling, then called my beautiful daughter who works remotely and is very tech savvy. She has been an immense help. Not only does she know how to connect everything like a Zoom link to an Eventbrite notice, but she has helped me set up my meeting space with the proper lights and sound. Her music and theater background may have helped with that, too. There were days when I thought I should just go ahead and shave my head because I'd been so ready to yank out all my hair! My daughter came to the rescue. What's that? You don't have a daughter/son/grandson to call? Don't worry. There are resources out there. Check your local library, maybe they have teens who volunteer to help tech dunces get around on their computers. Community colleges run classes. But seriously, call anyone you know who is younger than you. They will know and probably be happy to help. Feeling superior to your elders is a good mood boost for them! It's not too late to register and attend my event. Click on the links above to register. However, if you are a Denver local, you have another chance to help me celebrate. I'll be at the Barnes & Noble at 960 Colorado Blvd. on May 19 from 1-3 pm. You can pre-order your books to be signed, and come meet me, ask me questions, tell me what you think of The Netahs! Go to: www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the%20netahs/_/N-8q8. Hope to see you there. Leave your dunce cap at home. I think they're no longer PC. |