Most writers know that a good librarian is worth his or her weight in gold. Still, there are those who overlook the value of having their books in a library; and, a library developing readers for an author, one reader at a time. In my opinion the libraries are a much overlooked source for marketing books. Sure, a visit to a library might not result in immediate sales (but it might), or in an immediate presence on any of the best seller lists; BUT, over time the libraries are an important arena for authors to gain the momentum and exposure to readers that has indeed put a number of authors on those best seller lists.
As the program coordinator for my chapter of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) I am fortunate enough to have access to some wonderful librarians who will be talking about how an author can help their book(s) find a place on a library shelf. My friend and sister windycityrwa member, Susan Gibberman, is leading a panel of other librarians for a lively discussion of this topic. Susan participated in a similar panel at our national RWA conference this past July and it was riveting.
Authors wear many hats in developing their writing careers. Very few authors have full-time anythings (except perhaps a day job to keep them alive so they don't starve) so it's essential to be armed with the knowledge of just how to get a book the attention it needs to attract readers. Writing the book is but half the battle.
I truly hope that all of our members and guests come to this session as it is a vital souce of information for any author at any stage of their writing career.
www.windycityrwa.org
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
New Toy
Okay, so I'm really a big kid at heart. I love toys. And I got new one. A Kindle. It's the first Kindle. I love toys, but can't afford to get all the new ones so the Kindle2 will have to wait.
A friend of mine knew I was interested in getting one so he saw a deal and grabbed it for me. (Thanks, Kru!) He said take it home and play with it, see if you like it. And you know what, I love it. I really didn't think I would. And I think some little part of me didn't want to like it because I thought I would miss the feel of holding the actual book in my hand.
I was pleasantly surprised.
I found the Kindle to be very easy to use. I love that it saves my page. It fits in my purse, yes I have a HUGE purse, but I had that anyway!
As far as missing the actual book, yeah, you have to get used to it, but I'm still holding something in my hand. Will I give up buying paper books, NEVER.
First, not all books are in Kindle editions, so if I want a book now, I will buy it. But, if there is a Kindle edition and I want a book now, I can have it in 60 seconds and be reading it immediately.
Second, I can't have an author sign a Kindle edition, so I'll still buy those copies.
Third, I still really love books, you can't get a new book smell in a Kindle.
But one of the best things about the Kindle is that my kids are really interested in using it which means they will read more and anything that will keep kids reading is really high on my list. Oh, and with the Kindle, you can't get paper cuts.
Have a great Monday,
June
www.junesproat.com
A friend of mine knew I was interested in getting one so he saw a deal and grabbed it for me. (Thanks, Kru!) He said take it home and play with it, see if you like it. And you know what, I love it. I really didn't think I would. And I think some little part of me didn't want to like it because I thought I would miss the feel of holding the actual book in my hand.
I was pleasantly surprised.
I found the Kindle to be very easy to use. I love that it saves my page. It fits in my purse, yes I have a HUGE purse, but I had that anyway!
As far as missing the actual book, yeah, you have to get used to it, but I'm still holding something in my hand. Will I give up buying paper books, NEVER.
First, not all books are in Kindle editions, so if I want a book now, I will buy it. But, if there is a Kindle edition and I want a book now, I can have it in 60 seconds and be reading it immediately.
Second, I can't have an author sign a Kindle edition, so I'll still buy those copies.
Third, I still really love books, you can't get a new book smell in a Kindle.
But one of the best things about the Kindle is that my kids are really interested in using it which means they will read more and anything that will keep kids reading is really high on my list. Oh, and with the Kindle, you can't get paper cuts.
Have a great Monday,
June
www.junesproat.com
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Working Class Heroes
It's a weekend to celebrate.
Not a President's or an explorer's or someone's birthday. Not the birth of a nation. Not for anyone or anything famous. But for the everyday, ordinary people who work for a living in our country.
These working class heroes are all around us. The teachers, painters, nurses, grocery store clerks and those who serve us everyday.
These are the kind of heroes I like to write about. No fancy princes or shieks or millionaires for me. I like rugged, hard-working (and of course sexy!) heroes for my stories. Cowboys, photographers, chefs, and carpenters. These are the kind of heroes you'll find in the pages of the books I like to read and write.
And these are the kinds of heroes we celebrate today.
So as we ponder the "official" end of summer (did it ever really arrive here in the Midwest?), remember to take a moment to celebrate for those working class heroes that make our world go round.
Happy Labor Day!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Not a President's or an explorer's or someone's birthday. Not the birth of a nation. Not for anyone or anything famous. But for the everyday, ordinary people who work for a living in our country.
These working class heroes are all around us. The teachers, painters, nurses, grocery store clerks and those who serve us everyday.
These are the kind of heroes I like to write about. No fancy princes or shieks or millionaires for me. I like rugged, hard-working (and of course sexy!) heroes for my stories. Cowboys, photographers, chefs, and carpenters. These are the kind of heroes you'll find in the pages of the books I like to read and write.
And these are the kinds of heroes we celebrate today.
So as we ponder the "official" end of summer (did it ever really arrive here in the Midwest?), remember to take a moment to celebrate for those working class heroes that make our world go round.
Happy Labor Day!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Galena by Margot Justes
Galena is absolutely stunning, peaceful and the Eagle Ridge Resort surrounded by hills, trees and a small lake, the breathtaking natural beauty was captivating and quickly restored my energy, which I think I had left in Nashville.
I went swimming Sunday morning and then took a walk around the property, the early morning hush disturbed only by the whispering leaves and chirping birds. Sublime.
The colorful gardens were a feast for the eyes, the restaurant offered excellent food, and a terrific cheese tray included with the sumptuous Sunday breakfast provided a perfect finish to the morning.
Did I mention I got to relax, sit and read, and yes, it was work, two book signings in as many days but the rest of the time was mine, to do with as I pleased.
Met with my partners in crime, Amy Alessio and Mary Welk, that is to say partners in the novella project we’re working on, we met in a coffee shop-where else-and while sipping our brew we actually got a chance to chat with the locals, always a delight.
The Brio gallery is gorgeous, the building has been renovated, a spiral staircase and a sky-light offers a perfect setting for some beautiful glass pieces and paintings, the light streaming through is just perfect. I can’t forget Fried Green Tomatoes, the gracious staff provided some excellent appetizers.
I even got a chance to see the Belvedere House and a framed photo of Liberace. What does a framed photo of Liberace have to do with a 19th Century mansion?
Ah, that is truly a tale for another blog.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
http://margotsmuse.blogspot.com
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
available on amazon.com
I went swimming Sunday morning and then took a walk around the property, the early morning hush disturbed only by the whispering leaves and chirping birds. Sublime.
The colorful gardens were a feast for the eyes, the restaurant offered excellent food, and a terrific cheese tray included with the sumptuous Sunday breakfast provided a perfect finish to the morning.
Did I mention I got to relax, sit and read, and yes, it was work, two book signings in as many days but the rest of the time was mine, to do with as I pleased.
Met with my partners in crime, Amy Alessio and Mary Welk, that is to say partners in the novella project we’re working on, we met in a coffee shop-where else-and while sipping our brew we actually got a chance to chat with the locals, always a delight.
The Brio gallery is gorgeous, the building has been renovated, a spiral staircase and a sky-light offers a perfect setting for some beautiful glass pieces and paintings, the light streaming through is just perfect. I can’t forget Fried Green Tomatoes, the gracious staff provided some excellent appetizers.
I even got a chance to see the Belvedere House and a framed photo of Liberace. What does a framed photo of Liberace have to do with a 19th Century mansion?
Ah, that is truly a tale for another blog.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
http://margotsmuse.blogspot.com
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
available on amazon.com
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Light In the Belfry by Robert W. Walker
There are times as a teacher when you want to run screaming from the classroom as when a student tells you he or she does not know who Teddy Kennedy is; orrrrrrr when a student hands in a paper not only handwritten but done so with such a small script and a light pencil that it is impossible to read. Or when a student tells you, "History?? I hate history; it's done nothing for me--has nothing to do with me or my life!" That's about as good as when someone tells the awful gov't'ment to keep its awful hands off "my mdicare!"
It is rather frightful to find students enrolled in college who have not the vaguest idea of anything beyond their immediate needs - and all else can go to Perdition.
Still, the rare gems are found among the students. Those who have somehow come through our current system of education unscathed, unscarred, un-scared to speak up and who can write a complete essay with a minimum of errors and actually have something to say, have a point of view, and know the differnece between irony and sarcasm.
I keep teaching in order to get out of the house (certainly can't be the money, right?), and I enjoy seeing an aha moment manifest itself in a student's eyes. Today I pulled out the comic strip assignment, a Walker special for studnets to learn how to balance narrative with dialogue as I teach imaginative use of writers' tools even in what is supposed to be an essay (dry, dull thing unless doen well) or nonfiction which is supposed by many to have no imaginative techniques embedded whatsoever (ever face off against a board of directors?); of course, I totally disagree; I believe the writer of nonfiction and the essay can and should know all the tricks at the disposal of a fictionalist--to dramatize an issue and to argue an issue and to tug at the heart strings. And so I teach my 101 and 102 English introductory classes as production shops, workshops, hands-on, finger exercises, you name it with many a sample taken from fiction to point to what makesfor good essay and good nonfiction as well. Use of quotes, dialogue, dramatic moment can greatly enhance any issue-orientated essay or research paper so far as I am concerned and in fact all the essays--including student essays--that make it into the textbooks are chock full of the techniques and tools of fiction.
Have a great day of writing and or teaching and or both! Catch Children of Salem on Kindle!
http://www.robertwalkerbooks.com/
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/robertwwalkerbooks.com
"Dead On takes the reader's capacity for the imagination of horror to stomach turning depths, and then gives it more twists than a Georgia backroad that paves an Indian trail." - Nash Black
It is rather frightful to find students enrolled in college who have not the vaguest idea of anything beyond their immediate needs - and all else can go to Perdition.
Still, the rare gems are found among the students. Those who have somehow come through our current system of education unscathed, unscarred, un-scared to speak up and who can write a complete essay with a minimum of errors and actually have something to say, have a point of view, and know the differnece between irony and sarcasm.
I keep teaching in order to get out of the house (certainly can't be the money, right?), and I enjoy seeing an aha moment manifest itself in a student's eyes. Today I pulled out the comic strip assignment, a Walker special for studnets to learn how to balance narrative with dialogue as I teach imaginative use of writers' tools even in what is supposed to be an essay (dry, dull thing unless doen well) or nonfiction which is supposed by many to have no imaginative techniques embedded whatsoever (ever face off against a board of directors?); of course, I totally disagree; I believe the writer of nonfiction and the essay can and should know all the tricks at the disposal of a fictionalist--to dramatize an issue and to argue an issue and to tug at the heart strings. And so I teach my 101 and 102 English introductory classes as production shops, workshops, hands-on, finger exercises, you name it with many a sample taken from fiction to point to what makesfor good essay and good nonfiction as well. Use of quotes, dialogue, dramatic moment can greatly enhance any issue-orientated essay or research paper so far as I am concerned and in fact all the essays--including student essays--that make it into the textbooks are chock full of the techniques and tools of fiction.
Have a great day of writing and or teaching and or both! Catch Children of Salem on Kindle!
http://www.robertwalkerbooks.com/
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/robertwwalkerbooks.com
"Dead On takes the reader's capacity for the imagination of horror to stomach turning depths, and then gives it more twists than a Georgia backroad that paves an Indian trail." - Nash Black
Killer Career In The NorthWoods
I'm taking Killer Career to the NorthWoods on my extended Labor Day weekend trip to Wisconsin. The photo here was taken in May at the Arbor Vitae Fireman's Flea Market, where I was promoting Killer Career, while selling Two Wrongs and Girl of My Dreams. As you can see, it was a little chilly that day. On Saturday, I'll again set up my booth at the flea market, but this time I'll have plenty copies of my new novel to autograph.Since I and the DH love the NorthWoods, it's only fitting that I include the area in my new release. My main character finds solace remembering the tranquility of the surroundings where she'd spent a vacation the year before. Also a trinket she'd purchased at a local shop in Minocqua, Wisconsin plays a role in the story. It's fun being able to write about places I enjoy so I can share them with the readers.
I'm looking forward to not only magnificent views of sky, water and trees, but also high calorie food, bingo, shopping, and indulging in my greatest weakness, playing slots at Lake of the Torches Casino, not far from the cottage.
What about you? Do you share places you love in your books? Or, maybe you like to read books about places you enjoy? Please share.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Read a good book lately?
One of the ironies about being a writer is not having as much time to read and when I do it's mostly non-fiction. So, when I do get the chance to curl up in bed with a work of fiction that I enjoy, it's one of the best pleasures in the world.
The book I'm reading know is titled Conscious Loving - The Journey to Co-Commitment - A way to be fully together without giving up yourself.
I actually bought this book sometime ago but am just now getting around to reading it and wishing that I had read it sooner. Hard to tell if events in my life would have unfolded any differently over the past decade but this book certainly is full of some wisdom I could have used along the way. Still, I guess we take things in when we're ready to take them in.
Allegedly, more people these days want to write a book than read one. Of course, if they truly realized just how much work it takes to write they wouldn't be so quick to declare such a thing.
I'm just hoping that people will start reading more and more. I suspect that people really are still reading, it's just that they're reading more of their material online or via an electronic device and therefore I'm not sure we're measuring it properly.
Publishers Weekly had an intriguing headline today - Lookout Kindle, Here Comes CellStories.net. It's a very interesting read. Here's the link:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6687027.html?nid=2286&rid=##CustomerId##&source=title
It's going to be interesting to see how the premise of this article and cellstories.net plays out. I'm definitely going to be watching and reading. Hope you will be as well.
The book I'm reading know is titled Conscious Loving - The Journey to Co-Commitment - A way to be fully together without giving up yourself.
I actually bought this book sometime ago but am just now getting around to reading it and wishing that I had read it sooner. Hard to tell if events in my life would have unfolded any differently over the past decade but this book certainly is full of some wisdom I could have used along the way. Still, I guess we take things in when we're ready to take them in.
Allegedly, more people these days want to write a book than read one. Of course, if they truly realized just how much work it takes to write they wouldn't be so quick to declare such a thing.
I'm just hoping that people will start reading more and more. I suspect that people really are still reading, it's just that they're reading more of their material online or via an electronic device and therefore I'm not sure we're measuring it properly.
Publishers Weekly had an intriguing headline today - Lookout Kindle, Here Comes CellStories.net. It's a very interesting read. Here's the link:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6687027.html?nid=2286&rid=##CustomerId##&source=title
It's going to be interesting to see how the premise of this article and cellstories.net plays out. I'm definitely going to be watching and reading. Hope you will be as well.
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