Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

My Book News & Advocate for the Writing Community ©

Review of Words in the Park 2019 & Upcoming Books Events

October 3, 2019
mandyevebarnett


 

I so enjoy this annual event not just because I am involved with the organization of it (I’m secretary of the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County) but that so many local authors attend – some are regular to the event but every year new authors join us. Part of Alberta Culture Days, the event hosted it’s 12th year with 50 tables of authors and artisans.

As may of you know, I am rather an obsessed planner, so had practiced my table displays before hand. With eight published books in multiple genres, it takes some planning! With two tables, I could split the children’s and YA books from the adult books by way of different coloured tablecloths. I also, again, used summary & review pages (backed with linking coloured card to the book background colour – see obsessive!) for each book. This engages the visitors and gives them an idea of the story and what other readers thought of it. I also have merchandise, hats and T-shirts, related to a couple of the books, which are always fun.

 

This year was the launch of the sequel to The Rython Kindom, which was reader driven (they nagged until I wrote it – a nice thing for an author to experience). Rython Legacy follows the trials of the original sorceress’ grand-daughter.

legacy continues

This is the second book fair in September, a week earlier I was at Word on the Street in Lethbridge, and each time it is the connection to local authors that makes the events so special. I do have several other book events up until the end of the year to attend.

capital

Saturday, 5 October 2019 from 10:00-16:00
JAS.CITH_.2014
Christmas Fair
November 23, 2019 in Josephburg at Moyer Rec Centre. 10 am – 4 pm

Christmas.ITH18

Sunday, November 24th 12-3 pm Bremner Mansion – Arts and heritage activities, vintage tractors, Indigenous traditions  – dance, story telling, music and more. 12-3 pm 53452, Range Road 225 780-464-8095

images

Christmas Craft Sale

Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Cooking Lake Hall.

As you can see it will be a busy end to 2019.

 

Ask a Question Thursday

September 12, 2019
mandyevebarnett


ask-a-question-logo-300x150

How do you prepare for a book event? Can you share tips/knowledge/experience?

I happen to have two book events this month, which is exciting. The first one is Word on the Street in Lethbridge 21st September.

Lethbridge-Logo-PNG

I have attended this event several times before and accompany my publisher, Dream Write Publishing. It is an outside event so there is the added preparation for any weather condition – wet, cold or hot. We have experienced all of them at this event, unsurprisingly as September weather in Alberta can be changeable to say the least. As always given the opportunity we have extended our weekend to four days so we can explore the area – back roads and hamlets missed by the highway A to B drivers.

large WitP icon

The second event is Words in the Park, Sherwood Park, which is my official launch date for the anxiously awaited, Rython Legacy – the sequel to The Rython Kingdom. I have two tables at this event as I now have eight books to display plus promotional items. It was difficult last year so I will have to do mock-up’s of the full display and take photos so I can get it all set up with looking too cluttered. As I write in three genre’s I am thinking the display will be grouped in age sections. I have summaries of each book, which helps buyer’s to peruse the story lines. Each section will have different coloured table cloth – which worked well last year. I’m still planning obviously. I have found multiple tiered stands are a great way to increase the amount of room I have to display.

Below is last’s year’s display.

WITP 2018 table.jpeg

I would love to see how you arrange your book event display’s – please share in the comments after clicking on the headline.

Sorry I Dropped the Ball on Blog Posting

September 6, 2019
mandyevebarnett


sorry

Apologies everyone, I did not post yesterday! It has been a super busy week (month so far). The items on my list seem to continue to grow.

Firstly, I have been promoting the launching of the sequel to my fantasy romance, Rython Legacy, I have proofed the finished product and ordered printed copies for Words in the Park on 28th September.

legacy continues

In addition as secretary of the hosting group, of said event, I have been replying and supplying promotional materials for the vendor applications. And contacting new authors to invite them to attend.

large WitP icon

I went on a super four day writing retreat road trip to Lloydminster and discovered a new part of Canada as well as increased the word count on my steampunk novel by 12,440 words – happy author!

The next few weeks will be just as busy:

  1. Board meeting to finalize planning of the event 10th September
  2. Road trip with my daughter 14th & 15th September
  3. Road trip and attendance at Word on the Street, Lethbridge 21st September (another long weekend as I will add the Friday & Monday for writing and exploring).
  4. Preparation and mock ups for my tables at the event to show case all my books (8 in all)
  5. Words in the Park 28th September
  6. This doesn’t include twice weekly aquasize/walking and ‘normal’ life chores etc LOL

Lethbridge-Logo-PNG

How’s your month shaping up?

Are you going to a book event? Why not share the details?

Ask a Question Thursday

August 22, 2019
mandyevebarnett


ask-a-question-logo-300x150

Today’s question is: What steps do you take for a book launch?

Book-Launch-Banner

Obviously, there are a multitude of on-line tips and many books & blogs covering this topic but have you found a creative way to get your new book noticed?

My new novella, Rython Legacy will be launched at Words in the Park on 28th September after numerous readers requested a sequel the The Rython Kingdom. It’s a nice problem to have – pressure from readers that’s for sure! I have spent time and effort writing the novella, finding a great illustrator and taking advice from my editing team. So my tips are:

  1. Tease your readers with a cover reveal.
  2. Create blog and social media posts regularly leading up to the launch.
  3. Notify your readers of the new book launch venue with date and time.
  4. Have sign by the author stickers and several pens.
  5. Decorate your table to reflect the book’s theme/topic.

Now it’s your turn, please leave your responses in the comment section below.

legacy continues

https://www.wfscsherwoodpark.com/words-in-the-park

 

Blog at WordPress.com.