I’m too excited to wait so I’m posting this event now! My fellow author pal, Eva Blaskovic and I are having a joint book signing on 8th July at Audrey’s Books, Jasper Avenue, Edmonton 12:00 – 1:00 pm. Everyone is welcome!
Come and see our new and improved novels, get your book signed and ask us questions on the stories or our writing process.
I just have to share a few photos of the Authors for Indies event I attended on Saturday at the Sherwood Park Bookworm. We had a great time sharing our books, sharing experiences of the writing life with a new writer and talking everything books. Fellow authors Eva Blaskovic, Beth Rowe and Marty Chan joined me for the day. I even got to read from Ockleberries to the Rescue, which was fun!
On Monday I have an evening hosted by our local library, Books, Bites & Bubbly. Looking forward to it.
Tuesday will be my writers group, the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County’s monthly sharing meeting. We share our current work for constructive critique, discussions and writing exercises and fellowship.
What are you up to this week?
Other locations:
The 1000 Islands Writers Festival runs May 5–7 in Gananoque, ON, featuring Cathy-Marie Buchanan, Iain Reid, Lindy Mechefske, Marni Jackson, and others.
The next-best thing to a new lit fest is a new lit fest that’s coming back for its second year. After an incredible debut in 2016, The Festival of Literary Diversity returns to Brampton, ON, running May 4–7 with another stellar lineup.
Vancouver Island’s Children’s Book Festival is scheduled for May 6 in Nanaimo, BC, featuring (as usual) some of Canada’s best children’s authors.
This afternoon I submitted my final proof read to my publisher for my children’s chapter book, Ockleberries to the Rescue. Later, I received word that it has been sent to press…I wait with feverish mind to see the finished product.
In the meantime I have been contemplating promotional display items for this book – I already have small animal figurines that light up & have sparkling globes for their bodies, but I wanted something special. I toyed with the idea of making a diorama and then something wonderful happened.
A coincidence occurred that is one of those marvelous, magical meant to be miracles. I posted a sneak peek of the book’s cover (see left picture) on my face book page and almost instantly an acquaintance posted a picture of something in her store. (see right picture). She advised me this ornament just came in and I could not believe how similar it was to my sprite’s door. I will be collecting this masterpiece tomorrow. An extra treat is the little door opens! It is as though it was custom made for my book.
What coincidences have you experience in regards to your writing or novels?
Quotes:
We are continually shaped by the forces of coincidence. Paul Aster
There is always room for coincidence. Alva Noto
Coincidence is important, the convergence of different ideas. Dries van Noten
Prompt – So let’s make coincidence the them of today’s prompt.
With any new experience on our writing journey, it is always best to prepare and gather assistance from more experienced authors and writers. Although, I have attended several author readings, this coming Saturday 7th June, will be a new venture for me. A book signing!
While my publisher, Dream Write Publishing, will be present and has organized the promotional element as well as the initial contact with the venue’s owner’s, there are still several things I can do too.
The first is to ensure I have my own ‘book signing kit’. This will comprise of several pens, book marks, visual representations of the book, which in this instance is my Rumble soft toy for Rumble’s First Scare, a mailing list sign up sheet, a pre-order sheet for my next children’s book, a copy of a child’s review of Rumble, business cards, a notepad to write down the spelling of people’s names – this ensures the book has a nice signature and not a scribbled correction!
Other tips I have found include:
Not sitting behind the table but standing and engaging with visitors by introducing yourself.
Handing your book to people/children so they can take a look.
Get someone to take photos of you signing the book. This is great for future promotion. You can even send copies to purchasers via their email address, if they so wish.
Take into consideration, where you will sign in the book – the most common is on the title page. Ensure illustrations or text are not covered.
Ask whose name you should inscribe (ask for spelling) and also personalize the message, either in regards to the venue or have a few phrases you can alternate.
The Market promotes local artisans including some Dream Write authors – come by and say hi – get your book signed and enjoy 10% off your purchase!
There will be other author’s represented by DWP attending with their own books. Karen Probert – Fragments of Lives and Beth Rowe – Bird of Barjag are confirmed along with yours truly. Other authors are expected to confirm this week. Check the facebook event page.