Park Rapids

I am looking forward to my event today. Park Rapids has a festival of Artists and Authors, and I managed to get in. The part I'm not as excited for: the drive. It should be an easy drive, but I will be spending more time in the car than at the event. Hopefully, my Pandora stays connected, and I have decent music the whole time.

Events like today work different than say a vendor fair. In a way, today is a breeze for me. The bookstore handles the sales, and all I have to do is show up and sign my book. Since the store takes care of the money, I will only get royalties, and see them at my bi-annual payout. A vendor fair is different because I do all the work, but also get paid for it right away. Either way, people get my book and get to chat with me.

I feel like I need to work on my small talk skills. I've spent a lot of time at work away from people, and now going to events I have a harder time thinking about what to talk about. The weather is always one thing to start with. Maybe what they like to read or the last book they purchased. I guess that's something I can think about in the car :)

Survived My first Vendor show

Yesterday was my first vendor show. I think had the weather been rainy or cold, there would have been a whole lot more people out. I can't say I blame them. I would have loved to be outside as well instead of inside the mall. I did sell a few books, so it wasn't a total loss.

I've also had many people congratulate me on the article published by my local paper. They had a few pictures and a very nice write-up about me and my first book. My dad had to get a few copies to show off. I think he's a little proud :)

As if I don't already have enough to do, I decided to volunteer myself to be a romance book reviewer for 2 indie girls. They have a Facebook page (I suggest following them if you're into that sort of thing) and a blog, from what I understand. I'm excited to find out what they will have me read first.

Off to enjoy the rest of my night!

Second Event

Last night was the St. Cloud Art Crawl. Books Revisited was nice enough to ask my publisher to invite some authors to their store for book signings during the crawl. It was a beautiful night, and 8 authors were there from North Star Press. I got to talk to a few of the authors at length, and found myself sitting next to Karlajean Kirk Becvar, who has written about the great Hinkley fire. She has 2 printed in the 4 book series, with the third book coming out in September.

The four hours we sat there went rather fast. It was what has been coined a night for 'exposure'. In other words, I didn't sell any books, but there were plenty of people looking at the book and took my cards. There were also photographers out and about so my cover or myself might show up somewhere.

Next weekend I will head to Hutchinson for a vendor show at the mall. I'm excited to go to Hutch since that is where the story takes place. I might also get to see people I used to work with, and that would also be nice.

I've been trying to do a little more writing again. I've decided to let the third book to this first series sit for a while and start a whole new book. The next characters are Molly and Drew. I haven't quite decided what town to center around, but have the general story sorted out in my head.

Happy early father's day to all the dads.

Art Crawl

Tomorrow night is my second event. St. Cloud is having an art crawl, and North Star was able to invite some of their authors to Books Revisited. Last I checked, there are about 8 authors who will be at the store to sign their books. I can't wait to meet some of the others. I've heard about their books for so long, I'd love to see what they have written.

I bought a book today, intending on it being a Father's day gift for one of three people, but it sounds good enough that I might read it too. It's called The Last Ferryman by Gregory Randle. He had books at In Hot Water Coffee shop in Annanadale.

I've still been selling books almost every day to people who couldn't make my launch or just heard about the book. It's really neat to have such excitement over something I did. I've never been the type who looks for attention, so it's a strange thing to adjust to.

Books are also now at the Tri-County News office in Kimball and In Hot Water in Annandale.

Wow!

Tonight was my first event, and it was great to see so many people come out to support me. A year ago when I first started writing this book, I had no real idea or plan for what I wanted to see happen. Sure, I thought I might get it printed at some point, but I was not expecting to have a book contract and a full summer of events planned.

It's funny how I'd never paid attention to where a book gets signed. The very first page or the second page with the author name and publisher. After checking a few of the signed books I own, I settled for the latter option.

I sign my name all the time at work. I sign checks, paperwork for my boys at school. But signing a book I wrote is a strange new feeling.I guess I will just have to get used to it :)

I said it on my Facebook page, but I am truly thankful for all the people who have helped me along the way, and continue to support me by coming to events and purchasing the book. I would love to see where all the book travels, so if you have one and take it on vacation, snap a picture and send it my way. I might have to put together a new page for this site highlighting the places it goes.

Again, THANK YOU!

The Waiting Game

My first event is this Friday night, and I'm getting excited and nervous for it. The books have not come in to the publisher yet, so that adds to my nerves. I know they will get to me in time, all the same, I want to check them out well before anyone else does.

Aside from that, I think I have everything else I need lined up. I have an acid-free, no bleed Sharpie for signing. I have bookmarks and business cards. I have something to display a book and a banner for the table.

And I have people who want to purchase the book. That's also important. It will be fun to get out and talk with folks about the book and later hear what they think of it. I just hope I can handle any criticism well. This book is not quite a third child in the sense it is something I made. There are bound to be errors or minor imperfections, but I'm still going to love it. Hopefully I'm not the only one :)