"Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure not this thing nor that but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing." ~William Butler Yeats
Here's my latest discovery, and it's certainly not rocket science: a personal touch will get you further in promoting your book than a big fancy book signing at a big fancy chain store in an overcrowded mall off a major highway.
If you read my blog every day, you already know I contacted my local library/resource center and they were delighted to host a book launch party for me later this month. And you already know that I'm planning on attending a book discussion group this summer headed by my fifth grade teacher, who discovered that One Night in Boston was dedicated to her.
More evidence? I sent a handwritten letter and some bookmarks to the library in my childhood hometown and said I'd love to join their writers' group one evening and talk about my experiences. The librarian emailed me tonight asking what date this summer worked for me.
And finally, all those handwritten notes I sent to independent bookstores in NY/CT/MA/RI/NH? I mailed them Monday. Today at noon I got a phone call from a store manager up in Portsmouth, NH, saying they'd like to carry Lost in Paradise, since it's set in New Hampshire. How cool is that?
I'll keep you posted on what kind of response I get from the other 79 letters I mailed.
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Went to see the "Sex and the City" movie the other day. I was never a big fan when it was on TV, but some girlfriends wanted to go. It was cute. Long, but cute. But wow, definitely a lot of sex. I guess that's sort of their whole theme, though, right?
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Devon asked me the other day if I was done with school yet. {{Insert huge sigh and shaking of head here.}} I think New York goes longer than any other state in the country. My last day of school is actually JUNE 27 can you believe it??!! I am so ready for it to be here...
5 comments:
My library has a shelf for NH books... so I requested BOTH of yours. We'll see if they order them.
*G*
I'm so glad you are getting responses from your contacts. I'm especially pleased that the local librarian here
wants you to speak at their book group meeting.
That is such great news. Personal touches and word of mouth are some of the best promotional devices.
How do you choose which "One Night in location" to write about?
You are so right about NY, I do remember being in school till the last day in June.
Have a good Thursday.
You have school until JUNE 27?!?!?! Holy cow, that's a long school year. When do you start?
Very cool about the bookstore wanting to carry your books. Can't wait to see the response from the other stores. How did you decide which stores to send to?
June 27th - that's so late.
That's wonderful about your responses to your book. Great job promoting!
I never watched Sex and the City. I probably won't go to the movie but my older daughters went and loved it.
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