The Pick-Up Artist, A Mantra, and I See Dead People

One thing about book events is that you meet lots of people.  This is generally a good thing... except when it's not...


Anybody can wander into a store or a library.  When you're trying to sell books and build an audience, you've got to chat with people.  I have had some neat conversations with aspiring writers, bookworms, poets and mystery fans.  All good, all cool, some more than others.


And then you get the weirdos and time bandits.


Time bandist are easier.  They yak your ears off for 20 minutes and have no intention of buying the book.  Hopefully, though, they will tell  friends or relatives about meeting you and those people will buy the book.  Hopefully...


Okay, so that's the easy part of things... and then...


This weekend, I did three store events.  At the first store event, a well spoken, seemingly friendly man started chatting to me about writing and kept yammering away for a good long while.  It soon became clear that writing was of little interest to him.  He was trying to pick me up!  He wandered off for a while, then came back, feigned interest in my book, asked me to go for a drink, etc. etc. etc.  Wandered away, came back, suggested wine afte rthe signing... Um... no thanks... I don't use book signings as a clever way to meet men.  YIKES!


Then there was this lady who politely talked books with me for a few minutes.  She seemed kind of cool and New Age or Hippie, and seemed genuinely interested in my book, until... She asked if I am spiritual, if I meditate, and whether I have a mantra or not.  I said no.  So she gave me my very own mantra.  It's Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu - sung at a rather high and steady note for about a minute and a half.  I think it means good fortune or go away or  please buy my book or something.  Dunno.


Then there was the lady today who said she is a medium for dead or missing children.  She consulted/communed with/contacted the cover of my book and told me the second book would do much better than the first one.   Uh, okay, thanks, have a nice day...


So, that was my weekend.  Book sales are steady, very encouraging.  Blood and Groom is in a SECOND PRINT RUN!!!  So, I'll contnue to do store and library events and will meet all kinds of people.  Perhaps some of them will be inspirations for future characters!!!

What I Learned At Tonight's Book Event

I did an event tonight with two other authors: Caro Soles and Rick Blechta.  This was my first multi-author event and I was lucky to be paired with two established writers.


Caro Soles has written and edited a number of mysteries, such as A Tangled Boy, Drag Queen in the Court of Death, Blood on the Holly; plus fantasy and other works.  http://www.carosoles.com/


Rick Blechta is the author of several mysteries, including The Lark Ascending, Cemetery of the Nameless, and A Case of You.  http://www.rickblechta.com/


So, these two know the ropes about events and readings and signings.  I learned a thing or two from a couple of seasoned pros.


1.  When it comes to reading from your own book, you can read any part; you need not begin at page one.


2.  Unless you're good at doing voices, select a passge that doesn't contain a lot of dialogue.


3.  If doing events with other authors, don't be shy about shamelessly promoting them - give them a shout out... it's pay itself back :)


4.  It may be worthwhile to get someone to read with you (i.e. if the passage has a lot of dialogue).


5.  Not all bookstores are created equally.  Authors will tell you - based on their own experiences - which stores do more to promote you and to publicize the event.


6.  When doing a reading, don't be afraid to skip parts.  Some words, sentences or paragraphs sound fine when you read silently, when it's just in your head, but don't work as well with a live audience.


So, there you go.  The bottom line - if you're a new author - is BE A SPONGE!  Soak up all the tidbits and advice established authors offer.  You never know what's going to work, but it's sure nice learning from those with experience.

Signings and Wannabe Writers

I have been doing a number of signings and library events over the last while.  They've all gone pretty well.  It's fun to meet folks, and to talk about the book.  People have generally been interested, enthusiastic, supportive and all around really good. 

However, I have to let loose with a minor ketch...

At almost every event, there is an aspiring writer who has lots of questions.  Now, I am more than happy to share my experiences and to give whatever bits of advice I have, but...

I remember reading a great book on writing ,publishing and editing called:

78 Reasons Why Your Book May Never Be Published

and 14 Reasons Why It Just Might

- By Pat Walsh

It was a great book and I learned a lot from it.  In it, he (I assume Pat is a he) describes a meeting with a wannabe writer - a friend of a friend situation.  He agreed to meet with the aspiring author.  Turns out, the person only had ideas for a book, but had not actually written anything.

Now, I get it! 

Some girl at the signing I did this weekend monopolized my time for a good 20 minutes.  I am not an expert on how to write or how to get published, but she decided to pick my brain.  (I'm not sure there's much there to pick, but that's another story...)

I was a bit irked - I was in the store to sell books, after all (sold 15, so I guess that's okay).  I am still trying to build a reputation, develop an audience and all that.  I am happy to share my own experiences, but of course every situation and story is different.  Anyhow, this girl kept pushing and badgering me and seemed angry that I wouldn't tell her THE SECRET to getting published.  

Finally, I asked her about her writing.  Turned out (drum roll please) that she had not written anything yet, she just had an idea for a book. 

Now I totally get the Pat Walsh anecdote.

And - I have to say this even if it is cranky - I think it was kind of schmucky of her to gab with me for so long and then not to even buy my book.  Kind of rude, IMO.