FRIDAY STIR FRY - Conference and Book Signing

I look nervous. There was no reason to be. I was surrounded by lots of writer friends. We were set up at a library, which is a familiar atmosphere. I think my table looked nice. I think I looked presentable. Sold a couple of books. All in all it was fine. Won't do it again.

I'm not comfortable sitting at a table and smiling and greeting strangers as they walk by. I wasn't pushy. I didn't scream at them, "Buy my books." But, I still felt uneasy. Kinda like a homeless person standing on the street corner, begging for money. Just felt weird.

I had an author table at the conference, also. It didn't feel as weird because everyone there was a writer or attempting to be. A lot more familiar faces and a more accepting group. Sold a few more books. Won't do it again.

I'd rather sit in the audience and relax. I did enjoy sitting next to my good buddy Allison Merritt. My two books looked tiny next to her five or six published books she brought (and she didn't even bring all her work).
http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com/

For some reason, this ORACON felt a little off to me. Don't know if it was a disconnect with the presenters, or sitting at lunch with people I didn't know, or sitting at my author table.

The pitch I did to Candace Havens with Entangled Publishing was even a little weird. I handed her my business card and she said she didn't take cards. But, then I pointed out mine had a charm attached, and she took it. My main male character cheats on my main female character thus causing her to leave town. Which is really the whole reason for the book. After the pitch, Candace stated that Entangled doesn't do cheaters. Hum. Okay. But, if I could change that, she would be interested. Yeah, I'll work on that.

All in all, though, it was a good couple of days surrounded by like minded people. Better than "my pay the bills job" any day.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Busy Weekend

http://www.morguefile.com

Well, this is it. Today is my first book signing. I think I'm ready. I have books, swag, and table decoration. I need to remember to get change at the bank just in case I actually sell a book. I don't have a smart phone with one of those things you can swipe cards with. Yep, I still have a dumb flip phone. Quit laughing. It does what I need. Answering the occasional call from my son and I can call 911 if needed. And it costs like ten dollars a month. Beat that Apple.

I'll be in good company today. Here is a very small list of the authors participating.

Lisa Medley - https://www.facebook.com/lisamedleyauthor?fref=ts
Shirley McCann - https://www.facebook.com/shirley.mccann?fref=ts
Candace Havens - http://www.entangledpublishing.com/category/candace-havens/
Heather Snow - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeatherSnow
Barbara Bettis - http://www.barbarabettis.blogspot.com/
Allison Merritt - https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwrites?fref=ts
Holly Atkinson - https://www.facebook.com/hollyda1?fref=ts

As you can see, there are many different genres represented. It should be a lot of fun. I have pens, charms and candy to give away. Nobody will leave my space empty handed.

And then Saturday is ORACON - Ozarks Romance Author's annual conference. Always fun, informative, and inspirational. I may never have a published novel if not for this group.

Then Sunday, I really need to get started on a top secret project. More on that later.

Here's to hoping my knees survive. Or if not, my pain medication works.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - A Day To Remember

I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the tragedy of 9-11 today. Everyone remembers where they were and how they felt. Will that ever go away? I hope not. All who perished that day must be remembered for their sacrifice whether they were an innocent office worker, a passenger on one of the planes, or a brave firefighter.  I hope everyone observes a moment of silence today.

***

Now, on to more mundane things. I'm preparing for my first book signing a week from now. Since my book was originally published in e-book form only, I've never had this opportunity.

http://www.morguefile.com

I'm a bit nervous. What if I spell their name wrong, or spell my name wrong, or my pen quits working.

Or, shudder, nobody buys a book. Which could happen. I'm not the only author participating. There will be about twenty. And several are nationally known. Plus, I only have two books. My contemporary romance Beyond The Horizon and my collection of short stories Briefs and Shorts. I have a small group of readers to target.

But, on a positive note, there will be candy.

If you're in the area, I would love to see you. Here is the info:

https://www.facebook.com/events/523529321130182/

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Labor Day - Writing Day

http://www.morguefile.com

It's Labor Day Weekend. Three days to be me. That needs to be writer me. Not lazy me, not laundry me, not Netflix me. Well, maybe a little Netflix. I had three days off last weekend, but didn't get anything written. In my defense, I was drained from work drama. (see last week's post)

Saturday will be somewhat of a writing day. I have a writer's meeting that will take up most of the day. Hopefully it gives me inspiration. But usually after these meetings, I don't write. I think it has to do with writer overload. Don't get me wrong, I love being around my author friends. But when I spend most of the day talking about writing and listening about writing techniques, it can sometimes wear me out. And then writing ends up being the last thing I want to do. A nice cold beer at my watering hole is usually what happens.

That still leaves Sunday and Monday to make up things and put them on paper. I have some Starbucks cards that will be used.

**Follow up from last weeks rant. Be careful who you trust. And you can't trust anybody at work.      Voodoo dolls help.