FRIDAY STIR FRY: Book Signings

 I don't like doing book signings. There I said it. (Hiding under my desk until the storm passes)

"What?? But, you are passing up the opportunity to meet your fans and sell some books." 

Uh, I don't have any fans except for a few friends and family. I also hate small talk. And I don't like sitting at a table smiling at strangers while they pick up the free candy and bookmarks I have scattered around. And then they move on with barely a glance at my books. I feel like I must give off a smell of desperation. "Please kind person, buy my book I slaved over for years. I know you'll love it as much as I do." 

And my bank account will enjoy the meager amount I will profit from a sale. That last sentence is meant as a joke. There is no money in writing anymore, unless you are Stephen King or Patterson or some celebrity with a juicy memoir people want to read. 

And then when it's all over, I end up packing up the same number of books I brought. But not as much candy or bookmarks. 

Maybe I would feel different if I showed up and there was a line out the door waiting on little old me. 

But, I doubt it. 

I'll keep writing and self publishing, but don't expect to see me sitting behind a table.

COURAGE

 I'm really not one for inspirational messages, but this was one I picked up at a thrift store as I was starting my journey as a writer. Plus, I really liked the picture. Who doesn't love a penguin? This image doesn't do it justice. The colors are deeper and richer than they appear here. 

It says: Courage is daring to take that first step, or a different path. It is the decision to place your dreams above your fears. 

At the time, I was hoping to quit my day job and write novels for a living. That never happened. Let's face it, making a living as a writer is near impossible unless you are Stephen King or Nora Roberts or a celebrity with a tell all book. There just aren't as many publishing houses offering new writer contracts with lucrative advances as there used to be. And being single, I depended on a steady income.

But, I still had the dream of writing and publishing a novel. And against all odds, I did.

 I recently found this picture after unpacking some boxes from my move. I immediately placed it on my desk. I want to write more novels, but somewhere along the line I lost my courage. Now is the time to reclaim it. 

Big Easy Blog Hop

                                         

I'm participating in the Big Easy Blog Hop today thanks to Shirley McCann. http://shirleymccann.blogspot.com/

I'll answer four questions. I was supposed to get three other authors to participate, but most of my writing friends had already done this. So instead, at the end, look for links to blogs I enjoy and don't forget to check out Shirley's blog. Here goes.

What am I working on?

I just finished edits on my debut novel Beyond The Horizon coming out June 27th from Breathless Press. So now I actually have time to get back to my new novel. The working title is Coming Home. It's about a woman returning to the small town she grew up in after her mother's death. She's been gone ten years, but she discovers some things never change including the heat between her and her ex high school sweetheart.

How does your writing differ from others?

That's a hard one. I don't think any two writers are alike. Everyone has their own voice. We all have our favorite authors.You can attempt to write in the genre and style of Janet Evanovich or Stephen King, but it will be different because it's your voice, not theirs.

Why do I write what I do?

I don't do paranormal or erotic which seem to be the hot sellers right now. I guess I'm more old school. Romance with some suspense and a happily ever after ending. That's what I enjoy reading. I believe if you try to write what's popular and it's not what you're into, people can tell, and you will fail. I just want to tell two people's love story.

What is your writing process?

I work full time at a stressful, demanding job that leaves me pretty tired at the end of the day. My writing happens mostly on weekends, unless I get a burst of energy and inspiration mid-week. I'm a pantser - in other words - no plot and no plan. I just write the first draft straight through letting the characters and setting speak to me. And then I revise and revise and revise. I enjoy the revision process. It's kind of like polishing a raw diamond. At the end, you hope you get a shiny piece that people will want to buy.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure and check out these other blogs:

http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com/

http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/books-and-more-blog/welcome-breathless-press-author-h-k-sterling

http://www.ptierneyjames.blogspot.com/