Well, my "ugly" stories were of interest to others in a recent charity sale to benefit a local art gallery. I am pleased to see that they made more per book than they are being sold for online and in bookstores. The money willl go toward a continuing program to teach low-income children how to write.
And one of those stories has been chosen for another anthology to be out sometime this year. I am most proud of this collection of short stories.
The book may be found at Amazon.com, iUniverse.com, B&N, and from moi, the author. Leave a contact point at comments here and I will forward information to obtain an authographed copy of this book, or one of my others, "The Quilt Maker" or "Growing up Barefoot in the South (descriptions on Amazon. com).
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
AD REJECTION
For many years I have been writing (for free) for a lady who produces a small, home-computer-copied, quarterly newsletter. Half of it is typed and much of it is handwritten. It is a labor of love for the lady who sends it out, and I have come to enjoy both her, her publication, and the people who write for her.
My two past books, "The Quilt Maker" and "Growing up Barefoot in the South" have been advertised in her newsletter. Since I give my home address for buying these books, I know not one of her readers has ever purchased one of my books. I pay for an ad because I know from my own experiences with newsletter publications, it is a losing proposition for the samll guy/gal. I put the ad in to support her newsletter.
In today's mail, I received a check from her for the amount of my ad. She had requested that I send her a few of the stories from the book for her to read, and I quote from her letter: "Although I have admired your contribution of articles on the craft of writing, I do not approve of your current writing. I was not pleased with the stories you sent me. Too ugly and contrived. I just don't want to promote such a book."
That, of course, is her privilege. She "owns" the publication and can do as she pleases. As I said, her readers never purchase my books anyway. But I am sort of miffed at the idea of the censorship this rejection smacks of. I guess if all magazines/newsletters/bookstores had this ability, many authors would never see a book on a shelf anywhere. There is always someone(s) who doesn't approve of the subject matter, or the way the book was written, or the controversial topic.
I will be nice to her, however. I will accept her decision. The letter accompanying the check also seemed to be speaking of my articles in the past tense, so I am assuming she will not longer print those "free articles" by a writer who writes such "ugly" stories.
If you're read the book, you know that these stories are all done in fun or with a moral to the tale, showing how strong women, even those who didn't know they were strong, can make a place for themselves in this world by getting even, and striking out on their own.
Hey, Lady, it's fiction!
Onward and upward. Maybe this ad rejection will lead to an article accepted by a paying market.
My two past books, "The Quilt Maker" and "Growing up Barefoot in the South" have been advertised in her newsletter. Since I give my home address for buying these books, I know not one of her readers has ever purchased one of my books. I pay for an ad because I know from my own experiences with newsletter publications, it is a losing proposition for the samll guy/gal. I put the ad in to support her newsletter.
In today's mail, I received a check from her for the amount of my ad. She had requested that I send her a few of the stories from the book for her to read, and I quote from her letter: "Although I have admired your contribution of articles on the craft of writing, I do not approve of your current writing. I was not pleased with the stories you sent me. Too ugly and contrived. I just don't want to promote such a book."
That, of course, is her privilege. She "owns" the publication and can do as she pleases. As I said, her readers never purchase my books anyway. But I am sort of miffed at the idea of the censorship this rejection smacks of. I guess if all magazines/newsletters/bookstores had this ability, many authors would never see a book on a shelf anywhere. There is always someone(s) who doesn't approve of the subject matter, or the way the book was written, or the controversial topic.
I will be nice to her, however. I will accept her decision. The letter accompanying the check also seemed to be speaking of my articles in the past tense, so I am assuming she will not longer print those "free articles" by a writer who writes such "ugly" stories.
If you're read the book, you know that these stories are all done in fun or with a moral to the tale, showing how strong women, even those who didn't know they were strong, can make a place for themselves in this world by getting even, and striking out on their own.
Hey, Lady, it's fiction!
Onward and upward. Maybe this ad rejection will lead to an article accepted by a paying market.
Friday, January 29, 2010
POODLES ARE YAPPING
That pretty little pink poodle on a leach on the cover of this book is putting a smile on the gal's (author?) face. That little doggie is bringing in the sales, initiating favorable comments from readers, and questions of my sanity from friends and family.
"I can't believe the same quiet lady who wrote those touching stories in "The Quilt Maker" could write such revenge stories." That comment was heard often from people who know me. My husband's comment was rather comical. "I refuse to share another drink with you for the rest of my life." I had a femme fatal poison a private investigator in such a sweet manner he never saw it coming.
I have had one book signing and joined authors at a Book Exposition. I will have another one this spring. I still need to get more Press Releases out, and have composed a letter to go out to women's groups for lectures or seminars (with book signing to follow, of course). I love talking about writing and my publications with others.
If you haven't purchased your copy, go to Amazon.com or iUniverse.
Okay, okay, I'm using this blog to promote my book and you came here to read about writing it. This is about writing, readers. This is the result of sitting your "arse" in that chair and pouring out your imagination onto the page.
If you want to read more about writing, check out: http:barbswritetree.blogspot.com
"I can't believe the same quiet lady who wrote those touching stories in "The Quilt Maker" could write such revenge stories." That comment was heard often from people who know me. My husband's comment was rather comical. "I refuse to share another drink with you for the rest of my life." I had a femme fatal poison a private investigator in such a sweet manner he never saw it coming.
I have had one book signing and joined authors at a Book Exposition. I will have another one this spring. I still need to get more Press Releases out, and have composed a letter to go out to women's groups for lectures or seminars (with book signing to follow, of course). I love talking about writing and my publications with others.
If you haven't purchased your copy, go to Amazon.com or iUniverse.
Okay, okay, I'm using this blog to promote my book and you came here to read about writing it. This is about writing, readers. This is the result of sitting your "arse" in that chair and pouring out your imagination onto the page.
If you want to read more about writing, check out: http:barbswritetree.blogspot.com
Thursday, November 19, 2009
BOOK EXPOSITIONS DO WORK!
I've been out of pocket for some time on my blogs but have been busy with promotion and writing. And all of those life things that get in the way of what we really want to do. . .WRITE!
Our Book Exposition in Oceanside, California was wonderful. There were not only readings by authors but presentations by publishers, agents, printers, and leaders of workshops. I took notes like crazy and hope that some of it will prove worthwhile in my endeavors to get "Pink Poodle" out to the public. And I actually sold books--more books that I have ever sold at one of these gatherings.
If you are able to attend one of these, even a small one where you don't have to pay an arm and a leg to participate or attend, do so. If you don't sell any books (fat chance of that at these things), you will still come out a winner. Hand out your business cards, offer a bookmark to ones who seem interested, and have a flyer there with a short review of your book and an order blank on the bottom. And let everyone know you are available for book signings or workshops or lectures.
Chat with other authors, pick their brains about their book selling, writing, etc. Make note of the organizations they belong to, the networking they do (you're doing it too with this group), and glean all of the ideas you can from this connection.
Get your name out there, gals (and guys).
Our Book Exposition in Oceanside, California was wonderful. There were not only readings by authors but presentations by publishers, agents, printers, and leaders of workshops. I took notes like crazy and hope that some of it will prove worthwhile in my endeavors to get "Pink Poodle" out to the public. And I actually sold books--more books that I have ever sold at one of these gatherings.
If you are able to attend one of these, even a small one where you don't have to pay an arm and a leg to participate or attend, do so. If you don't sell any books (fat chance of that at these things), you will still come out a winner. Hand out your business cards, offer a bookmark to ones who seem interested, and have a flyer there with a short review of your book and an order blank on the bottom. And let everyone know you are available for book signings or workshops or lectures.
Chat with other authors, pick their brains about their book selling, writing, etc. Make note of the organizations they belong to, the networking they do (you're doing it too with this group), and glean all of the ideas you can from this connection.
Get your name out there, gals (and guys).
Saturday, November 7, 2009
PUPPIES HAVE BEEN BORN!
I received my shipment of books last week and have been selling, promoting, and smiling. I have been quite successful in selling books and hope my promotions, ads, and word-of-mouth to friends and family will lead to even more sales.
Today I did my first Book Exposition which I found was a great success. It was a good agenda, the agents/publishers/printers/authors filled the day with good useful information as well as a look at their books. I sold five books which was a lot more than many other authors sold so felt blessed. The crowds at Library functions are quite small and these aren't the greatest sources of sales, but they are so willing to offer us a venue, we can't not go.
I am getting some feedback from friends who purchased the book and they tell me which stories they enjoy most. I am quite surprised by some of them--for example, one reader really enjoyed "Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair." Who would think that one would ring a bell. But the reader said she enjoyed the reaction of the sleeze bag husband when his wife and mistress got even.
I promise to make a king-size effort to keep you all in touch with those poodle puppy books and how they grow (sell)...if I don't fall flat on my face from exhaustion from all life is throwing my way.
Today I did my first Book Exposition which I found was a great success. It was a good agenda, the agents/publishers/printers/authors filled the day with good useful information as well as a look at their books. I sold five books which was a lot more than many other authors sold so felt blessed. The crowds at Library functions are quite small and these aren't the greatest sources of sales, but they are so willing to offer us a venue, we can't not go.
I am getting some feedback from friends who purchased the book and they tell me which stories they enjoy most. I am quite surprised by some of them--for example, one reader really enjoyed "Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair." Who would think that one would ring a bell. But the reader said she enjoyed the reaction of the sleeze bag husband when his wife and mistress got even.
I promise to make a king-size effort to keep you all in touch with those poodle puppy books and how they grow (sell)...if I don't fall flat on my face from exhaustion from all life is throwing my way.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
UPDATE AND SYNOPSIS: THE CAUSE
We're getting closer to a release date. The iUniverse marketing department is attempting to make contact; I will give them a call on Monday. I have seen one of their plans and it is way too expensive for this poor gal. I'm not sure that I can afford any of their plans to be honest. I have begun a mailing list for the drafted (not finished) press release I plan to send out both by mail and to friends via e-mail. I will contact my other sources for book signings. I am also planning on paying for some ads online and in several magazines I subscribe to that might help the promotion. But, as I have found in the past, word-of-mouth is the best promotion tool any author can have.
SYNOPSIS FOR THE CAUSE
Tara knew who had killed her daughter--the worthless surfer Cindy had married. But the law hadn't paid much attention to her pleas for justice. So Tara decided to seek her own revenge and sought out an underground source for a device to send the SOB to hell.
This story shows the process of taking the law into your own hands. Usually, we read of wives seeking justice in their own way, but Tara is a heartbroken mother who wants her daughter to rest in peace. She takes care of the murderer in her own way.
SYNOPSIS FOR THE CAUSE
Tara knew who had killed her daughter--the worthless surfer Cindy had married. But the law hadn't paid much attention to her pleas for justice. So Tara decided to seek her own revenge and sought out an underground source for a device to send the SOB to hell.
This story shows the process of taking the law into your own hands. Usually, we read of wives seeking justice in their own way, but Tara is a heartbroken mother who wants her daughter to rest in peace. She takes care of the murderer in her own way.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
UPDATE AND GUMBO UNDERCOVER SYNOPSIS
Hello, dear readers. I have exciting news. I completed the galley proofs on Thursday and the cover corrections were done within twenty-four hours. The cover is outstanding--writer friends have said it is awesome and reminds them of chick-lit. I have to smile as some of the stories could be catagorized as "mid-life chick-lit." I hope to have the text corrections by mid-week.
GUMBO UNDERCOVER SYNOPSIS:
I feel in love with New Orleans many years ago. Out of school, I was fortunate to get a job with a downtown law firm; eventually I became the office manager. Between a boss who was fooling around, a wife who wanted me to catch him at it, and the ghost of a Voodoo queen floating around the city and its occupants, I was in for a real "treat" in the French Quarter.
Now, this gal--me--Chris--wanted to keep her job. That was my reasoning when I stood out in the shadows on that particular night, attempting to get a big scoop for Lily, the wife. What I received was the opportunity of a lifetime.
Join me in solving the mysteries of old-world spells and cheating men.
GUMBO UNDERCOVER SYNOPSIS:
I feel in love with New Orleans many years ago. Out of school, I was fortunate to get a job with a downtown law firm; eventually I became the office manager. Between a boss who was fooling around, a wife who wanted me to catch him at it, and the ghost of a Voodoo queen floating around the city and its occupants, I was in for a real "treat" in the French Quarter.
Now, this gal--me--Chris--wanted to keep her job. That was my reasoning when I stood out in the shadows on that particular night, attempting to get a big scoop for Lily, the wife. What I received was the opportunity of a lifetime.
Join me in solving the mysteries of old-world spells and cheating men.
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